Here is what actually moved in Naples and Southwest Florida, and what each story means if you own, want to buy, or are thinking about selling.
Amendment 3, 10 days out: homestead exemption would jump from about $51,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028
A WUSF / Central Florida Public Media report published Oct 24 lays out what the Nov 3 property tax amendment would mean for Florida housing. Amendment 3 would raise the non-school homestead exemption from about $51,000 to $150,000 next year and $250,000 in 2028, and it needs at least 60% of the vote to pass. Florida Realtors, which has given about $19.5 million to the Vote Yes on 3 committee, says the average homeowner would save more than $1,000 in 2027 and more than $2,500 in 2028. Opponents say local governments would make up the lost revenue through other fees and taxes, and conservation groups warn it would cut water management district funding.
Why it matters: This is the biggest property tax change on the ballot in years, NABOR and Florida Realtors both back it, and clients are asking about it now that early voting is open in Collier (Oct 22 to 31). The team should be ready to explain it simply: full-time homestead owners would see the largest savings, while second homes and rentals would get a smaller cap on yearly assessment increases (10% down to 5%, per NBC Miami's explainer). Out-of-state buyers and people relocating need to know the ballot text says anyone who is not a Florida resident by Dec 31, 2026 gets the current exemption first and the larger one only starting in their fifth year of homestead, so their timing on moving and filing home
This week's top closing: Gulf-front 2050 Gordon Drive sells for $71 million off-market
Oct 24 was a Saturday with no major new Naples real estate stories, so this is the week's most notable verified transaction, reported by the Business Observer on Thursday, Oct 22. The newly built estate at 2050 Gordon Drive in Gordon Drive Estates sold for $71 million off-market. It sits on 1.58 acres with 150 feet of Gulf frontage, more than 9,500 square feet of air-conditioned space, seven bedrooms and a six-car garage, and the land was bought for $29.99 million in 2022. It is at least the third Naples home sale over $62 million in 2026, after 2100 Gordon Drive ($86 million, June) and 20 14th Ave. S. ($62.5 million, September).
Why it matters: Three sales over $62 million in one year confirm that the top of the Naples market is still setting records, and the team can use these comps when talking with luxury sellers and buyers about pricing on and near Gordon Drive. The deal also shows how much of this tier trades quietly off-market, so building relationships with top owners and builders matters as much as the MLS. For out-of-state luxury buyers comparing Naples with Palm Beach or Miami, Premier Sotheby's CEO Budge Huskey's point is that Naples now competes at that same price level.
FDOT sets Oct 27 and 28 public hearings on adding I-75 lanes from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road
The Florida Department of Transportation has formally scheduled public hearings on capacity improvements to I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway in Naples to Alico Road in Lee County, including segments of added auxiliary and express lanes in both directions. Reported by WGCU on Oct 20, the in-person hearing is Tuesday, Oct 27 at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., Naples (materials at 4 p.m., presentation at 4:30 p.m.), with a virtual hearing Oct 28 at 6 p.m. Comments are due by Nov 10, 2026, and FDOT says noise wall details are not yet available.
Why it matters: I-75 congestion between Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero affects commute times and home values in North Naples and the corridor communities, so the team should watch this project for both the long-term upside and the construction disruption near interchanges. Homes that back up to I-75 could be affected by noise walls or construction, which is worth flagging to buyers and sellers in those areas. For relocating buyers and seasonal residents, better I-75 capacity improves access to RSW airport and to jobs in Lee County, which is a common question for people deciding where to live.