Opportunities for Growth Across Central Florida  

If your real estate and development team is headed to Orlando, you’re looking in the right place. As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation — increasing 4% in the last year alone — Orlando continues to be a prime location for development. The region’s sustained job growth in key industries like hospitality, private education, and healthcare is fueling long-term rental demand and contributing to a household growth rate that far outpaces the national average.  

A young, diverse, and educated population, combined with excellent infrastructure and a vibrant entertainment scene, makes Orlando not only a dynamic place to live but also a smart place to invest. From historic roots in citrus farming to the modern-day mix of lively urban neighborhoods and welcoming suburbs, there’s no shortage of opportunity.  

In this article, we share our perspectives on the latest development trends and where we see the biggest opportunities for growth across the region. 

Evolving Retail

Retail development in Central Florida is shifting as developers adapt to changing economic conditions and consumer preferences. While large, traditional retail projects have become less common, there’s growing momentum behind mixed-use developments and strategic acquisitions — especially in walkable, experience-focused areas.  

We’re seeing new retail formats take shape firsthand, and we’re closely involved in this transformation. Our teams are supporting programmatic retail initiatives across Central Florida for brands like Public Storage, Chase Bank, and Circle K. We’re also designing quick-service and pop-up concepts such as dental offices and McDonald’s, which are often developed as outparcels to breathe new life into aging retail centers.  

Residential on the Rise

The residential market in Central Florida is experiencing significant growth, driven by strong in-migration, job stability, and a constrained for-sale housing market. In 2024, Orlando hit a record with 15,400 new multifamily units delivered — yet demand has remained resilient. Consistent absorption highlights the ongoing need for rental housing in a region where population growth continues to outpace national trends. 

One segment gaining major traction is build-to-rent (BTR) housing. Central Florida has emerged as a national leader in this space, with Orlando ranking 16th in the country for BTR development in 2024 and adding 449 purpose-built rental homes. The model thrives in the region due to abundant land suitable for suburban-style communities, and rent growth in this sector is expected to reach around 4% in 2025.  

Legislative support, including Florida’s Live Local Act, is starting to unlock additional development potential by offering tax abatements and incentives for affordable housing. With its economic diversity, development-ready land, and strong demographic trends, Orlando and the broader Central Florida region continue to present compelling long-term opportunities for residential investment. 

The Thriving Tech Scene

Central Florida is quickly becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries, with major investments in semiconductors, aerospace, and emerging technologies. Anchored by innovation districts like NeoCity and supported by talent pipelines from institutions such as the University of Central Florida, the region is positioning itself as a national leader in technology and research. 

As these sectors grow, Bohler helps position projects for success by navigating complex site development challenges — from site selection and entitlements to infrastructure design — so advanced manufacturing and tech facilities can come online faster and more efficiently. 

Moving Forward in Central Florida

As Central Florida continues to experience significant growth across retail, residential, and tech sectors, Bohler is well-positioned to support development projects in these dynamic markets. Our integrated approach brings together due diligence, land surveying, site civil engineering, landscape architecture and planning, permitting, and program management—providing a seamless path from concept to completion. 

Whether we’re helping developers unlock the potential of underutilized sites, advance mixed-use destinations, or deliver complex manufacturing and multifamily projects, our team combines local insight with national resources to navigate challenges and drive efficient, successful outcomes.