This collection of investors, owners, builders, brokers, developers, architects, legislators and just plain dealmakers on Commercial Observer’s annual Power South Florida list have positioned themselves successfully to capitalize on opportunities — and leveraged a mix of hustle and creativity to get things done. 

No South Florida list would be complete without a lineup of condo developers, who are reshaping the skyline from Miami to West Palm Beach with a collection of gleaming branded towers, boutique beachfront residences, and seemingly endless indulgent amenities (amenities curated, shall we say, by some of the names on this list). 

In fact, the Miami brand itself is taking on new currency. It wasn’t too long ago that iconic New York brands and restaurants were rushing to open outposts in South Florida. Now, it’s the Miami brands that are making bank in New York and Las Vegas, including the extravagant Club ZZ’s, and seminal brands like the Fountainbleu and LIV. Even New York staples now have Miami rivals: El Bagel and Miami Slice are two more Florida exports.

Of course, with great growth comes greater impact. South Florida has plenty of runway, and that means policy and planning decisions made now will have tremendous influence on where the region goes next. That’s true for climate resiliency, affordable housing and creating a livable, accessible 21st century region that continues to make New Yorkers (if not Los Angelenos and the rest of America) envious — one that makes the best of everything South Florida has to offer, from the ocean to the Everglades. 

This list was reported and written by Tom Acitelli, Rebecca Baird-Remba, Cathy Cunningham, Andrew Coen, Julia Echikson, Larry Getlen, Chava Gouarie, Max Gross, Mark Hallum, Abigail Nehring, Brian Pascus, Nicholas Rizzi and Nicholas Trombola. It was edited by Acitelli, Gourarie, Gross and Skip Card. Jim Sewastynowicz edited the photography. Jeffrey Cuyubamba designed the layouts.