Miami's real estate power players continue driving luxury condo developments, major land deals, and urban transformations in South Florida as of early 2026, according to The Real Deal. These influential developers and dealmakers are reshaping everything from Brickell's skyline to West Palm Beach's downtown core, with billions in investments flowing into the region as Miami solidifies its position as a global financial and cultural hub.
The city's transformation attracts both established dynasties and newcomers drawn by the tech and finance migrations reshaping South Florida's economic landscape. From master-planned communities built on former landfills to luxury towers targeting international buyers, these power players are defining Miami's next chapter through visionary projects that blend residential, commercial, and hospitality elements.
Who are the top developers shaping Miami's skyline today?
Jorge M. Pérez: The King of Condos
Jorge M. Pérez
Founded 1979; largest multifamily real estate developer in Florida, with over 120,000 residences built
Jeffrey Soffer: Hospitality Dynasty
Leading Related Group, Jorge M. Pérez oversees $17 billion in projects and over 20 developments, including new branded towers like The St. Regis Resort and Residences, according to The Real Deal. The company closed $2 billion in condo sales last year, cementing Pérez's reputation as Miami's most prolific luxury developer. Related partnered with BH Group, Teddy Sagi, and others on projects like a 50-unit condo at the former White House Inn site in North Miami and broke ground on the sold-out District 225.
As chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development, Jeffrey Soffer led a $1 billion expansion and renovation of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, including a new Coastal Convention Center and upcoming pool deck enhancements, per Haute Living. He has dedicated over 25 years to the firm's growth in hospitality, retail, residential, and commercial sectors, continuing the legacy established by his father Donald Soffer, who built Aventura from swampland into a thriving city.
Donald Soffer
Aventura founder
Richard LeFrak: Master-Planned Visionary
The chairman and CEO of LeFrak Organization has transformed Miami's landscape through flagship projects like SoLé Mia in North Miami, a 184-acre master-planned community built on a former landfill. This $4 billion development features 5,000 apartments and condos, a 7-acre lagoon, University of Miami health center, charter school, Costco, luxury car dealerships, and popular dining spots, addressing South Florida's multifamily housing shortage while boosting the local economy.
What makes these developers so influential?
Armando Codina: Mixed-Use Pioneer
Founder and Executive Chairman of Codina Partners, Armando Codina directs the 250-acre Downtown Doral master-planned community, integrating thousands of residences, offices, retail, and schools near Trump National Doral Golf Club. Key projects include the $205 million Regency Parc, a 126-unit luxury rental tower in Coral Gables financed by a $115 million Goldman Sachs loan. Recent milestones include groundbreaking on the 412-unit Sevilla at Downtown Doral with a $100 million loan and a $38.8 million retail expansion.
Armando Codina
Armando Codina, Founder and Executive Chairman of Codina Partners, directs a Coral Gables firm pioneering mixed-use districts and ultra-luxury rentals that redefine urban living across South Florida.
View full profileUgo Colombo: European Sophistication
Through CMC Group, Italian-born Ugo Colombo has crafted Miami's elite condominiums with European-inspired sophistication since 1986. His portfolio includes icons like EPIC Residences, Grovenor House, Brickell Flatiron, and the recently completed Vita at Grove Isle—a 65-unit boutique on Coconut Grove's private island with units from $6.5 million. CMC Group has also broken ground on Four Seasons Private Residences Coconut Grove, a 70-home tower backed by a $323.8 million loan.
Ugo Colombo
Founder and CEO of CMC Group, Ugo Colombo crafts Miami's elite condominiums with European-inspired sophistication, recently completing the exclusive Vita at Grove Isle on Coconut Grove's private island.
View full profileHarvey Hernandez: Innovation Leader
Chairman and CEO of Newgard Development Group, Venezuelan-born Harvey Hernandez has delivered over 13 high-rise towers totaling more than 2,600 units across South Florida. He's pioneered luxury high-rise residential projects with innovations like robotic parking, no-parking condos, and short-term rental designs under brands LOFTY and Natiivo. Key Miami projects include the sold-out 51-story Natiivo Brickell and 44-story Lofty in Brickell, alongside Solaris and Centro.
Harvey Hernandez
Harvey Hernandez is the Chairman and CEO of Miami-based Newgard Development Group, a visionary real estate developer who has delivered over 13 high-rise towers totaling more than 2,600 units across South Florida and beyond.
View full profileHow are new power players changing the game?
Ken Griffin: Tech Migration Leader
After moving Citadel and Citadel Securities headquarters to Miami post-pandemic, Ken Griffin has spent over $1 billion on land from Miami to Palm Beach, including waterfront estates and commercial real estate, according to Commercial Observer. His investments represent the broader tech and finance migration transforming South Florida into 'Wall Street South,' with Griffin serving as HOA president in high-profile areas while continuing to expand his real estate footprint.
Stephen Ross: West Palm Beach Transformation
Through Related Ross, Stephen Ross is remaking downtown West Palm Beach into 'Wall Street South' with eight office buildings and about 1,500 apartment, condo, and hotel units, including projects purchased, developed, under construction, or planned, per The Real Deal. Ross developed his first project, mixed-use CityPlace, in 2000 and also owns the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, and has a Formula One Miami stake.
What about the specialized players making their mark?
- Dr. Willie Logan: President and CEO of Ten North Group, focusing on affordable housing and community development in underserved neighborhoods like Opa-locka
- Jaret Turkell: Senior Managing Director at Berkadia, who has brokered high-profile deals like the $355 million sale of two Broward County apartment complexes to Cardone Capital
- David Stein: Seasoned Boca Raton attorney and real estate agent with 36 years of experience serving South Florida buyers and sellers
- Gil Dezer: Known for luxury auto-branded skyscrapers in Sunny Isles Beach that attract international buyers
The Jills (Jill Hertzberg, Jill Eber, and Judy Zeder) dominate luxury residential sales after their 2019 merger, representing another key force in Miami's high-end market according to The Real Deal.
What's driving Miami's real estate boom?
Sources emphasize a 'land rush' for waterfront properties amid tech and finance migrations, with megaprojects like Terra's Grand Hyatt convention center hotel and Oak Row Equities' largest land deal in Miami history, per Commercial Observer. The market prioritizes condo sales, major financings like the $772 million for Related Ross towers, and mixed-use developments that combine residential, retail, and office components.
These power players continue reshaping Miami's identity from a seasonal destination into a year-round global hub for business, culture, and luxury living. Their combined billions in investments are creating new neighborhoods, transforming existing ones, and establishing Miami as a premier destination for both international buyers and major corporations relocating from traditional financial centers.
| Developer | Key Projects | Investment Scale | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge M. Pérez (Related) | St. Regis Resort, District 225 | $17 billion portfolio | Luxury condos |
| Jeffrey Soffer | Fontainebleau renovation | $1 billion expansion | Hospitality |
| Richard LeFrak | SoLé Mia | $4 billion community | Master-planned |
| Ken Griffin | Citadel HQ, estates | $1+ billion land | Tech migration |
| Armando Codina | Downtown Doral | 250-acre development | Mixed-use |
| Ugo Colombo | Vita at Grove Isle | $323.8M loan | Ultra-luxury |
As Miami continues its evolution into a global powerhouse, these real estate titans are laying the foundation for the next generation of urban development. From affordable housing initiatives to billion-dollar luxury complexes, their diverse approaches reflect the city's dynamic growth and its appeal to residents, investors, and businesses from around the world.
