Southwest Florida remains one of the state’s most competitive rental markets, though conditions have slightly eased since last year, according to data from apartment listing and property management platform RentCafe. In 2025, seven renters are vying for each vacant apartment, down from nine in 2024. The occupancy rate dipped to 92.7% from 94.7%, and lease renewals fell to 65.6% from 66.7%. On average, units sit vacant for 44 days, up from 39. The easing pressure is partly due to a spike in new construction — 3.37% of Southwest Florida’s inventory was newly added, up from 1.13% a year ago. Tampa remains tighter, with nine renters per unit and a 69.7% renewal rate. Miami is the most competitive market statewide, with 21 renters per unit, a 96.6% occupancy rate and the highest renewal rate at 74.7%.