Regional Economic Research Institute

Robust Regional Research For a Strong Regional Economy

Tracking trends, interpreting impact, and forecasting the future.

The Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) studies the regional and state economy and conducts on-demand economic research of issues pertaining to Southwest Florida. Economic Research includes areas such as economic development and forecasting, economic impact analysis, surveys, among others. If you are a decision-maker in need of relevant data and analysis, the RERI can help assist you.

How Can We Help You?

Learn more about RERI research, services, and resources.

Research

Fee-Based Services

Speaker Services

Community Resources

The newsletter includes the latest copy of Regional Economic Indicators, along with other reports and news items.

Support the RERI

Generous donations support the RERI day-to-day operations, especially in funding our students.

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Southwest Florida Economic Outlook

June 2025

Airport Activity

Up 9 percent from April 2024 to April 2025.

Tourist Tax Revenues

Down 1 percent from March 2024 to March 2025.

Taxable Sales

Down 2 percent from February 2024 to February 2025.

Unemployment Rate

Up 0.9 percentage points from April 2024 to April 2025.

Single-family Building Permits

Up 3 percent from April 2024 to April 2025.

Single-family Home Sales

Down 1 percent from April 2024 to April 2025.

Single-family Home Prices

Down 8 to 10 percent April 2024 to April 2025.

Residential Active Listings

Up 40 percent from April 2024 to April 2025.

JUNE 2025 REPORT indicators Dashboard

Recent Publications

Issue Brief: Mortgage-Free Households in Southwest Florida

June 12, 2025 / RERI Research Team

With rising homeowner costs, a lack of affordable housing, and worsening climate concerns in the region contributing to higher insurance costs and worries over the future of the real estate market, many Southwest Florida residents are unable to live mortgage-free. Although it is normal for homeowners to own a mortgage, especially for first-time homeowners, being mortgage-free suggests a household has more disposable income compared to those that are paying a mortgage. Regions like Southwest Florida offer valuable insights into homeownership trends, shedding light on the challenges of achieving mortgage-free status. Thus, understanding the trends and patterns of previous years becomes valuable for homeowners, policymakers, and businesses alike.

Regional Economic Indicators: June 2025 Report

June 02, 2025 / RERI Research Team

The RERI has published Regional Economic Indicators for June 2025. The monthly publication represents a collection and analysis of economic indicators including airport passenger activity, taxable sales, tourist tax revenues, labor force, employment, real estate, and consumer sentiment for the Southwest Florida workforce region.

SWFL Real Estate: Second Quarter 2025 Report

May 30, 2025 / RERI Research Team

During the first quarter of 2025, the residential market in Southwest Florida continued to experience notable changes reflecting ongoing adjustments in the post-pandemic and post-hurricane housing landscape, as evidenced by the latest data available. Single-family home sales in the region have come down over the past quarters and remain below their 2022 apex, with declines primarily concentrated in the coastal counties. Single-family and condominium real median prices in the region also continued to fall, with declines observed across all Southwest Florida counties. The percentage of total housing units that were actively listed rose year-over-year in almost all counties.

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About Us

Learn more about the Regional Economic Research Institute, including its vision and mission.

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Staff

Meet the staff of the Regional Economic Research Institute.

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Advisory Council

Learn more about the RERI Advisory Council.

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Faculty Affiliates

Learn more about RERI Faculty Affiliates.

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About Us

The Regional Economic Research Institute was established in 2005 to serve as the economic development unit of the Lutgert College of Business Dean’s Office. The RERI studies, analyzes and reports on the regional economy encompassing Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Institute finances its day-to-day operations, including paying its students, through contracting for research projects and studies, and donations.

In its many regular and occasional publications, and custom economic research, the RERI focuses on areas such as economic development and forecasting, economic impact analysis, secondary data analysis and surveys. The RERI often partner with different economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in our region, and works closely with the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development and Finance, the Small Business Development Center, the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute, all of which are housed in the Lutgert College of Business at FGCU, as well as the Institute for Entrepreneurship.

Vision

Robust regional research for a strong Southwest Florida economy.

Mission

To create knowledge on social and economic topics for Southwest Florida business and community leaders while providing FGCU students with opportunities to gain valuable research and communication skills.

Name	TITLE	ORGANIZATION
Tessa LeSage	Chief Impact Officer	FutureMakers Coalition
Dorian Zwierewicz	Regional Director	FGCU Small Business Development Center

Questions/Comments?

Regional Economic Research Institute

10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Lucas Hall 314
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

(239) 590-7370

reri@fgcu.edu