The viral Realtor.com blog hailing April 13-19, 2025, as the best week to sell a home has dominated headlines, but here’s one thing to keep in mind: Florida doesn’t follow national trends. While the data-driven insights hold weight in many markets, the Florida’s unique rhythms—especially Spring Break chaos, snowbird migrations, and hurricane season prep—demand a hyper-local approach.

Here’s why we think Florida sellers should think twice before circling April 13-19 on their calendars.

Spring Break in Florida

Florida’s Spring Break, which spans March to early April, transforms cities like Miami, Panama City, and Orlando into bustling hubs of tourism. While this influx can create opportunities—like vacationers fantasizing about a permanent Florida lifestyle—it also complicates the selling process. Open houses in popular Spring Break destinations may compete with crowded beaches and noisy rentals, deterring serious buyers. For example, Realtor.com’s data shows Miami’s optimal listing week falls on April 20, after Spring Break crowds thin. Similarly, Orlando and Tampa sellers see stronger demand starting April 20, aligning with quieter post-break conditions. Timing is key: list too early, and your home risks getting lost in the vacation frenzy.

Snowbirds and Seasonal Swings

Florida’s seasonal "snowbirds"—winter residents who migrate south—often list their homes earlier to sell before returning north by late April. This creates a surge of inventory in March and early April, heightening competition among sellers. Realtor.com’s research shows Jacksonville aligns with the national "best week" of April 13, likely due to its steadier buyer demand and quieter seasonal fluctuations. However, markets like Miami and Tampa see stronger results later in April, once snowbird listings taper off and buyer attention intensifies. In these regions, waiting just a week can mean fewer competing homes and more motivated buyers ready to act.

Realtor.com’s data highlights clear regional differences in Florida’s housing markets. For Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, the ideal week to list is April 20, strategically timed after Spring Break crowds fade and seasonal “snowbirds” begin departing. Jacksonville, however, aligns with the national trend (April 13), likely due to its milder Spring Break activity and stable buyer demand. In contrast, markets like Naples and Fort Lauderdale—popular with part-time residents—may benefit from listing even earlier to appeal to snowbirds before they head north.

Source: Realtor.com Best Time to Sell Report

#HurricaneSZN

By June, Florida’s hurricane season looms, and buyers often prioritize securing homes before storm threats escalate. This urgency can keep demand steady through May, but sellers who delay too long risk losing buyers to weather-related hesitations. Homes lingering into summer may also face price reductions, especially if buyers perceive a lack of urgency. Pricing competitively and emphasizing storm-resistant features (like impact windows or updated roofs) can help sellers stand out in the late spring rush.

So is April 13-19 Really The Best Time To List?

While April 13-19 might work nationally, Florida’s market dances to its own beat. Sellers should track local Spring Break dates and avoid listing during peak tourism in their area, monitor snowbird patterns, especially in retiree-heavy neighborhoods, and aim for late April to mid-May in most regions to balance demand, competition, and weather concerns.

Florida’s special blend of tourism, seasonality, and climate means sellers can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all strategy. By sticking with local trends and advice—not national headlines—you’ll maximize your home’s visibility, appeal, and ultimate sale price. For more info, check out our article discussing the Best Seasons to List.

Data sourced from Realtor.com’s 2025 Best Time to Sell report. Regional insights based on historical Florida market behavior.