MIAMI—Miami boasts the strongest retail market in Florida, but what does 2014 hold in store for landlords and developers on the retail real estate front? GlobeSt.com caught up with three industry watchers—with three different perspectives—to get insight into what the year ahead may bring.

Alyce Robertson, executive director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, tells GlobeSt.com: “With the surge of residents in Downtown Miami, there is a need for quality retail and restaurants. Retailers see the untapped market and are responding by returning to the core of the community. Brickell City Centre and Miami World Center are examples of development that will draw people into Downtown Miami and expand consumer choices.”

Sabrina Meerbott, director of Retail Leasing at Continental Real Estate Cos., tells GlobeSt.com: “This coming year is an exciting one for South Florida's retail industry, as consumer confidence continues to grow and retailers look to grow their footprint in strong markets like Downtown Miami, Kendall, and Fort Lauderdale.

“From international brands to regional tenants and national retailers, all are looking to broaden their presence in both urban and suburban neighborhoods. In particular, Miami's urban core is a market to watch closely this year, as it is garnering the attention of nationally-recognized tenants seeking to establish a presence here and has several major retail developments underway.”

Adam D. Lustig, partner in the Real Estate Group at Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod, tells GlobeSt.com: “We have several client actively involved in new retail developments in South Florida. The increase in development activity is the result of historically low interest rates, improving unemployment figures, low vacancy rates and increased demand from retailers to open new stores in South Florida or to enter the South Florida market. I expect the retail sector to be very active in South Florida in 2014 with substantial amounts of capital seeking to acquire and finance shopping centers.”