ORLANDO—Statewide, asking rental rates for class A office space increased 5.4% over the past year on strong leasing activity and absorption. That's according to Cushman & Wakefield's 3Q 2015 Florida Statewide Rental Report (FLRR).

That's not controversial, but what is drawing emotion from at least one broker is the assertion that Orlando saw a slight decrease. CushWake says that reflects the fact that several blocks of premium space were leased this year, removing those properties' higher asking rental rates from the market's calculations.

Phil Marchese, vice president in the Orlando office of Flagler, takes exception with the research. In fact, he told us, it's ridiculous.

"As someone who specializes in Orlando class A landlord representation, I can assure you that class A rates have not dropped in any submarket in Central Florida," Marchese says. "We are seeing dramatic rate spikes throughout the market due to lack of supply and the larger blocks being absorbed in the market."

In its FLRR, CushWake concludes that Broward, Orlando and Jacksonville have yet to surpass the rent highs from the last cycle, off by 2%, 8.8%, and 8.1%, respectively. Orlando and Jacksonville typically lag behind most other Florida markets in terms of rent.

As office rents get higher in other markets, tenant interest for competitive space options in these markets has increased over the past three quarters. Click here to read more about Orlando's office market.

Sound of below and let us know if you agree with CushWake or Flagler.