The Peachtree State's commercial real estate business has weathered the cyclical storms better than many Southern metros and is emerging once again as a bellwether city for property investment. Atlanta's ability to abound and rebound over the past few decades isn't based on its strategic location alone—it's also based on the professionals who helped shape the market. Here's a look at some of the people who have become regional household names in Atlanta.

Ask Atlanta's top commercial real estate veterans about the state of the local market and youll consistently hear something that sounds like this: We're slowly emerging from the very deep sleep of the past four years.

ORLANDO—Although Downtown Miami has been the story in Florida's commercial real estate renaissance over the past year, Central and North Florida are seeing renewed interest from investors and the brokerage firms that serve them. Several commercial real estate service firms have either opened offices or expanded their presence in Central Florida to tap into the opportunities they see from Tampa to Orlando and Jacksonville.

TALLAHASSEE, FL—Florida Gov. Rick Scott has signed into law a bill that extends the Distressed Condominium Relief Act. Known as HB 517, the law will remain in effect until July 1, 2015; it was due to expire this coming July.

REITs are on the rise again. They've raised billions of capital in the past few years, and many are seeing strong returns.

MIAMI—South Florida's research parks have been making some noise lately. But can the market establish itself as a research and development cluster that competes with the likes of Boston, New York and North Carolina's Research Triangle? Some are beginning to think so.

Miami has long billed itself as the Gateway to Latin America. Now, the city—and, to a lesser extent, all of Florida—appears to be the gateway for international real estate developers and investors looking for a safe place for their dollars (or euros or ringgits) to land.

The Sunshine State's commercial real estate business has long had an international feel, and with a new wave of development on the horizon, the future looks bright. However, Florida's success in this arena wouldn't be possible without the efforts of individuals who have helped shape—and many of whom continue to influence—the market. Here's a look at some of the people who have become household names in the regional industry.