Florida's population is expected to double by 2050, according todata at the conference, and the economy in the state grows by about6% a year. And besides the overall population increase, theHispanic demographic, which makes up 20% of the market, isprojected to double to 40%. However, one panelist said thatconstruction costs can increase in the state by about 30% to 40% ayear.

"We work hard to find good tourist markets," says WilliamBierberbach, vice president of corporate development for CocoaBeach, FL-based Ron Jon Surf Shop, explaining that the state hassome of the strongest tourist areas in the country. Ron Jon, whichcurrently has six units open, is looking for spaces between 10,000sf and 15,000 sf in specialty centers.

Home Depot has been making a push in the state for years andcurrently has 140 units in the state, nearly 50 more than itslargest competitor, says Michael Laferle, vice president of realestate at the Atlanta-based company. The company will likely choosea developer that can get a project completed the fastest and likesgrocery stores a co-tenants.