Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) just posted its busiest October on record, a meaningful signal that seasonal travel demand is ramping up across our region — and that matters for local housing activity in Bonita Springs, Estero, and the broader Gulf Coast market.
The October Record at a Glance
According to the Lee County Port Authority, 774,689 passengers traveled through RSW in October 2025, an 18% increase over October 2024 — making it the best October in the airport's history. Year-to-date passenger traffic is also up 1.4%.
✈️ RSW's Busiest Airlines – October 2025
RSW also logged 7,230 aircraft operations in October (a 4% decrease year-over-year), while continuing to build on its position as one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic.
Why REALTORS® Should Pay Attention
In Southwest Florida, airport traffic is more than a travel headline — it's often an early indicator of visitor volume, second-home shopping, and winter-season relocation activity. RSW's record October suggests more buyers and investors will be physically in-market sooner, especially as direct flight options make short "scouting trips" easier.
📈 Resort Tax Collections Surge
The area's resort tax (tourist development tax) collected for October 2025 was $2,682,648 — a 40.6% increase over October 2024 preliminary collections, with fiscal-year-to-date collections up 35.2% year-over-year.
That matters because stronger seasonal occupancy and visitor spending tends to lift:
- Short-term rental performance (where permitted)
- Local service demand (repairs, renovations, vendors)
- Consumer confidence in lifestyle purchases like second homes
💰 Resort Tax Collections: October Year-over-Year
Local Market Context: Inventory Is Up, and Buyers Have More Leverage
While more travelers are arriving, the housing market is also offering more choices than the past few years.
FGCU's Regional Economic Research Institute reports that on a typical day in November 2025, Southwest Florida averaged 21,871 residential active listings, with Lee County at 11,692 and Collier County at 6,174.
And in October 2025, FGCU notes the coastal counties recorded 1,964 single-family home sales, up 26.9% from October 2024.
| Market | Median Price (Oct 2025) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral–Fort Myers MSA (Lee) | $389,900 | −2.5% |
| Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island MSA (Collier) | $743,650 | −1.5% |
This combination — higher inventory + improving sales volume — is exactly the kind of environment where well-positioned buyers show up in force during peak season.
🏠 SWFL Active Listings – November 2025 (Daily Average)
📊 Single-Family Home Sales – October Year-over-Year
What Local Brokers Are Saying
As the winter cycle builds, local brokers continue to emphasize timing, hyper-local pricing, and strategy. Here's what leaders across Bonita Springs and Estero are observing:
"There is optimism among the local Brokers as the fall sales are looking better than last fall. Closings over the last sixty days are up 16% compared to the same period a year ago. Also, pending sales over the last sixty days are up 28% over the same period a year ago. We have some momentum as we head toward our winter season!"
"Understanding micro-markets—from East of I-75 to coastal communities—can make a big difference in pricing strategy and negotiation success. A local REALTOR® knows how to interpret trends that national headlines often miss."
"Even with short-term price fluctuations, this remains one of Florida's strongest and most stable real estate markets. Working with a REALTOR® who understands local regulations, flood zones, and insurance changes is essential in helping buyers and sellers make confident decisions."
"There's a window right now before seasonal competition picks up. For anyone considering a move, this is the time to connect with a local REALTOR® who knows how to position your property or negotiate a smart purchase."
Bottom Line for Southwest Florida
RSW's record October isn't just an airport story — it's a leading indicator for everything that follows: more visitors, more seasonal residents, and more potential buyers physically exploring our communities. When you combine that with:
- Resort tax collections up 40.6% (signaling strong visitor spending)
- Inventory at healthy levels (21,871 active listings region-wide)
- Modest price corrections creating buyer opportunities
…the picture becomes clear: Southwest Florida is entering peak season with genuine momentum. For buyers, this means more negotiating room and inventory to choose from. For sellers, it means qualified traffic is on the way — but pricing strategy and property presentation matter more than ever.
Whether you're considering a purchase, preparing to list, or simply tracking the market, now is the time to connect with a local REALTOR® who understands the nuances of Bonita Springs, Estero, and the broader Gulf Coast market.
For more local news and insights, visit BER News, and explore our Market Reports for the latest data on Bonita Springs and Estero's real estate trends.