Florida still holds the title as the hottest market in the Southeast for
home prices, soaring nearly 27 percent last year, according to an
analysis report issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The
median price for a home in Florida rose by a record rate of $56,000
in 2005. Leading the pack was Naples at $113,000 in appreciation
last year. The overall report also shows healthy job creation across
the region. Florida is generating jobs at the fifth-fastest rate in the
nation and tops in the Southeast. Construction, retail and temporary
jobs are multiplying the most, creating pockets of worker shortages
in southwestern parts of the state. As a result, the state has the
third-best unemployment rate in the United States.

Source: The Florida Times-Union, (04/06/2006)