Blanco tells GlobeSt.com "many investors have recently sold properties to capitalize on the higher demand, but have found themselves unable to locate exchange properties and faced large tax liabilities." He says "these investors have, in turn, been forced to re-invest at prices they normally would not have purchased at, in order to avoid tax consequences, as well as for the lack of other investment alternatives."

Additionally, Blanco says REITs "have seen a surge in their stock prices and continue to aggressively pursue most high-quality centers located in primary markets throughout the state. Again, buyers far outweigh sellers at this point."

The broker says the Orlando area "continues to be one of the most sought-after retail markets in the state." The reason: Orlando is projected to lead the state in population growth between 2000 and 2010 "and rank 13th nationally in this category," Blanco says. The Orlando market also ranks eighth nationally in projected retail sales per household growth through 2010, the broker says.

Smaller markets near Orlando, such as Melbourne and New Smyrna Beach, are "also receiving increased attention, as investors look to surrounding areas for less pricey real estate investment alternatives," Blanco adds.