ORLANDO—Cortland Partners is spreading its wings in Florida. The multifamily owner and manager is opening an Orlando office.

Cortland recently got its multifamily feet wet in the metro Orlando market with the acquisition of Harbor at Lake Howell, a 408-unit, garden-style community in Casselberry, FL. Now, Orlando native John Builder is joining the firm as director of investments for Florida. He will manage the firm's development and acquisition activities across the state.

“With our presence already established and growing in Jacksonville and Tampa, Orlando is Cortland's next step in entering the growing Florida market,” Steven DeFrancis, CEO of Cortland, tells GlobeSt.com. “We are bullish about the long-term vitality of the apartment markets in Orlando and in other metropolitan areas in Florida, and John is exactly the right person to oversee our expansion in the state. We remain committed to growing throughout the Sunshine State.”