A new report has found that Ft. Lauderdale is the Florida fan-favorite among renters.

According to Rentcafe.com’s Q3 2025 Renter Engagement Tracker, the city is ranked No. 14 nationally, up three spots from the same period in 2024. In 2025 alone, it has broken the top 30 list every quarter of the year.

Analysts reviewed rental site data to corroborate the claims, finding that saved apartment searches in Ft. Lauderdale nearly doubled (up 93%), favorites grew by 57% and page views rose 10% year-over-year.

In the state ranking, Ft. Lauderdale is directly followed by Orlando at No. 2. Despite being knocked down 13 spots this quarter, Orlando still broke the top 30 list at No. 28 nationally and No. 16 for saved apartment searches. Directly following Orlando is Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Port St. Lucie, Hialeah and Cape Coral, in that order.

Though Miami didn’t break the top 30 this quarter, the Magic City isn’t going down without a fight. After jumping a whopping 78 spots since last year, Miami now sits at No. 35 in the national ranking.

Miami apartment favorites spiked by 113% and saved searches grew 46%, highlighting the ever-growing interest from local renters, as well as potential out-of-state tenants.

Renters coming from New York City specifically have seemed to keep their preference for Ft. Lauderdale and Miami properties, but much of the interest in Miami units come locally, especially from Hialeah, Fort Myers and Tampa.

At the national level, trends point toward renters becoming more attracted to the Midwest market. Cincinnati, Ohio, placed No. 1 in the nation for renter popularity. Most new renters in the city come from nearby Columbus, as well as Indianapolis and Chicago.

Considering Cincinnati’s affordability, variety of job opportunities with major companies and thriving arts and culture scene, it’s no surprise renters are broadening their horizons for new rental prospects.

Atlanta continues to be a popular spot to consider, sitting at No. 2 nationally. The city is followed by Kansas City (MO), Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.

Major cities have taken a backseat in popularity this quarter, as renters seem to look for something different. As the new year approaches, it’s safe to ask: is this a one-off quarter, or will this movement be reflected in the real estate market moving forward?

For the full report, click here.