South Florida by the numbers: Columbus Day 2013 edition

"Giralda" bell tower at the Cathedral of Seville (Credit: Hole in the Donut)
"Giralda" bell tower at the Cathedral of Seville (Credit: Hole in the Donut)

“South Florida by the numbers” is a web feature that catalogues the most notable, quirky and surprising real estate statistics. ¡Viva España! As we celebrate Columbus Day on Monday, October 14, let’s “discover” Spain’s enormous impact on Miami real estate. From its distinctive architecture to its prominent role among Miami’s top international markets, Spanish influence continues to be a major factor in our region’s evolution. So, raise a glass of sangria, munch on some paella, and enjoy “Sur de la Florida por los números”!

1568
The year in which the iconic “Giralda” or bell tower of the gothic Cathedral of Seville, was installed. The “Giralda” has had an immense influence on Miami’s architecture, inspiring the designs of landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel, the Freedom Tower, and others. [Miami Herald]

26
Number of years the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach was held in storage, after the historic landmark was dismantled and transferred from its original location in Sacramenia (near Segovia in northern Spain). William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery in 1925, and it was eventually unpacked and reconstructed in 1952. [Spanish Monastery]

8
Spain’s ranking among top countries with consumers searching South Florida properties on Miamire.com (Miami Association of Realtors Property Search). Within searches on Realtor.com from Spain, Miami is ranked #1 and Miami Beach is ranked #4. [PR Web]

1926
The year in which Coral Gables adopted its first zoning ordinance, naming several “Architectural Type Districts.” Of these early homes, most fell under the category of “Spanish,” a subset of the “Mediterranean Revival” style. [ASU]

500,752
Total number of passengers from Spain landing at Miami International Airport in 2011. [Miami Airport]

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16,000
Estimated number of jobs Spanish companies have created in Miami. According to the Spanish trade commissioner, Spain is also the country with largest number of companies established in South Florida. [Miami Today]

$6.5 billion
Estimated amount of money invested in Florida by Spanish companies. [Florida Government]

35
Percentage of Spanish companies in the entire U.S. that are based in Miami-Dade County.

20,000
Estimated number of Spanish citizens living in South Florida. [Miami Herald]

This column is produced by the Master Brokers Forum, a network of South Florida’s real estate agents.