Rents in Doral, Florida, have reached their lowest point in three years, and the vacancy rate has climbed to 6.5 percent. While the broader Miami market is experiencing a slowdown, Doral’s challenges are compounded by federal immigration policies.
Approximately 40 percent of Doral’s 80,000 residents are Venezuelan or of Venezuelan descent. Many of these families are leaving due to recent immigration actions under President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
Vacancy rates in some buildings now exceed 10 percent as residents face uncertainty about their legal status. Many Venezuelans in Doral have lived in the U.S. under programs such as humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which had been expanded during President Biden’s term. Since taking office in January, President Trump’s administration has moved to revoke these protections through several legal actions, leaving over one million people uncertain about their future residency.
Leasing agents observe firsthand how this affects tenants and landlords. Maria Eugenia Nucete, a broker who has worked in Doral for decades, told the publication: “They’re all telling me, ‘No, I can’t stay, my [temporary status] is expiring.” She noted losing clients who have left for countries like Italy.
Doral Mayor Christi Fraga also acknowledged the trend: “I do personally know of some families that have self-deported. Their status was unsure and they didn’t want to be here illegally,” she said. “I’m sure it will affect the housing market to a certain extent.”
Some residents planning departures intend to move to Spain or Italy or return to Venezuela. Gabriela Hernandez, who has lived nearly ten years in the U.S., shared her experience: “All of our plans here have collapsed,” she told the publication; she and her boyfriend plan to emigrate to Spain after he already left Doral fearing loss of protected status.
The uncertainty brings new risks for property owners. Some landlords now ask about immigration status before renting and may refuse applicants with temporary status due to concerns over potential rent delinquency if legal residency is revoked by court rulings. Legal experts warn this could violate fair housing laws.
“It could be viewed as a race-discrimination case or it could be viewed as a case involving allegations of discrimination based upon national origin,” said Courtney Cunningham, an attorney based in Miami.
Despite current rental market contractions, Doral has seen significant investment recently—including projects backed by the Trump family. In January 2025, city officials approved plans from The Trump Organization for up to 1,500 luxury condos at Trump National Doral Miami.
