Luxury and Vision: Developer Edgardo Defortuna’s Impact on Miami’s Future
Edgardo Defortuna welcomes us in an exclusive conversation to discuss his history, motivation for entering the real estate development world, and his impact on the luxury market in Miami.
As an Argentine visionary and CEO of Fortune International Group, Defortuna has redefined the luxury real estate sector in South Florida. Since founding the firm in 1983, he has led it to become one of the most influential, focusing on creating exceptional experiences that blend innovation, design, and sophistication.
With a global presence and a team of over 1,000 agents, Fortune has transformed the city, raising the standard of luxury real estate and setting new market trends. Current developments include Nexo Residences, Ora by Casa Tua, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach, and St. Regis Residences, Miami. Defortuna shares his vision for Miami’s future, the values guiding his company, and how he continues to establish a legacy of innovation in the luxury real estate sector.
– What motivated you to enter the world of real estate development and luxury sales?
I’ve always been driven by a passion for transforming cities and crafting living spaces that elevate people’s lifestyles. When I founded Fortune in 1983, I identified a need for high-end design and luxury real estate in Miami, along with an opportunity to introduce something fresh to the market. Recognizing the city’s immense potential, I was eager to contribute to its growth. My motivation came from the chance to merge innovation with exceptional design, delivering luxury experiences that were unique and ahead of their time.
– What attracted you to Miami when you decided to establish Fortune International Group in this city?
Miami was, and still is, a city with endless potential. Its location as a gateway between North and South America makes it a melting pot of cultures, and that’s what initially attracted me. The lifestyle, the international appeal, and the city’s proximity to Latin America made it an ideal place to establish Fortune International Group. Miami was growing, both as a financial hub and as a tourist destination, and I saw the opportunity to shape its future in real estate.
– What factors do you think are driving the rapid rise of short-term rental developments in Miami?
The short-term rental market in Miami has exploded for several reasons. First, the city has become incredibly attractive to international tourists and investors who are looking for flexibility in their accommodation. Miami’s appeal as a year-round vacation destination plays a huge role in this. After the pandemic, we also saw an influx of remote workers and digital nomads who need shorter-term stays but still want the luxury experience. Our short-term rental project Nexo Residences, for example, is seeing an extremely successful response from buyers who want to live in their units part-time and monetize the space through rentals during periods of non-occupancy.
– What do you consider to have been your greatest challenge as founder of Fortune International Group?
I would say the greatest challenge has been adapting to the market cycles during the past 40 years. It has been essential to remain innovative and forward-thinking, especially when times are tough, to continue growing and leading in the market.
– How has the Miami real estate market changed sinceyou began your career?
The Miami market has evolved tremendously since I started. When I first came here, Miami was largely seen as a vacation destination, but now it’s an international hub for business, finance, and tech with a rich culture and excellent lifestyle that continues to attract the most elite and powerful people in the world. The skyline has also changed completely, and the demand for luxury properties and branded residences has soared. It’s been incredible to witness and contribute to that transformation.
– What values do you think have been fundamental to the long-term success of Fortune International Group?
With decades of experience in Miami, I’ve had the unique opportunity to help drive much of the city’s transformation, and it’s now deeply ingrained in Fortune’s DNA. This experience allows us to stay ahead of the curve by blending innovation with exceptional design to create luxury experiences that stand out. Integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence have been fundamental to our success.
From day one, I’ve always prioritized delivering the highest quality, not just in the properties we develop but also in the service we provide to our clients. Staying at the forefront of design and market trends, while building long-lasting relationships with clients and partners around the world, has been key to sustaining our growth over the long term.
– What do you think were the three qualities or skills that most influenced your path?
I believe vision, adaptability, and understanding the market have been the most important qualities in my career. Having a vision and an ability to identify opportunities where others might not has allowed me to create and represent projects that set new standards. Adaptability has been crucial—especially in a market like Miami, where conditions can change rapidly. Lastly, having a deep understanding of the luxury real estate market and the specific needs and wants of high-end clientele has helped guide every decision we’ve made at Fortune.
– What is the legacy you would like to leave in the world of real estate development and what inspires you for the future?
I’m incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in transforming Miami into the world-class city it is today, and I hope that Fortune has helped pave the way for further innovation and investment in this great city. It’s exciting to see the new projects in the pipeline, and I’m inspired by the continued growth and evolution of Miami. Looking ahead, I’m confident in the city’s ability to stay at the forefront of luxury, and I’m driven by the opportunity to improve the way people live by creating a lifestyle that focus on wellness, longevity, and curated experiences through every project we take part on.
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