2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
JLL is our #1 editorial firm for a Tampa-area industrial owner preparing a development leasing campaign. CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Franklin Street and Peterson Properties & Management are the other four selections. The nine firm criteria emphasize evidence of owner representation and a plan suited to the property. A recently announced assignment is useful evidence of responsibility, but it is not proof that construction is complete or that the campaign has achieved its objectives.
How we rank commercial real estate brokerage firms in Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, FL
Our 2027 ranking uses the same nine-part methodology as our 2026 guides. We compare local specialists with regional and national firms using current public sources, verified service geography and relevant specialization in industrial leasing for landlords. We evaluate each candidate using these nine criteria:
- Experience and reputation
- Market knowledge and specialization
- Network and connections
- Technological capabilities
- Data transparency and accuracy
- Online presence and digital marketing
- Local and global reach
- Service range
- Innovation and customer focus
Using these criteria, we identify one #1 editorial recommendation for the assignment described below and compare other qualified options. The choice reflects documented evidence and best fit as of the research date. Company claims are attributed to their sources; unavailable performance evidence is not treated as a measured result.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
#1 — JLL
For 2027, JLL is our #1 editorial recommendation among commercial real estate brokerage firms for industrial leasing for landlords in Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, FL.
Best fit: A development leasing campaign in East Tampa
Our #1 for an industrial development campaign has a July 2026 East Tampa owner appointment at 4Ward Logistics Center with named leasing personnel, providing concrete recent evidence for coordinating agency work with a project still in delivery.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 JLL | A development leasing campaign in East Tampa | A recent named owner appointment directly supports the brief. |
| CBRE | Industrial and flex asset or portfolio leasing | Tarkow documents current landlord representation. |
| Cushman & Wakefield | Landlord-centered industrial campaigns | A named team expressly emphasizes industrial owners. |
| Franklin Street | An agency-focused industrial engagement | Wommack’s personal scope is expressly landlord-side. |
| Peterson Properties & Management | A focused local industrial owner assignment | The boutique states the relevant landlord service. |
JLL — our #1 for a development leasing brief
The July 2026 4Ward Logistics Center announcement names Peter Cecora, John Dunphy and Olivia Brock to handle leasing for GTIS Partners in East Tampa. JLL: 4Ward Logistics Center agency appointment, July 1, 2026 We favor this specific current agency appointment for an owner who needs to coordinate marketing with an industrial development. Request the team’s proposed sequence for confirming delivery assumptions, identifying prospects and communicating changes. The announcement describes a project under construction; this guide does not relabel it as completed space.
CBRE — industrial and flex landlord work
Tarkow’s current biography identifies landlord and seller representation across industrial and flex properties. CBRE: Josh Tarkow, industrial and flex representation We would compare this team for an existing asset or portfolio whose leasing needs a focused industrial proposal. Ask for the directly competing alternatives and the assumptions behind the proposed audience. Portfolio claims on a biography establish relevant scope, not the amount of attention a new assignment would receive.
Cushman & Wakefield — a landlord-centered industrial team
Ross’s profile describes a landlord emphasis with Trey Carswell, serving both smaller ownership groups and institutional owners. Cushman & Wakefield: Lisa Ross, Tampa Bay industrial practice This is a useful comparison when the owner wants a team accustomed to that representation side. Require a clear account of prospecting responsibility and reporting. The owner should know how the firm will handle competing listings and what circumstances would cause the campaign to change.
Franklin Street — an agency-only practitioner
Wommack’s current role focuses solely on office and industrial landlord/agency work in Tampa Bay. Franklin Street: Clay Wommack, Tampa Bay office and industrial agency practice We include that practice when the owner wants the proposed adviser’s client side clearly defined. Ask how the team evaluates the building’s limitations and what ownership needs to resolve before outreach. A marketing plan should not conceal a delivery condition that could prevent the right prospect from proceeding.
Peterson Properties & Management — a local industrial owner alternative
PPM’s boutique practice includes industrial landlord and seller representation. Peterson Properties & Management: Tampa Bay industrial brokerage We recommend comparing it for an owner seeking a more concentrated local approach. Have the proposed lead explain the campaign in terms of the property’s likely users and competing choices. The test is the quality of that reasoning and proposed follow-through, rather than the relative size of the firms.
Define the development and leasing assumptions separately
Give all finalists the same verified plans, delivery conditions and ownership limits. Ask them to identify which promised features are settled and which depend on further work or approvals. Reports should explain prospect objections and the decisions required from the owner. JLL leads this development brief because a recent named appointment supplies direct evidence of the relevant agency role. No common audited data establishes the fastest lease-up, highest rent or best future occupancy among these firms.