I own 4 properties in Florida that I intend holding long term. Ariel Dunes was the last, a precon purchase in early 2004. I have no doubt that it will be worth a lot more in 10 years. In any case, since I will be living there, the question is moot.
As for the others, If I were to sell today at "market" I would have an annualized rate of return of over 50%..never mind in 10 years. And yes, I did include carrying costs.
I am defensive because so many posters, like yourself, that live vicariously thru' the SoWal forums, and who spend a few weeks at best in the county, hold little or no real-estate in Florida, are the biggest bears and the loudest doomsayers at large.
Enter the eye of the (real-estate) dragon first and feel the flames of the market with your money on the line and then you may be qualified to say " In order to benefit from the prices 3 years ago you need to have purchased a property then and sold it, looks like you did neither ... but you made someone money."
There is ample historical RE precedent that augurs well for us, in the future.
Just my take....