The University of Florida's Center for Real Estate Studies recently conducted a new statewide survey of market research economists, industry executives, and real estate experts. Among other things, the survey's topic was the Florida housing market.

Despite some people's worse fears, Florida real estate isn't doomed. In fact, many of the experts questioned felt that the housing market slump felt nationally is just a small speed bump for the state of Florida.

According to Dr. Wayne Archer, director of UF's Center for Real Estate Studies, the housing market isn't going anywhere. 'Unlike tech stocks, housing has a use, which means it can't just evaporate,' said Archer.

Many others echoed these sentiments, saying that Florida will be less affected by housing market problems than other states because of a high population growth rate. While this theory does make sense, Florida continues to mirror the national housing market slump. Sales of single-family existing homes have decreased 34 percent compared to the same time a year ago, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.

David Lereah, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, feels that while the current situation is dismal, sales are simply leveling out and could improve as early as the beginning of next year.

'Many potential buyers who have been taking a wait-and-see attitude or are being methodical in the search process are being enticed by lower home prices,' he said. 'Given a positive economic backdrop of lower interest rates and job creation, we expect sales activity to pick up early next year.'