“It is never enough to simply ‘build.’ We seek to evolve with every new project.”
- Edgardo deFortuna
Our story
Miami was destined to be an international city, but it hadn’t been effectively marketed that way until 1983, when Edgardo Defortuna founded Fortune International Realty. He achieved unprecedented success by bringing luxury buyers to Miami from throughout the Americas and, consequently, helped shape the future of South Florida as a global real estate market.
In the early 1990s, Fortune Development Sales was formed to serve a new market niche: exclusive on-site sales representation for the developers of residential condominium projects. Through the steady creation of a global network of buyers and brokers, Fortune quickly established itself as the largest full-service sales organization in the marketplace. By the end of the 1990s, having evolved its market penetration, resources, and relationships, Fortune International Group created its proprietary development platform.
As a fully integrated development company consisting of experienced in-house architects, designers, engineers, and construction professionals, Fortune has consistently proven what can be accomplished by providing expert guidance across every aspect of the development process for every project. As a result, Fortune continues to shape South Florida’s luxury real estate through the most innovative and luxurious residential buildings.
Today, Fortune forges ahead as a major real estate powerhouse, constantly expanding its development and sales presence in South Florida, as well as new international markets.
1980s
THE GENESIS
Edgardo Defortuna arrives in Miami in 1983 to pursue a Masters Degree in Business at the University of Miami. He falls in love with South Florida. While studying, Edgardo observes the influx of Latin American buyers investing in Miami real estate. He recognizes that general brokerages are not addressing their needs, and begins assisting these investors manage their properties. The property management business pivots into a brokerage—focused on sophisticated international buyers with services that extend beyond closing to include the entire suite of advisory services.
Early 1990s
DEVELOPING A GLOBAL NETWORK
Fortune International becomes the go-to advisor for a prominent set of international buyers seeking to invest and relocate in the burgeoning Miami real estate marketplace. During this time, Edgardo travels extensively to form and nurture a network of foreign brokers and buyers. He focuses on understanding the buyers’ specific needs and providing comprehensive assistance, including legal and financial guidance.
Late 1990s
DEVELOPMENT SALES AND MARKETING
1998
THE DEBUT OF FORTUNE DEVELOPMENT
Late 1990s-
Early 2000s
THE FIRST IN THE ICONIC JADE SERIES
Late 2000s
TOUR DE FORCE OF DEVELOPMENT
Fortune International expands its in-house development team to approximately 100 professionals in every aspect of the business. Based on the success of Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, the company begins collaborating with renowned architects, designers and creative collaborators to embark on the pursuit of developing branded residences.
During this time, Fortune International Group delivered several marque buildings, including two buildings in the Jade series—Jade Beach and Jade Ocean, Artech,
1200 Brickell, and Village Plaza.
2017 - 2019
BRANDED RESIDENCES
This period marks Fortune International Group’s ascent to the pinnacle of achievement in developing award-winning branded residences. The projects include Hyde Resort & Residences—developed in collaboration with Related Group of Florida (2017), Auberge Beach Residences & Spa,
the award-winning Jade Signature (2018), and
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach (2019).
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach (2019)
2022
A STRATEGIC GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
Fortune International Group forms a strategic partnership with Christie’s International Real Estate, becoming the affiliate in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The partnership provides Fortune and its 1,000 agents access to state-of-the-art technology and marketing platforms, as well as agent training resources.
2024
MASTERS OF BRANDED HOSPITALITY
Swire Properties selects Fortune Development Sales as the exclusive sales brokerage for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami.—a transcendent project on the last remaining parcel of prestigious Brickell Key.
2025
THE FUTURE OF LUXURY LIVING
Nexo Residences (2025) represents the next generation of luxury living—designed for a global jet-set lifestyle.
2026
SUNRISE TO SUNSET LIVING
2027
THE FINEST EXPRESSION OF
BRANDED RESIDENTIAL HOSPITALITY
St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami is poised to become a singular experience of effortless luxury in a glamorous beachfront setting.
2028
EPICUREAN LIFESTYLE
ORA by Casa Tua represents the next in luxury living where fine dining and curated epicurean experiences establish the new benchmark for extraordinary luxury lifestyle in Miami.
Edgardo Defortuna arrives in Miami in 1983 to pursue a Masters Degree in Business at the University of Miami. He falls in love with South Florida. While studying, Edgardo observes the influx of Latin American buyers investing in Miami real estate. He recognizes that general brokerages are not addressing their needs, and begins assisting these investors manage their properties. The property management business pivots into a brokerage—focused on sophisticated international buyers with services that extend beyond closing to include the entire suite of advisory services.
Fortune International becomes the go-to advisor for a prominent set of international buyers seeking to invest and relocate in the burgeoning Miami real estate marketplace. During this time, Edgardo travels extensively to form and nurture a network of foreign brokers and buyers. He focuses on understanding the buyers’ specific needs and providing comprehensive assistance, including legal and financial guidance.
Early 2000s
This period marks Fortune International Group’s ascent to the pinnacle of achievement in developing award-winning branded residences. The projects include Hyde Resort & Residences—developed in collaboration with Related Group of Florida (2017), Auberge Beach Residences & Spa, the award-winning Jade Signature (2018), and The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach (2019).
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach (2019)
Fortune International Group forms a strategic partnership with Christie’s International Real Estate, becoming the affiliate in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The partnership provides Fortune and its 1,000 agents access to state-of-the-art technology and marketing platforms, as well as agent training resources.
Comprising two striking shoreline towers designed by Luis Revuelta, with interiors and landscape design by Piero Lissoni®, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach, represents a singular offering. It gives homeowners direct access to both a private Beach Club and a private Yacht Club. direct access to both a private Beach Club and a private Yacht Club.
ORA by Casa Tua represents the next in luxury living where fine dining and curated epicurean experiences establish the new benchmark for extraordinary luxury lifestyle in Miami.
