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Andy Florance

Founder & CEO

CoStar Group

Arlington, VA, USA

Andy Florance

Fortune Tax Alliance LLC

Andy Florance’s Biography

Andy Florance is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CoStar Group, where he also serves on the Board of Directors. Under his leadership since the company’s inception in 1986, CoStar Group has grown from a startup to a global enterprise, with over 5,500 staff across 15 countries.

Florance is credited with pioneering the concept of third-party research and analysis outsourcing in commercial real estate. This insight quickly positioned CoStar Group at the forefront of innovation, transforming how industry professionals access, utilize, and share critical information and establishing it as the industry’s first independent research firm.

Andy guided the company from its 1998 IPO to its current standing on the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 Index. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, CoStar Group’s significant growth is fueled by strategic investments in industry-leading platforms such as LoopNet, Apartments.com, Homes.com, and Matterport. His innovative executive leadership has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition in Forbes' Most Innovative Leaders, SP 200's top industry... Andy Florance is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CoStar Group, where he also serves on the Board of Directors. Under his leadership since the company’s inception in 1986, CoStar Group has grown from a startup to a global enterprise, with over 5,500 staff across 15 countries.

Florance is credited with pioneering the concept of third-party research and analysis outsourcing in commercial real estate. This insight quickly positioned CoStar Group at the forefront of innovation, transforming how industry professionals access, utilize, and share critical information and establishing it as the industry’s first independent research firm.

Andy guided the company from its 1998 IPO to its current standing on the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 Index. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, CoStar Group’s significant growth is fueled by strategic investments in industry-leading platforms such as LoopNet, Apartments.com, Homes.com, and Matterport. His innovative executive leadership has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition in Forbes' Most Innovative Leaders, SP 200's top industry leaders, and the Commercial Observer's 30 Most Powerful People in Commercial Real Estate Proptech. Additionally, CoStar Group has been honored as one of Forbes Fast Tech 25 and a Fortune 100 Fastest Growing Company.

Beyond CoStar Group, Andy is an active board member committed to education and professional advancement. He serves on the board of Management Leaders for Tomorrow, a nonprofit focused on the preparation of Black, Latinx, and Native American talent for high-growth leadership positions. His board service also extends to Princeton, Cathedral, and VCU, and he has previously served on boards for D.C.-area schools, the National Building Museum, and Children’s National Health System.

He holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University and an honorary doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Andy Florance’s Newsfeed

Barron's

Homes.com Will Be a Big Part of CoStar’s Success, CEO Says. Inside Its AI Playbook.

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Businesswire

CoStar Group Founder and CEO Andy Florance Earns Top Ten Placement on the 2026 SP 200

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Andy Florance’s Background

CoStar Group

Founder & CEO

May 1986 - Present

Arlington, VA, USA

CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a global leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, online marketplaces and 3D digital twin technology. Included in the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100, CoStar Group is on a mission to digitize the world’s real estate, empowering all people to discover properties, insights and connections that improve their businesses and lives.

Andy Florance’s Gallery

CoStar CEO Andy Florance

CoStar CEO Andy Florance

Board Positions

Princeton University

Member of the Board of Trustees

Jun 2025 - Present

Princeton, NJ, USA

Andy has been named as a Member of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater.

CoStar Group

Board of Directors

Arlington, VA, USA

CoStar Group, Inc. is the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces.

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Previous Board Positions

Washington National Cathedral

Chapter member

Washington, DC, USA

Washington National Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people, conceived by its founders to serve as a great church for national purposes and trusted voice of moral leadership for the country. Andy served as Chapter Chair from 2019-2022.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Board of Visitors

Richmond, VA, USA

The Board of Visitors is committed to making VCU a place where inclusion powers innovation so that all students succeed. The board works to ensure that academic, research, community and financial goals are met and that students, faculty, staff and alumni can explore, create, learn and serve.

St. Albans School

Board of Trustees

2015 - 2018

Washington, DC, USA

St. Albans School is a private, all boys day and boarding school. For more than a century, it has offered a distinctive educational experience for young men in grades 4 through 12.

Walker & Dunlop

Board of Directors

2013 - 2016

Bethesda, MD, USA

Walker & Dunlop's platform helps people build their business. From its top-ranked base in multifamily lending, it has built robust capital markets and investment sales capabilities.

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School

Board of Trustees

2010 - 2016

Washington, DC, USA

Beauvoir School is an Episcopal primary school in Washington, D.C., dedicated to educating a diverse student body from pre-kindergarten through third grade in a caring and creative environment. Founded in 1933, it emphasizes a child-centered approach, fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Board of Trustees

2008 - 2015

Washington, DC, USA

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is a premier regional theatre dedicated to presenting classic plays with a contemporary perspective.

American Real Estate Society

Board of Directors

2005 - 2015

Athens, OH, USA

The American Real Estate Society (ARES), established in 1985, is a professional association comprising real estate scholars and practitioners dedicated to advancing real estate research and education.

Ford's Theatre

Board of Trustees

2007 - 2011

Washington, DC, USA

The site of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., offers museum exhibits, live theatre performances and immersive educational programs.

St. Andrews School

Board of Trustees

2003 - 2009

Middletown, DE, USA

Since its founding in 1929, St. Andrew’s has been a school affordable to all students who are qualified for admission, regardless of their financial means.

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Philanthropy

Washington National Cathedral

Honorary Canon

Nov 2025 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Andy was appointed as Honorary Canon at Washington National Cathedral. As the spiritual home for the nation and the national house of prayer, the Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, serving as a place of reflection, unity, and moral leadership for the U.S.

Brown’s Island Improvement Project

Sponsor & Supporter

Nov 2025 - Present

Richmond, VA, USA

Through CoStar Group’s donation of $5 million, the firm is helping to unlock the full potential of Brown’s Island as a destination in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, for visitors, students, residents, the wider business community, and even wildlife to enjoy the space.

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Media

CoStar Group Launches Transformative AI Experience on Homes.com, Redefining the Future of Home Shopping

Article

Feb 2026

CoStar Group has introduced transformative real-time, voice-enabled AI guidance – marking a significant shift in the consumer experience on Homes.Com.

CoStar rolls out Homes AI; SkySlope launches agent coaching app

Article

Feb 2026

CoStar Group unveiled a new conversational search tool called Homes AI, enabling consumers to search for listings on Homes.com by voice or text.

CoStar Group Unites Jeff Goldblum and Heidi Gardner for Crossover Ad

Article

Feb 2026

CoStar Group featured Jeff Goldblum and Heidi Gartner in a Super Bowl Advertisement bringing together two of their brands: Homes.com and Apartments.com.

CoStar Group Enters Binding Agreement to Acquire Leading Australian Property Marketplace Domain Holdings

Article

May 2025

CoStar Group shared the news that it has entered a binding Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) confirming the acquisition of 100% of the issued capital of a leading Australian property marketplace, Domain Holdings Australia Limited.

Homes.com’s Andy Florance hits back at Zillow

Article

Apr 2025

Following Zillow's announcement that any property publicly marketed must be entered into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within 24 hours, Andy Florance has responded by writing a letter to agents to express his view that "portals should be neutral" about CCP.

Zillow isn't ready for post-commission portal revolution: Andy Florance

Oct 2023

During CoStar Group's Q3 earnings call, CEO of CoStar Group, Andy Florance, outlined the company's vision to establish Homes.com as the next-generation real estate portal.

CoStar Group Partners with Richmond Public Schools to Provide School Supplies for More than 35,000 Students

Aug 2023

New York, NY, USA

“As the one of the largest employers in Richmond, CoStar Group is thrilled to continue to invest in the Richmond community through providing students in need with the tools they need to thrive,” said Andy Florance. "We’re excited to be able to help set the groundwork for academic success as students return to school this Fall.”

Costar Group’s Andy Florance Wins Gold Stevie® Award In 2023 International Business Awards®

Aug 2023

New York, NY, USA

Andy Florance was named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Executive of the Year – Real Estate category. He was also honored with a Silver Stevie® Award in the Best Entrepreneur – Real Estate category.

In The News: CEO Exchange Presenter Andy Florance Hints at Costar Expansion

Jun 2023

In a one-on-one conversation with RISMedia Founder and CEO John Featherston at the upcoming CEO & Leadership Exchange this September, Andrew Florance will share insights on CoStar's plans for the residential sector and the pivotal role data plays in driving success in an increasingly competitive market.

CoStar Group Named to 20th Anniversary Edition of Forbes Global 2000

Jun 2023

New York, NY, USA

The annual list highlights the world’s largest companies based on their global impact and financial strength. “This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team to provide innovative products and services that enhance and support our clients’ business goals," said Andy Florance, CEO of CoStar Group.

CoStar lands naming rights for Virginia Commonwealth University campus building with $18M donation

May 2023

The project, tentatively named the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation, will bring together VCU’s nationally acclaimed School of the Arts—ranked fourth among graduate programs in the nation—and its innovation programs under one roof for the first time.

Andy Florance: "CoStar is not going to change its business model to get a portion of the commission"

Dec 2022

Andy Florance discusses recent developments at CoStar and, among other topics, the real estate portal, Homes.com, and the company's role as a residential real estate portal player in the United States.

What’s Behind the New Homes.Com: Andy Florance Gets Down to Brass Tacks

Dec 2022

After acquiring Homesnap in 2020 and Homes.com in 2021, Andy Florance discusses the relaunch of a new and improved Homes.com and other significant developments at the CoStar Group.

CoStar Group Selected by NASDAQ for 100 Index®

Dec 2022

New York, NY, USA

CoStar Group announced that the company will be added to the NASDAQ 100 Index®, effective prior to the opening of trading on Monday, December 19, 2022.

CoStar Group hosts ground-breaking ceremony for $460 million expansion project

Nov 2022

Richmond, VA, USA

The CoStar Group is expanding its research and technology center with office space built next to its office space located on Fifth Street in Richmond. City and state leaders gathered for the groundbreaking.

CoStar Group Plans $460 Million Campus Expansion in Richmond

Dec 2021

Washington, DC, USA

CoStar Group plans to expand its research and technology center in Richmond, investing $460 million to build a two-building complex to create a corporate campus that's expected to bring 2,000 new jobs to the banks of the James River.

CoStar Group CEO calls on graduates to ‘turn adversity into strength’

May 2019

Richmond, VA, USA

Andy Florance, CEO & founder of CoStar Group, challenged graduates to turn adversity into strength at Virginia Commonwealth University’s main commencement ceremony at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

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Interviews

CoStar CEO Andrew Florance on launch of Homes AI: It will transform the home shopping experience

Video of interview

Feb 2026

Andy appeared on ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the state of The CoStar Group and he also talks about the launch of the new ‘Homes AI’ tool.

CoStar Group CEO Andy Florance on Zillow, M&A, and Domain's Key Lime Pie Problem

Interviewed

Oct 2025

Madrid, ES

Harvey Hancock spoke to Andy Florance at the Proptech and Portal Watch conference in Madrid.

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Publications

You Deserve a Platform that Works for You, Not Against You

Author

Jul 2025

Andy shares his thoughts on Zillow in this article published on LinkedIn.

Zillow's Listings | New Rule

Author

Apr 2025

Andy gives his opinion on the latest rule update from Zillow.

OnTheMarket is on the Rise in the UK

Author

Oct 2024

Andy reflects on the growth of OnTheMarket, making it the fastest-growing residential property portal in the United Kingdom.

Results are In and Homes.com Members are Winning 51% More Listings

Author

Jul 2024

Andy writes about Homes.com and how it was designed to assist estate agents selling homes on the internet. He concludes that the stats are showing that it is giving member agents a clear edge in winning new listings.

Leading the Way in Sustainability at CoStar Group’s Richmond Campus

Article

Jul 2024

Andy shares nine highlights of the incredible sustainability initiatives at CoStar Group’s thriving Richmond campus where the business is raising the bar when it comes to environonmental responsibility and employee well-being.

Andy Florance | Articles

Author

Andy Florance, CEO of CoStar Group, writes about a wide range of topics related to CoStar Group and the real estate industry. This includes recent market trends, industry analysis, tools for real estate professionals and more.

Commentary: VCU and VCU Health are leading in education, health care and student success

Co-author

Aug 2023

Richmond, VA, USA

CEO of CoStar Group, Andy Florance and co-author, Todd P. Haymore, discuss the important work done and accolades received by Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health. In addition, the two authors express their support of VCU Health ending its participation in a development known as the Clay Street Project.

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Memberships

Meridian International Center

Member

Washington, DC, USA

Meridian is a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center that links leaders through culture and collaboration to drive global solutions.

Awards & Recognition

Inman Power Players Awards 2026

Winner

2026

Andy's name appeared on the list of Inman Power Players again, honoring the real estate executives whose power and influence define the future of the industry.

2026 SP 200 | Top 10

Awardee

Jan 2026

Andy has been named as one of the Top 10 most powerful executives in the U.S. residential real estate industry by Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200). He has improved on his 2025 rankings, making this his third consecutive year on the list.

Gold Globee CEO of the Year 2023

Winner

Sep 2023

Washington, DC, USA

Andy received a Gold Globee and was named CEO of the Year at the 11th Annual Globee Awards for Leadership.

Visionary Leader of the Year & CEO of the Year 2022

Winner

Sep 2022

Washington, DC, USA

At the Globee Awards’ 10th Annual CEO World Awards, Andy was named Globee Visionary Leader of the Year and Globee CEO of the Year (Technology).

Inman Power Players Awards

Honoree

Jan 2025

Andy was once again named on this year's Inman Power Players Awards list for his impact in the residential real estate industry.

Swanepoel Power 200

Jan 2025

New York, NY, USA

Andy has been named as one of the top ten most powerful leaders in the residential real estate brokerage industry.

DC’s Tech Titans

Honoree

2024

Washington, DC, USA

CEO of CoStar Group, Andy Florance, was once again recognized by Washingtonian Magazine for the role he plays in revolutionizing the real estate market.

Inman Power Players

Honoree

Jan 2024

The 2024 Inman Power Players includes an impressive list of executives and founders — each of whom has the ability to play a key role in shaping the future of the residential real estate industry.

Swanepoel Power 200

Honoree

Jan 2024

New York, NY, USA

The Swanepoel Power 200 ranks the most powerful leaders in the residential real estate brokerage industry. Andy Florance was honored for his continued success leading CoStar Group, notably the acquisition and growth of Homes.com.

Meet The Ten who defined 2023

Honoree

Dec 2023

Real Estate News has selected the top newsmakers in a year shaped by trials and resilience in the face of epic challenges and opportunities. Andy Florance was honored for his work leading CoStar Group and the company's acquisition of and growth plans for Homes.com.

Inman Best of Proptech Award

Best of Proptech Award | Entrepreneurs

2023

The Best of Proptech Awards, presented by Inman, honor the entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and visionaries who are transforming the residential real estate landscape through innovative property technology solutions. These awards serve as the culmination of Inman's year-long program recognizing leaders across the real estate community.

Commercial Observer | Power Proptech List

Honoree

2023

New York, NY, USA

The annual Commercial Observer Power Proptech list recognizes the most influential companies and people in the CRE proptech space who are driving change and innovation within the industry.

Globee Business Awards

Gold Globee Award | CEO of the Year

2023

London, UK

The Globee Business Awards recognize exceptional leadership across all aspects of business, honoring remarkable achievements and groundbreaking strategies employed by individuals and organizations worldwide. Andy was also recognized in 2022 with a Gold Globee Award for Visionary Leader of The Year and Silver Globee Award as CEO of CoStar Group.

20th Annual International Business Awards®

Executive of the Year & Best Entrepreneur | Real Estate

2023

The Stevie® Awards are the world's premier business awards. They were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. Andy Florance was honored with a Gold Stevie® Award for Executive of the Year and Best Entrepreneur award in the Real Estate category.

DC’s Tech Titans

Honoree

2023

Washington, DC, USA

The Washingtonian's list includes the most important and innovative leaders in DC’s tech scene. CoStar Group and its founder & CEO, Andy Florance, are honored for their continued success, which includes a forthcoming research-and-tech campus in Richmond.

Commercial Observer | Power 100

Honoree

2023

New York, NY, USA

The Power 100 list, published annually, recognizes the most impactful figures in the commercial real estate industry and highlights the companies and figures adapting and innovating in the rapidly evolving CRE space.

RISMedia Newsmakers

Honoree | Futurist

2023

New York, NY, USA

The RISMedia Real Estate Newsmakers lists spotlights the industry’s most dynamic individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to their companies, colleagues and clients, and to the larger cause of expanding homeownership.

The Swanepoel Power 200

Honoree

2023

New York, NY, USA

The Swanepoel Power 200 ranks the most powerful leaders in the residential real estate brokerage industry. Criteria used include the scope and power of leaders’ positions, financial resources at their disposal, their trajectory and much more.

Inman Power Players Awards

Honoree

2023

The Inman Power Players awards honor the most influential figures across the residential real estate space and represent the pinnacle of industry success.

The 30 Most Powerful People in Commercial Real Estate Proptech

Honoree

2022

New York, NY, USA

Commercial Observer's list recognizes a range of leaders in the industry from real estate firms to major landlords and brokerages.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Doctor of Humane Letters

2022

Richmond, VA, USA

The Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, VCU’s highest honor, recognizes exceptional contributions to society in the fields of scholarship, humanitarianism, science, art, and public service.

America's Most Innovative Leaders

Honoree

2019

New York, NY, USA

The methodology of Most Innovative Leaders list is built upon four essential leadership qualities of top founders and CEOs: media reputation for innovation, social connections, track record for value creation and investor expectations for value creation.

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Training & Management Courses

Harvard Business School

Corporate Governance Program

1999

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Making Corporate Boards More Effective program helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the board's responsibilities in areas such as finance, strategy, executive compensation and compliance.

MIT | Center for Real Estate

Real Estate Capital Markets

1997

Cambridge, MA, USA

MIT’s Center for Real Estate (CRE) investigates the real estate practice and transaction from initial concept to market realization.

Speaking Engagements

Inman Connect | San Francisco July 2026

Speaker

Jul 2026

San Diego, CA, USA

Andy will be speaking at the real estate industry's must-attend event to be held at the Marriott Marquis, San Diego Marina.

PropTech & PortalWatch Europe Conference 2025

Speaker

Oct 2025

Madrid, ES

In this wide-ranging conversation, Andy discusses Homes.com, the US market, the acquisition of Domain in Australia, the completion of the Matterport acquisition, the UK market and other possible opportunities for the CoStar Group ahead.

Keynote Address | Financial Review Property Summit | Sydney 2025

Speaker

Sep 2025

Sydney, AU

Andy delivered the keynote address at the Financial Review Property Summit held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney.

Inman Connect Las Vegas

Speaker

Jul 2024

Las Vegas, NV, USA

Andy was a Speaker at Inman Connect Las Vegas Real Estate Conference, where he shared his thoughts as an industry leader.

Andy Florance | 30th Annual Baron Investment Conference

Featured Speaker

Dec 2023

New York, NY, USA

The Conference convenes Baron's portfolio managers, analysts, and special guests to share their insights into the current market environment, their investment thinking, and potential growth investment opportunities in 2024. CEO of CoStar Group, Andy Florance discussed the group's recent activities, including the acquisition of Homes.com and the digitization of the real estate industry.

One-on-One With Andy Florance: Who Will Win the Portal Challenge and Why

Featured Speaker

Sep 2023

Washington, DC, USA

CEO of CoStar Group, Andy Florance, joined John Featherston to share his candid perspective on the current real estate portal landscape and the key elements driving success for real estate professionals and consumers alike.

Virginia Commonwealth University Commencement Address

Keynote Speaker

May 2019

Richmond, VA, USA

In his address, Andy Florance shared how he overcame the odds to become a successful business executive, and shared how adversity can be an important driver of success. At the ceremony, Florance was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

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Community Engagement

Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation

Board of Trustees

Washington, DC, USA

The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation (PECF), established in 1893, oversees Washington National Cathedral and its affiliated educational institutions. Located on a 59-acre campus in northwest Washington, D.C., PECF is dedicated to promoting religion, education, and charity.

Press Releases

CoStar Group Founder and CEO Andy Florance Earns Top Ten Placement on the 2026 SP 200

Jan 2026

Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200) has named Andy Florance as one of the top ten most powerful executives in the U.S. residential real estate industry,

CoStar Group Founder and CEO Andy Florance Featured on Sixth Annual Virginia 500 Power List

Sep 2025

Andy was recognized on the Virginia 500 Power List, an annual list of the most influential leaders from business, government, real estate and other sectors.

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Andy Florance’s Education

Virginia Commonwealth University

Doctor of Humane Letters

Princeton University

B.A. | Economics