ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 21, 2009 - Florida's existing home sales rose in July; the 11th month in a row that sales activity increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR). Statewide existing home sales in July also rose over the previous month's sales level.

Existing home sales rose 37 percent last month with a total of 15,882 homes sold statewide compared to 11,595 homes sold in July 2008, according to FAR. Statewide existing home sales in July increased 0.2 percent over June's statewide activity. Florida Realtors also reported a 48 percent rise in statewide sales of existing condos in July.