The residential construction market in Florida continued to demonstrate momentum last month, with new home activity recorded across all major regions of the state. According to the latest building permit data added to the HBW database, 6,140 new residential construction permits were issued during the one‑month period, representing a combined construction value exceeding $2.2 billion statewide.
The five major regions of Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast Florida each contributed significantly to the monthly activity, with several counties standing out as high‑volume growth centers. Below is a regional breakdown providing insight into total permits, average values, and leading counties for February 2026:
Tampa
Total Permits: 1,832
Total Construction Value: $609,872,997
Average Value per Permit: $332,900
The Tampa region led the state in total permit volume for February. Pasco County remained the region’s top driver of new construction, issuing 479 permits valued at more than $184 million. Polk County followed closely with 472 permits totaling $152.2 million.
Southwest Florida
Total Permits: 1,672
Total Construction Value: $581,292,288
Average Value per Permit: $347,663
Southwest Florida maintained its position as one of the state’s most active construction markets. Manatee County issued 419 permits valued at $124.6 million, while Lee County led the region with 576 permits generating $167.8 million in new construction.
Orlando
Total Permits: 1,139
Total Construction Value: $459,056,690
Average Value per Permit: $403,035
The Orlando area posted one of the highest average values per permit statewide, reflecting a mix of higher‑end residential projects and strong market fundamentals. Lake County contributed 276 permits valued at $78.7 million, while Brevard County added 257 permits totaling approximately $114 million.
Jacksonville
Total Permits: 795
Total Construction Value: $217,823,020
Average Value per Permit: $273,991
Northeast Florida saw moderate but steady activity in February. Duval County led the region with 332 permits valued at more than $60.2 million, while St. Johns County—a long‑standing leader in higher‑value residential development—reported 234 permits totaling $63.25 million.
Southeast Florida
Total Permits: 702
Total Construction Value: $331,484,864
Average Value per Permit: $472,201
Southeast Florida recorded the highest average permit value of any region in February, reflecting the area’s premium land values and concentration of higher‑end residential construction. St. Lucie County issued 221 permits valued at $82.3 million, while Palm Beach County reported 125 permits totaling $87.3 million.
Overall, the Tampa and Southwest regions led in volume, while Southeast Florida posted the highest average construction values. Central Florida continued to show strength in mid‑to‑upper‑tier residential development, and Northeast Florida maintained steady growth supported by expanding suburban communities.
As the Sunshine State’s population growth continues to outpace national averages, the residential construction sector remains a critical driver of economic activity and housing supply across the state. HBW’s latest data highlights both the scale and diversity of new home construction underway as builders respond to ongoing demand in one of the nation’s fastest‑growing housing markets.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
Texas continues to be one of the most active residential construction markets in the United States, and monthly permit data remains one of the most reliable indicators of builder performance, regional demand, and shifting competitive dynamics. The latest construction data from HBW offers a clear snapshot of where leading builders stand across the four major metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, as well as how their activity levels compare in terms of both volume and construction value.
For construction professionals monitoring monthly permit reports is essential; the datasets reveal not only which builders are expanding their footprint, but also where market concentration is shifting, how average construction values vary by builder, and which companies may be gaining momentum in specific submarkets. Such insights are invaluable for business development, competitive benchmarking, and forecasting regional growth trajectories.
Below is a breakdown of the top five builders in each metro area for February 2026, along with statewide observations and notable cross‑market performers:
Houston
Houston remains the most active residential construction market in Texas, with 2,152 new permits issued in February.
Top Five Builders – Houston (by total permits)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Value
Average Value
1-D.R. Horton
318
$ 84,131,542.00
$ 264,565.00
2-Lennar Homes
268
$ 65,415,853.00
$ 244,089.00
3-Perry Homes
111
$ 38,223,940.00
$ 344,360.00
4-Meritage Homes
103
$ 26,982,732.00
$ 261,968.00
5-Westin Homes
74
$ 22,304,981.00
$ 301,419.00
D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes continue to dominate Houston’s permit activity, together accounting for more than a quarter of all new residential permits in the region. Perry Homes stands out for its significantly higher average construction value—over $344k—indicating a focus on higher‑end product relative to the volume leaders. Westin Homes also posts a strong average value above $300k, reinforcing its position in the mid‑to‑upper‑tier market segment.
Dallas
Dallas recorded 1,691 new residential permits in February, with a competitive spread among the top builders.
Top Five Builders – Dallas (by total permits)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Value
Average Value
1-D.R. Horton
155
$ 42,524,227.00
$ 274,350.00
2-Trophy Signature Homes
107
$ 44,077,527.00
$ 411,940.00
3-Lennar Homes
104
$ 36,380,056.00
$ 349,808.00
4-Meritage Homes
95
$ 27,392,076.00
$ 288,338.00
5-Highland Homes
67
$ 33,043,311.00
$ 493,184.00
Dallas exhibits a notable trend toward higher average construction values. Out of the top five builders, Highland Homes led the region in average value, approaching half a million dollars per permit—one of the higher averages of the top builders across all major Texas metros this month. Trophy Signature Homes also posts a strong average value above $400k, reflecting a demand for higher‑spec homes in the Dallas market.
Austin
Austin saw 619 new residential permits in February, with Lennar Homes taking a commanding lead.
Top Five Builders – Austin (by total permits)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Value
Average Value
1-Lennar Homes
116
$ 27,530,905.00
$ 237,335.00
2-Pulte Homes
36
$ 10,286,480.00
$ 285,736.00
3-Starlight Homes Texas
32
$ 11,183,951.00
$ 349,498.00
4-Perry Homes
31
$ 15,495,500.00
$ 499,855.00
5-Ashton Woods Homes
30
$ 13,820,839.00
$ 460,695.00
Lennar Home’s strong presence in Austin mirrors its statewide performance, but the standout metric is with Perry Homes and an average value of nearly $500k, the highest among all top builders in the region. Ashton Woods also posted a high average value, reinforcing the reputation that Austin has for higher‑end residential construction.
San Antonio
San Antonio recorded 332 new residential permits in February.
Top Five Builders – San Antonio (by total permits)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Value
Average Value
1-Lennar Homes
54
$ 12,298,500.00
$ 227,750.00
2-Perry Homes
27
$ 9,546,600.00
$ 353,578.00
3-Century Communities
20
$ 5,317,600.00
$ 265,880.00
4-Starlight Homes
20
$ 4,617,200.00
$ 230,860.00
5-Pulte Homes
17
$ 3,368,700.00
$ 198,159.00
Last month, Lennar Homes led San Antonio in volume, while Perry Homes again distinguished itself with a notably higher average construction value. The region reflects a more moderate pricing profile overall compared to Austin and Dallas, consistent with the area’s broader affordability trends.
When evaluating total permit activity across all four major metros (statewide), two builders clearly rise to the top:
D.R. Horton – 494 permits (Houston 318, Dallas 155, Austin 18, San Antonio 3)
Lennar Homes – 542 permits (Houston 268, Dallas 104, Austin 116, San Antonio 54)
Although Lennar Homes edged out D.R. Horton in total statewide permits for February 2026, both companies demonstrate broad geographic reach and consistent performance across all major Texas markets.
When looking more closely at cross‑market performers, the following demonstrated diversified regional strategies and strong operational capacity:
D.R. Horton – Active in all four metros; leads Houston and Dallas.
Lennar Homes – Active in all four metros; leads Austin and San Antonio.
Perry Homes – Strong presence in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio with consistently high average values.
Meritage Homes – Appeared in the top five of both Houston and Dallas.
Pulte Homes – Ranked in the top five builders in both Austin and San Antonio.
HBW’s monthly (and quarterly, annual) construction reports provide a critical lens into market activity, builder performance, and regional demand patterns. For industry professionals, tracking permit volumes and construction values helps identify emerging opportunities, anticipate shifts in market share, and align business development strategies with real‑time market conditions.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
Residential construction across the four major metropolitan markets of Texas maintained a steady pace last month, reflecting continued demand for new housing across the state’s largest population centers. Drawing on building permit data compiled by HBW, we will briefly examine new home construction activity in the four primary Texas metro areas—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio—highlighting total permit volume, construction values, average project valuations, and the counties generating the highest concentration of new permits.
Together, the four major metro regions accounted for 4,794 new residential building permits during the month of February, representing more than $1.6 billion in total new home construction value. As has been the case in recent months, activity remains concentrated in the state’s fastest-growing suburban counties, where population growth, employment expansion, and available developable land continue to drive residential development. Here is a closer look at the latest permit data by metro area:
Houston
The Houston metro area recorded the highest level of new home construction activity among the four major markets in February, while carrying the lowest average value of construction projects.
Total Permits: 2,152
Total Construction Value: $653,987,510
Average Construction Value: $303,898
Within the Houston region, Harris County generated the largest concentration of permits, accounting for 865 new residential building permits with a combined construction value of $287,268,889.
Following closely behind was Montgomery County, which recorded 497 permits totaling $123,982,266 in construction value.
Dallas
The Dallas metro area posted the highest total construction value among the four regions for February, reflecting both strong permit volume and higher average home valuations.
Total Permits: 1,691
Total Construction Value: $669,555,712
Average Construction Value: $395,953
Within the region, Tarrant County recorded the largest concentration of permits with 575 new homes representing $229,410,088 in construction value.
Meanwhile, Collin County followed closely with 540 permits totaling $230,123,525—a figure that slightly exceeded Tarrant County in total construction value. Collin County’s elevated valuation levels continue to reflect its reputation as one of the state’s fastest-growing and most desirable suburban housing markets.
Austin
The Austin region reported 619 new residential building permits in February, generating more than $213 million in total construction value.
Total Permits: 619
Total Construction Value: $213,325,432
Average Construction Value: $344,629
A large share of new construction activity was concentrated in Travis County, which accounted for 306 permits and $104,357,482 in construction value.
Nearby Williamson County continued to demonstrate residential development momentum, with 224 permits totaling $76,434,950.
San Antonio
The San Antonio metro area recorded 332 new residential building permits during February, reflecting continued but measured growth in the region’s housing market.
Total Permits: 332
Total Construction Value: $102,196,083
Average Construction Value: $307,820
As expected, Bexar County, home to San Antonio’s urban core, generated the largest amount of activity with 196 permits totaling close to $60 million.
Meanwhile, Guadalupe County posted 83 permits with a combined construction value of just over $24 million.
From an overall perspective, a few key market takeaways include:
Houston led the state in total permit volume.
Dallas generated the highest overall construction value and the highest average home valuation among the four markets.
Austin’s suburban counties continued to capture a significant share of regional development activity.
San Antonio maintained stable residential construction activity, supported by development in both urban and suburban counties.
For construction professionals operating in the Texas residential market, the latest building permit figures offer valuable insight into where new home construction is occurring and how market dynamics are evolving across the Lone Star State’s most active metro areas.
The above listed analysis is based on residential building permit data compiled and reported by HBW, a leading provider of construction market intelligence and building permit data for professionals across the construction industry. HBW’s reports deliver detailed insight into permit activity, project valuation, and geographic trends to help industry stakeholders better understand where construction growth is taking place.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
The construction market in Florida started the year with a strong level of new activity in the swimming pool sector. According to the latest construction data reports from HBW, approximately 1,750 new swimming pool permits were issued statewide during January 2026 across the five major regions of Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast Florida, and Southwest Florida.
Collectively, the permits represent a total construction value of $149.75 million, underscoring continued investment in outdoor residential amenities and sustained demand within Florida’s single-family housing market.
Below is a regional breakdown of new swimming pool construction activity, including total permits, aggregate construction value, average project valuation, and leading counties by volume:
Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida led the state in new swimming pool construction activity during January.
Total Permits: 695
Total Construction Value: $60,422,472
Average Construction Value: $86,939
The southwestern region accounted for nearly 40% of all statewide permits, reinforcing its position as Florida’s most active swimming pool construction submarket.
Leading Counties by Volume
Manatee County: 171 permits | $15,057,487 in total value
Collier County: 189 permits | $17,107,119 in total value
The concentration of activity in Manatee and Collier counties reflects continued residential expansion and strong discretionary investment in outdoor living. Average valuations indicate consistent mid-to-upper-tier pool construction, typical of this coastal market.
Tampa
The Tampa region maintained robust activity levels, ranking second statewide in total permit volume.
Total Permits: 399
Total Construction Value: $34,965,395
Average Construction Value: $87,633
Leading Counties by Volume
Hillsborough County: 91 permits | $9,792,095 in total value
Pasco County: 79 permits | $8,240,663 in total value
Sumter County: 85 permits | $3,825,000 in total value
The Tampa submarket demonstrated balanced geographic distribution of activity. Average valuations align closely with Southwest Florida, suggesting comparable project scopes and specification levels across West Central Florida.
Southeast Florida
Southeast Florida recorded solid activity, supported by consistent residential demand.
Total Permits: 309
Total Construction Value: $25,674,911
Average Construction Value: $83,090
Leading Counties by Volume
Palm Beach County: 126 permits | $12,580,299 in total value
Miami-Dade County: 60 permits | $3,208,021 in total value
Palm Beach County represented a significant share of regional volume, accounting for more than 40% of Southeast Florida permits. While total valuations remain strong, the regional average construction value trends slightly below West Coast markets, which may reflect differences in lot size, pool configuration, or competitive pricing pressures.
Orlando
The Orlando region posted moderate but stable activity.
Total Permits: 207
Total Construction Value: $15,988,512
Average Construction Value: $77,239
Leading Counties by Volume
Orange County: 77 permits | $6,402,893 in total value
Brevard County: 38 permits | $3,373,407 in total value
Average project valuation in this region is slightly lower than coastal submarkets, which may indicate smaller project scopes, entry-level pool packages, or increased price sensitivity in inland markets.
Jacksonville
The Jacksonville region recorded the highest average construction value statewide, despite having the lowest total permit volume among the five regions.
Total Permits: 139
Total Construction Value: $12,698,804
Average Construction Value: $91,358
Leading County by Volume
St. Johns County: 71 permits | $7,143,657 in total value
The elevated average valuation suggests higher-end pool construction and customization within this market, particularly in St. Johns County, which accounted for more than 50% of regional permits.
Overall, there are several key trends that have emerged and are worth noting from the January 2026 construction data:
Regional Concentration: Southwest Florida remains the dominant submarket for new swimming pool construction, capturing the largest share of permits and total valuation.
Stable Average Valuations: Most regions report average project values in the $83,000–$91,000 range, indicating relative pricing consistency statewide.
Coastal Market Strength: Coastal counties—particularly Manatee, Collier, Palm Beach, and St. Johns—continue to drive higher volumes and stronger valuations.
Balanced Q1 Start: January’s figures reflect a stable start to the year, with no extreme volatility in average project costs, suggesting steady material pricing and labor conditions within the sector.
For pool contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and building officials, the latest figures indicate a healthy and geographically diversified market entering 2026. The consistency in permit issuance and construction valuations suggests sustained homeowner investment in outdoor amenities. As we move further into Q1, monitoring month-over-month permit trends, valuation shifts, and county-level concentration will be important for assessing contractor backlog strength, competitive positioning, and regional demand.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
In our previous post examining residential construction activity in Florida for January 2026, we highlighted permit data for the start of the year; last month, HBW recorded 4,889 new home permits and more than $1.65 billion in residential construction value across five major regions. Building on that statewide snapshot, today we will take a deeper look at the contractors driving the latest figures.
Using the same construction data reports from HBW, this analysis identifies the leading home builders in each region based on total new residential permits on record for January 2026. Rankings are strictly volume-based, providing a clear view of market share, regional dominance, and statewide overlap. Construction values and average permit valuations are also examined to distinguish builders focused on higher-end product versus more attainable housing segments.
Across the five regions reviewed, a relatively small group of national and regional builders accounted for a substantial share of the nearly 4,900 permits, underscoring the continued dominance of large-scale production builders—particularly those operating across multiple Florida markets.
Statewide Volume Leaders (All Regions Combined)
Based on total permits recorded statewide in January 2026:
Lennar Homes – 568 permits
D.R. Horton – 559 permits
Pulte Homes – 401 permits
The above listed three builders alone generated well over 30% of all residential permits reviewed, reflecting both geographic reach and strong production capacity. Here is a closer look at the leading home builders across all five Florida regions of Southwest, Tampa, Southeast, Orlando, and Jacksonville:
Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida recorded 1,405 total residential permits in January, with national production builders clearly dominating volume.
Taylor Morrison – 51 permits | $11.1M | Avg. $216,750
High permit counts paired with lower average valuations indicate strong production of entry-level and mid-market homes, particularly by D.R. Horton and Pulte. The higher average valuation from Neal Communities reflects a more premium, regionally focused product mix.
Tampa
The Tampa area led the state in total permit volume, and its builder mix reflects both scale and price diversity.
Lennar Homes – 167 permits | $62.2M | Avg. $372,426
The Villages of Lake Sumter – 139 permits | $24.3M | Avg. $175,000
Pulte Homes – 98 permits | $41.2M | Avg. $420,853
Homes by West Bay – 56 permits | $30.2M | Avg. $539,264
Tampa reflects clear segmentation – The Villages’ lower average values reflect high-volume, standardized product, while Homes by West Bay and Pulte skew toward higher-end residential construction.
Orlando
Last month, top builders in Central Florida favored fewer permits with comparatively higher average values.
Top Builders by Permit Volume:
Pulte Homes – 103 permits | $38.5M | Avg. $373,773
Lennar Homes – 64 permits | $22.1M | Avg. $345,277
Higher average permit values suggest continued strength in move-up and infill construction, while AMH’s presence points to ongoing build-to-rent activity within the region.
Southeast Florida
Southeast Florida recorded the highest average permit values statewide, even as overall permit counts remained more measured.
Top Builders by Permit Volume:
JFB Construction – 77 permits | $24.9M | Avg. $322,812
Lower average permit values indicate a concentration of affordable and entry-level housing, supporting continued population growth and housing accessibility in Northeast Florida.
Overall, the latest builder data for January 2026 reinforces several key trends in Florida’s residential construction market:
Volume leadership remains concentrated among national builders, particularly D.R. Horton and Lennar.
Average permit value varies sharply by region, reflecting land costs, product type, and buyer profile.
Regional builders continue to capture premium niches, especially in Tampa and Southeast Florida.
Multi-region presence is a competitive advantage, offering scale, diversification, and resilience.
For developers, suppliers, lenders, and construction service providers, understanding who is building—and where—is as critical as tracking total permit counts. HBW’s permit intelligence provides the clarity need to turn raw data into actionable market insight.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
The latest HBW reports for new pool construction across Texas reflect continued demand for outdoor residential amenities, despite seasonal headwinds typical of early-year construction cycles. For contractors, suppliers, and industry stakeholders, this dataset provides not only a snapshot of current activity, but also actionable insight into regional market concentration, valuation trends, and month-over-month performance.
Across the four primary metro areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio), Texas recorded a combined total of 385 new residential swimming pool permits in January 2026; this represents approximately a 14% month-over-month decrease from December 2025, when 451 permits were on record. While the decline is notable, it aligns with historical seasonal normalization.
The total valuation of new pool construction across the four metros reached more than $27.6 million in January. The weighted average construction value statewide (based on total valuation divided by total permits) equates to approximately $71,750 per project, signaling sustained investment in mid- to upper-tier residential outdoor improvements. Here is a closer look at permit distribution by region:
Houston
In January, Houston led out of all regions reviewed with the following:
140 total permits
$11,331,531.00 in total construction value
$80,940.00 average value per permit
108 permits issued in Harris County
Houston not only recorded the highest permit volume but also the highest average valuation among the four metros analyzed. The concentration of 108 permits in Harris County indicates strong geographic clustering, suggesting consistent residential development pipelines and high homeowner reinvestment activity within the county. From a strategic standpoint, Houston’s elevated average valuation signals a market favorable to higher-end design-build firms, specialty subcontractors, and premium material suppliers.
Dallas
Last month, Dallas followed closely behind Houston in total volume with the following:
128 total permits
$9,318,229.00 in total construction value
$72,799.00 average value per permit
County-level distribution shows division across the area, with 45 permits issued in Collin County, 31 permits in Tarrant County, and 30 permits in Denton County, reflecting a broad dispersion of new swimming pool construction activity throughout the region. Unlike Houston’s centralized concentration, the Dallas market demonstrates multi-county distribution, reflecting broader suburban expansion patterns. This dispersion can create both opportunity and logistical complexity; contractors positioned with multi-county operational reach may hold a competitive advantage in capturing consistent volume. The average valuation in Dallas remains strong, though moderately below that of Houston.
Austin
For the month of January, the Austin area reported:
75 total permits
$4,886,098.00 in total construction value
$65,148.00 average value per permit
70 permits concentrated in Travis County
Nearly all new swimming pool construction activity took place in Travis County, underscoring a highly centralized permitting environment. Austin’s permit volume, while significantly lower than Houston and Dallas, continues to reflect steady demand within a high-growth residential market. The lower average valuation relative to Houston and Dallas may be indicative of more cost-sensitive builds or streamlined project scopes. However, Austin remains a high-opportunity market due to demographic growth trends and sustained single-family development.
San Antonio
Last month, San Antonio recorded:
42 total permits
$2,088,000.00 in total construction value
$49,714.00 average value per permit
33 permits in Bexar County
San Antonio posted the lowest total volume and lowest average project valuation among the four metros analyzed. With 33 of 42 permits concentrated in Bexar County, the market exhibits moderate centralization similar to Austin, though at a smaller scale. The comparatively lower valuation may reflect more standardized installations, entry-level builds, or smaller residential lot configurations.
From a macro-level perspective, the data for January illustrates three key trends:
Houston landed as the dominant high-value market for new swimming pool construction in Texas.
Dallas offers volume diversification across multiple high-growth counties.
Austin and San Antonio present concentrated but comparatively lower-value opportunities, requiring refined pricing and cost-control strategies.
The month-over-month decline of approximately 14% in total permits should not be interpreted as a contraction in demand, but rather as a seasonal recalibration. As Q1 progresses, continued monitoring of HBW’s construction data reports will be critical in identifying trend reversals, acceleration patterns, or shifts in county-level concentration. For construction professionals seeking to strategically position their firms, permit data remains one of the most reliable leading indicators of near-term residential construction activity.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
If you have been in the construction industry for some time, then you know one thing to be true: Projects do not happen by accident. They happen because someone has a need, secures financing, develops a scope, and pulls a permit.
And that is right where opportunity resides.
This article isn’t to sell you on another shiny tool. I am here to simply suggest something practical—something that, when used wisely, can shift how you approach business development altogether: building permit data.
The Myth of “Automated” Lead Generation
I don’t need to say it, but I will… We are living in a time when AI, automation, CRM platforms, and marketing systems promise to streamline everything. And to be fair, they can streamline quite a bit of day-to-day processing, but they cannot replace face-to-face interaction. With the various technologies and platforms available, you can automate everything from email marketing campaigns and contact database segmentation to proposal workflow and social media scheduling. Automation tools can even take over some elements of estimating and preconstruction, but here’s what you can’t automate in a meaningful way: Relevance.
You can automate communication, but you cannot automate genuine demand.
Lead generation in construction is not the same as e-commerce. We are not selling a $49 widget or the latest trendy graphic tee. We are dealing with capital improvements, structural integrity, design intent, zoning regulations, financing timelines, inspections, and risk allocation, all of which are high-consideration decisions.
Construction doesn’t happen in virtual reality. Real projects happen face-to-face, and real projects happen because someone has a real, immediate need; building permits serve as a public record of that need.
Permit Data: A Window into Actual Demand
When a property owner pulls a permit, it is not hypothetical interest. It is not an algorithmically directed move or low interest “click” or download of a free white paper. When a permit is pulled it is a clear declaration that “We are moving forward.”
Permit data opens a window into the activity that is actually happening in your market. It shows you where new homes are breaking ground, which properties are undergoing major renovations or additions, and who is replacing a roof or upgrading an HVAC system. It reveals electrical and plumbing work, tenant improvements, commercial build-outs, and even larger infrastructure investments taking shape in your community. In simple terms, it shows you where real money is being committed and where real projects are moving forward. And when you can see where capital is actively being invested, you can clearly identify and respond to opportunity.
Moving from Blind Outreach to Strategic Engagement
Let’s talk honestly for a moment… Cold calling from a generic list is exhausting, for everyone. Purchasing unverified lead lists is frustrating and sending mass emails to people who don’t need your services can be damaging to your sales team’s confidence (and reputation).
There are few things as discouraging as reaching out to 100 contacts and discovering that 85 of them have no active project, no budget, or no interest in services. Pursuing empty leads is inefficient, and it can unintentionally damage your brand perception. Repeated irrelevant outreach doesn’t position you as a professional partner; instead, it can make you look like you are pushing product, and most customers do not like to be pushed.
Permit-driven prospecting, on the other hand, changes the tone of the conversation.
You are not asking: “Do you need help with anything?”
You are saying: “I understand you’ve recently pulled a permit for a roof replacement / addition / commercial build-out. If you are still evaluating subcontractors or suppliers, I’d be happy to provide insight or a second look.”
One approach may come off as intrusive, while the other feels informed and positions you as a provider of resources.
Control Over Your Audience
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from contractors and suppliers is: “We’re spending money on marketing, but we don’t feel in control of who sees us.” This is especially the case when contractors become reliant on wide-net marketing and social media presence. Permit data restores control. Instead of casting a wide net and hoping something sticks, you can:
Identify geographic pockets of high construction activity
Track specific permit types aligned with your trade
Monitor permit valuation thresholds that match your ideal project size
Focus on municipalities with increasing construction volume
You are not just targeting “homeowners.” You are targeting homeowners in active renovation phases. And with commercial permits, you are not just targeting “developers.” You are targeting developers who have filed tenant improvement permits this quarter. While the difference may appear small, it is the precision that saves time, and money.
Cost Efficiency and Resource Allocation
From a business standpoint, every outreach effort carries a real cost—whether we acknowledge it or not. Cost is in the time your sales team spends making calls and driving to meetings, the fuel and travel expenses that add up, the hours invested in preparing proposals and running estimates, and the administrative effort required to track, follow up, and document it all. None of that is insignificant. All of it is overhead, and all of it impacts the bottom line.
When your outreach is aligned with verified project activity, something shifts. Your cost per acquisition begins to improve almost organically because you are no longer chasing possibilities—you are engaging in actual opportunities. You waste fewer touches on uninterested contacts, and response rates naturally rise because your timing makes sense. And most importantly, your conversations become more substantive because instead of creating need, you are responding to it.
Even in situations where the project has already been awarded, the interaction doesn’t go to waste. You still have a legitimate, informed reason to introduce yourself. You can offer perspective, share insight, and establish rapport for the next phase, the next renovation, or the next development cycle. Relationships in this industry are not built through one-off transactions, but through consistent, relevant engagement over time.
Becoming a Resource, Not a Solicitor
This is where permit intelligence really shines. When you approach a property owner already informed about their project stage, you can shift from sales mode to advisory mode.
For example:
A homeowner pulling a structural addition permit may not yet understand waterproofing considerations.
A retail tenant improvement might not have finalized specialty finishes.
A commercial reroof permit may not account for energy-efficient upgrades or tax incentives.
With this information you can go from merely “selling” to properly educating. You can say: “Based on similar projects, here are a few considerations you may want to evaluate.” This simple difference enables you to be prepared and knowledgeable of their property while also being solution-oriented and invested in the outcome of their project.
AI, Technology, and the Human Element
There is a growing belief that AI will automate everything (marketing, estimating, bidding, outreach, etc.). I am not here to argue for or against, but as things stand right now, that is not happening tomorrow. While technology can organize information, analyze patterns, and automate communication sequences, construction itself remains profoundly human. Every project comes with layers that don’t show up on a spreadsheet. There’s the site itself, with all its intricacies. There are building codes to interpret, risks to weigh, budgets to align, and design details to coordinate. And underneath all of it, there must be a level of trust.
Homeowners do not hire a contractor simply because an automated email landed in their inbox at the perfect moment. They hire someone who understands the scope, can anticipate complications before they become problems, and will carry the work through responsibly. Permit data strengthens the human element of the process; it ensures that when you walk into the conversation, you are informed, prepared, and ready to speak about what actually matters.
At the end of the day, we are building homes, offices, warehouses, schools, medical facilities—the spaces where people live and work. Every project represents someone’s investment, someone’s vision, and often someone’s livelihood. The more informed and intentional we are about how we pursue that work, the better positioned we are to serve it well—and to build businesses that last just as long as the structures we create.
For more information on construction business marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.
The latest residential building permit data added to the HBW database during January 2026 reflects geographic diversity across Florida’s new home construction market. Drawing from five major regions of Tampa, Southwest Florida, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Southeast Florida, this report provides a comprehensive snapshot of permit volume, total construction value, average valuation, and leading counties driving activity during the one-month period.
HBW, a leading provider of construction reports and building permit intelligence for industry professionals, tracks real-time permitting trends to deliver actionable market insights. The January data underscores Florida’s sustained residential demand, with measurable concentration in both high-growth suburban corridors and established coastal markets. Across the five major regions analyzed, HBW recorded the following for the Sunshine State:
Total New Residential Permits: 4,889
Total Construction Value: > $1.65 billion
Weighted Average Permit Value (Statewide): Approximately $338,561 per home
This aggregate valuation reflects both entry-level and move-up housing activity, with notable variance between inland growth markets and higher-priced coastal regions. The distribution of permit volume highlights ongoing suburban expansion, while elevated average values in select markets indicate continued demand for higher-end product.
Tampa Region
Total Permits: 1,545
Total Value: $513,870,903
Average Value: $332,603
The Tampa region led the state in total permit volume for January, accounting for approximately 31.6% of all permits reviewed. This level of performance reinforces Tampa’s position as one of Florida’s most active residential construction hubs.
Leading Counties:
Pasco County: 423 permits | $182,885,515
Polk County: 397 permits | $125,963,200
Together, the above-mentioned counties represented more than half of the region’s total permits for the month.
Southwest Florida
Total Permits: 1,405
Total Value: $427,950,220
Average Value: $304,591
Southwest Florida followed closely behind Tampa in overall permit activity, reflecting steady rebuilding, in-migration, and continued demand for both primary and seasonal residences.
Leading Counties:
Manatee County: 456 permits | $133,796,457
Lee County: 414 permits | $117,163,879
Manatee County led the region in volume, while Lee County trailed close behind; both counties combined carried more than 60% of all new construction in the region.
Jacksonville Region
Total Permits: 678
Total Value: $209,670,168
Average Value: $309,248
Northeast Florida’s Jacksonville market demonstrated consistent residential expansion in January. While permit totals are lower than Central and Southwest Florida markets, the region remains a stable contributor to statewide housing inventory.
Leading Counties:
Duval County: 235 permits | $46,827,004
St. Johns County: 215 permits | $77,009,351
St. Johns County’s higher construction valuation relative to permit count suggests a concentration of higher-priced new home developments compared to Duval County’s more moderate average pricing.
Orlando Region
Total Permits: 637
Total Value: $239,115,616
Average Value: $375,378
The Orlando region recorded one of the higher average permit values statewide, indicating continued strength in mid-to-upper-tier residential construction.
Leading Counties:
Orange County: 169 permits | $63,178,200
Brevard County: 187 permits | $74,359,334
Brevard County led the region in permit volume, while Orange County trailed closely while maintaining solid overall valuation totals. The region’s pricing profile reflects sustained economic expansion and continued household formation in Central Florida.
Southeast Florida
Total Permits: 624
Total Value: $264,612,049
Average Value: $424,058
Southeast Florida recorded the highest average permit value among the five regions reviewed, reinforcing its position as Florida’s premium residential construction market.
Leading Counties:
St. Lucie County: 200 permits | $68,464,141
Palm Beach County: 183 permits | $82,207,398
Palm Beach County’s elevated valuation totals signal continued demand for higher-end new home construction, while St. Lucie County remains a volume-driven growth corridor offering comparatively attainable price points within the region.
The construction data reports from last month reflect several notable statewide trends:
Strong Geographic Diversification: No single region dominates entirely. While Tampa and Southwest Florida lead in volume, Southeast Florida commands the highest average home values.
Suburban & Exurban Expansion: Counties such as Pasco, Polk, Manatee, and St. Lucie continue to absorb substantial residential growth, supported by land availability and relative affordability.
Value Stratification by Region: The variance between Southwest Florida’s $304,591 average and Southeast Florida’s $424,058 average demonstrates clear segmentation in product type and pricing.
Sustained Residential Demand: With over $1.65 billion in new residential construction value recorded across the five regions in a single month, Florida’s housing market remains active despite broader economic fluctuations.
For builders, developers, suppliers, and construction service providers, such trends reinforce the importance of regional intelligence and county-level targeting. As growth in Florida continues to be shaped by migration patterns, land availability, and pricing segmentation, timely permit data remains an essential strategic asset.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
Earlier this week, we analyzed the latest HBW construction data reports and noted that 4,615 new residential construction permits were issued across the four major Texas metro regions (Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio), representing more than $1.54 billion in total construction value for the month of January 2026.
Today’s report shifts from macro-level market performance to builder-level activity, identifying the top home builders by total permits pulled, along with their corresponding total construction value and average construction value per home. The combined metrics provide a clear view of market share, production scale, and product positioning across the most active residential construction markets in the Lone Star State.
Houston
Houston continues to demonstrate substantial production volume, led by several national production builders with strong regional footprints. Notably, D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes dominate permit activity, reinforcing their longstanding market share. Both builders show strikingly similar average construction values, reflecting competitive positioning in comparable price bands.
Top 5 Builders – Houston (January 2026)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Construction Value
Average Value
D.R. Horton
322
$82,906,040
$257,472
Lennar Homes
287
$74,004,226
$257,854
Meritage Homes
101
$22,687,036
$224,624
Perry Homes
85
$24,985,800
$293,951
Westin Homes
78
$22,641,500
$290,276
Houston’s top two builders alone accounted for more than 600 permits in January, reflecting significant production capacity and absorption rates. Builders like Perry and Westin, with higher average construction values, appear (from a monthly perspective) positioned more firmly within the move-up and premium segments.
Dallas
The Dallas market reflected a more diversified value spectrum, with production builders competing alongside higher-end luxury-focused firms. Lennar Homes took the lead by permit count, followed closely by D.R. Horton, reinforcing their statewide dominance. However, Dallas stands out due to the high total value generated by Toll Brothers, whose significantly higher average construction value indicates strong activity in the luxury or executive housing segment.
Top 5 Builders – Dallas (January 2026)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Construction Value
Average Value
Lennar Homes
124
$37,907,318
$305,704
D.R. Horton
113
$29,306,014
$259,345
Trophy Signature Homes
94
$32,566,866
$346,456
Toll Brothers
72
$49,422,921
$686,429
Permit Office Will Not Provide
68
$26,170,611
$384,862
*Note:About “Permit Office Will Not Provide” – In some jurisdictions, the permitting authority does not publicly release the builder’s name in their reporting database. While this prevents attribution to a specific company, the permit count, total valuation, and average valuation data are still fully recorded and included in aggregate reporting. For transparency and naming clarity, the next ranked identifiable builder in Dallas is:
M/I Homes 55 Permits | $19,664,786 Total Value | $357,542 Average Value
Austin
Austin’s data for last month reflects a more moderate production volume compared to Houston and Dallas, but with consistent mid-range pricing metrics from the leading home builders in the region. Pulte Homes took the lead by permit count, followed closely by Lennar Homes. The average construction values across the top five builders are relatively tight, indicating competitive positioning within similar buyer segments.
Top 5 Builders – Austin (January 2026)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Construction Value
Average Value
Pulte Homes
44
$12,983,800
$295,086
Lennar Homes
40
$12,277,600
$306,940
Chesmar Homes
27
$9,188,690
$340,322
Taylor Morrison Homes
21
$7,116,120
$338,863
Starlight Homes
19
$7,125,831
$375,044
San Antonio
San Antonio demonstrates a more entry-level to mid-tier price orientation within the top five home builders, with lower average construction values relative to Dallas and Austin. Lennar Homes led the market again, reinforcing its statewide level of penetration.
Top 5 Builders – San Antonio (January 2026)
Builder
Total Permits
Total Construction Value
Average Value
Lennar Homes
57
$12,600,000
$221,053
KB Homes
24
$5,689,500
$237,063
Perry Homes
21
$6,768,600
$322,314
Starlight Homes
15
$3,318,700
$221,247
Meritage Homes
10
$2,963,300
$296,330
San Antonio’s lower average valuation metrics indicate strong demand in the attainable housing segment, with production efficiency playing a key role in builder performance.
Statewide Builder Dominance
When evaluating total permits pulled across all four metro regions for the one-month period, the top three builders statewide are:
Top Texas Builders by Total Permits (January 2026)
Lennar Homes – 508 permits (Houston + Dallas + Austin + San Antonio)
Lennar Homes demonstrates the broadest geographic reach and overall statewide leadership, and D.R. Horton remains highly concentrated and dominant in Houston and Dallas. The consistent crossover of Lennar, D.R. Horton, Perry Homes, Meritage Homes, and Starlight Homes across multiple metros highlights the influence of large-scale production builders. While permit volume remains the primary indicator of builder market share, total construction value and average valuation reveal important distinctions in product segmentation—from attainable housing in San Antonio to luxury-driven activity in Dallas. The monthly review and metrics offer a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape that is shaping residential construction in Texas at the start of year.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
January 2026 opened the year with measurable momentum across the four major metropolitan markets of Texas. According to building permit data compiled and analyzed by HBW, a leading provider of construction permit intelligence, new residential construction activity in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio collectively generated more than 4,600 new single-family building permits and over $1.54 billion in residential construction value during the month.
While January is traditionally viewed as a transitional month in the annual construction cycle, the data suggests sustained builder confidence in key Texas growth corridors. Below is a detailed breakdown of activity by metro area, including total permits, total construction value, average project value, and the top counties with the highest concentration of new permits:
Houston Metro Area
Total Permits: 2,145
Total Construction Value: $659,798,757
Average Construction Value: $307,598
Houston led the state in overall volume, accounting for nearly half of all permits issued across the four major metros in January. Total residential construction value approached $660 million, underscoring continued demand across both infill and suburban submarkets.
Top Counties (Highest Concentration of Permits)
Harris County: 771 permits | $275,251,618 in construction value
Montgomery County: 582 permits | $150,296,512 in construction value
Harris County remains the epicenter of residential construction activity in the region, driven by both production builders and semi-custom developments. From a market perspective, Houston’s average home value of approximately $307,600 reflects a healthy mix of entry-level and mid-market product, signaling continued focus on attainable housing alongside move-up inventory.
Dallas Metro Area
Total Permits: 1,523
Total Construction Value: $583,364,493
Average Construction Value: $383,036
The Dallas area posted the second-highest permit volume in January but generated a comparable total construction value to Houston, reflecting the highest average home value out of all regions reviewed.
Top Counties
Tarrant County: 594 permits | $215,709,192 in construction value
Collin County: 459 permits | $183,127,762 in construction value
With an average new home construction value exceeding $383,000, the Dallas area continues to demonstrate strength in higher price-point segments. Collin County reportedly remains a focal point for executive-level housing and planned community development, while Tarrant County reflects consistent production builder activity. The elevated average project valuation suggests ongoing demand in move-up and upper-tier markets.
Austin Metro Area
Total Permits: 563
Total Construction Value: $188,478,475
Average Construction Value: $334,775
Austin’s January permit totals reflect moderated but steady activity, with the total construction value approaching $188.5 million for the month.
Top Counties
Travis County: 281 permits | $86,986,175 in construction value
Williamson County: 211 permits | $72,803,300 in construction value
Austin’s average construction value of approximately $334,775 positions the market between Houston and Dallas in terms of pricing structure. Williamson County continues to attract sustained development interest due to land availability, infrastructure expansion, and relative affordability compared to central Austin. While overall permit volume is lower than Houston or Dallas, the capital region remains strategically important for factors including but not limited to employment growth, technology sector expansion, and long-term population inflow.
San Antonio Metro Area
Total Permits: 384
Total Construction Value: $112,812,778
Average Construction Value: $293,783
San Antonio recorded 384 new residential permits in January, with total construction value exceeding $112.8 million.
Top County
Bexar County:
253 permits | $65,818,598 in construction value
With an average construction value of approximately $293,800, San Antonio continues to hold the lowest average value of all metros reviewed, reflecting strength in entry-level and workforce housing segments. Bexar County dominates regional activity, accounting for the majority of permits issued during the month. From a macro standpoint, San Antonio remains a steady and resilient market, often characterized by sustainable growth patterns rather than volatility.
Statewide Summary(Four Major Metro Areas)
Based on aggregated January 2026 data from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio:
Total Permits Issued: 4,615
Total Construction Value: $1,544,454,503
Statewide Average Construction Value: ≈ $334,660 per home
Collectively, these figures represent more than $1.54 billion in new residential investment in a single month, highlighting the continued economic significance of homebuilding across Texas’ primary growth corridors. The statewide average value of approximately $334,660 suggests a balanced market composition, with strong participation across entry-level, mid-market, and move-up product segments.
Market Outlook
For builders, developers, suppliers, and service providers, January’s activity levels indicate:
Sustained consumer demand in major population centers
Continued suburban expansion in high-growth counties
Stable pricing structures across diverse market segments
Ongoing capital deployment into single-family residential inventory
Permit volume remains a leading indicator of forward construction activity, and the data for last month points to a solid pipeline entering the first quarter of 2026. While broader economic variables (financing conditions, labor availability, material pricing) will continue to influence production pacing, the underlying fundamentals of Texas’ housing market remain intact.
For construction professionals, understanding permit trends at both the metro and county level provides actionable insight into where activity is concentrating and where opportunities are likely to emerge in the months ahead. As always, HBW will continue to monitor building permit activity statewide, delivering timely, data-driven intelligence to help industry leaders make informed decisions.
To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.
Source: HBW Construction Data Reports – January 2026
