An overview of permit data for new home construction in Florida from January through March 2023

Since the start of this year (through March), new residential construction has been off to a slow start in the Sunshine State. In fact, across six regions reviewed (Southeast, Northeast, Southwest, Central, West, Northwest) there has been an overall 41 percent year-over-year decline in new residential construction, resulting in just over 20,550 new permits in the HBW database. Throughout Florida, regions have exhibited year-over-year decreases in new home construction ranging from -17% (Northwest) to -48% (Northeast), with every area lagging behind last year.  Out of the six regions reviewed, the highest concentration of new home construction could be found in West Florida where there were more than 4,605 new permits for the three-month period, while the lowest level of new construction activity could be found in the Southeast (1,820 permits).

Here is closer look at construction data by region through Q1-2023:

West Florida

As previously mentioned, West Florida ranked #1 for total new residential construction permits.  Last month, there were more than 4,605 new permits added to the HBW database, reflecting a 44 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction. More than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Pasco (1,335 permits) and Hillsborough (1,029 permits).

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida ranked #2 for total permits – During Q1-2023, there was a 44 percent year-over-year decrease in new residential construction, resulting in more than 4,585 new permits added to the HBW database.  Out of the five counties that make up the area, the majority of permits originated from Lee County (1,562 permits) and Manatee County (845 permits).

Northeast Florida

New construction in the northeastern region of Florida was down by 48 percent in comparison to the same time last year, resulting in more than 3,550 new permits.  More than half of all new construction took place in the counties of Duval (900 permits) and St. Johns (890 permits).

Central Florida

In the first quarter of this year, Central Florida has demonstrated a 38 percent year-over-year decrease in residential construction activity, resulting in nearly 3,400 new permits on record with HBW.  More than 56 percent of all new construction took place in Orange County (979 permits) and Brevard County (934 permits).

Northwest Florida

In the northwestern region of Florida, new home construction was down by 17 percent in comparison to the same period last year, resulting in 2,590 new permits on file with HBW.  The counties carrying higher levels of new residential construction include Bay (494 permits), Escambia (383 permits), and Santa Rosa (342 permits).

Southeast Florida

Through Q3, there have been 1,820 new residential construction permits added to the HBW for the southeastern region of Florida; this figure reflects a 38 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction activity. The counties carrying more than half of all new residential construction activity for the three-month period include St. Lucie County (734 permits) and Palm Beach County (444 permits).

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.