Florida’s swimming pool construction market demonstrated a slowing through the third quarter of 2024. Statewide, a high volume of permits has been issued, driven by ongoing demand for residential pools amid continued population growth and migration trends; at the same time there has been an overall decline in new pool construction so far this year in comparison to the same time last year. Despite economic challenges and fluctuating construction costs, demand for new pools in regions like the southwest and northeast have exhibited growth through Q3, with 3% and 2% year-over-year increases respectively.
Labor shortages and material cost fluctuations have, however, introduced some hurdles for builders, impacting timelines and increasing project expenses. These trends align with broader construction challenges seen throughout the state, as Florida’s housing and home improvement sectors adapt to ongoing supply chain pressures and workforce shortages. The industry is expected to maintain a steady pace into the fourth quarter, though economic conditions may influence future demand.
As evident in the latest HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report for Florida, there has been a 6 percent year-over-year decrease in new swimming pool construction so far this year (thru Q3-2024), resulting in 21,790 new permits added to the HBW database. Out of the six major Florida regions reviewed (Southwest, Central, West, Southeast, Northeast, Northwest), the highest concentration of new pool permits could be found in the southwestern region of the state (6,586 permits); as previously noted, the southwestern region, along with the northeast, exhibited the only noted gains in new pool construction as both areas demonstrated year-over-year increases of 3% and 2% respectively.
Here is a closer look at the total permits and leading counties for new swimming pool construction across the Sunshine State through Q3-2024:
Southwest
Total Permits: 6,586
% Change YTD: +3 percent
Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Lee County (1,819 permits); Sarasota County (1,317 permits)
Southeast
Total Permits: 4,098
% Change YTD: -11 percent
Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Palm Beach County (1,545 permits); Miami-Dade County (958 permits)
West
Total Permits: 3,492
% Change YTD: -15 percent
Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Hillsborough County (1,195 permits); Pinellas County (568 permits)
Central
Total Permits: 3,117
% Change YTD: -8 percent
Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Orange County (824 permits); Lake County (727 permits)
Northeast
Total Permits: 2,370
% Change YTD: +2 percent
Leading Counties for Total New Permits: St. Johns County (855 permits); Duval County (432 permits)
Northwest
Total Permits: 2,127
% Change YTD: -11 percent
Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Walton County (408 permits); Santa Rosa County (360 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.