After two years of annual declines, the residential construction market in Florida is showing signs of growth. From January through September, there has been a 6 percent increase in new residential construction permits in comparison to the same time last year, resulting in 84,865 new permits on record with HBW.

Out of the six regions reviewed, more than 45 percent of all new residential construction permits originated from the southwest and west where there were 19,741 and 18,467 permits on record through Q3 respectively.

Here is a closer look at the total permits, % year-over-year change in residential construction (YTD), as well as the leading counties in each of the six Florida regions reviewed:

Southwest

In the southwestern region, there were 19,741 new permits through the third quarter of this year, reflecting a 12 percent increase in comparison to the same period last year. Out of the five counties that make up the southwest, Lee County (7,145 permits) held the highest concentration of new home construction activity.

West

Through Q3-2024, there have been 18,467 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the western region of Florida, reflecting a steady market with a 1 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction. Out of the seven counties reviewed, the highest concentration of new permits originated from Polk County (7,115 permits) and Hillsborough County (3,431 permits).

Northeast

In the northeastern region, there have been 17,230 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database through the third quarter of this year, reflecting a 21 percent increase in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the eight counties factored in the report, more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Marion (4,970 permits) and St. Johns (4,020 permits).

Central

Through the third quarter of this year, there have been 11,765 new residential construction permits recorded for Central Florida, reflecting a 10 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction. Out of the six counties included in the Central Florida report, the highest concentration of new residential construction activity could be found in Brevard County where there were 2,712 new permits on record for the 9-month period.

Northwest

In the northwestern region of Florida, there has been a 6 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction, resulting in 9,782 new permits on record with HBW. Out of the 18 counties that were included in the regional report, approximately 55 percent of all new residential construction activity took place in Bay County (1,662 permits), Santa Rosa County (1,497 permits), Escambia County (1,121 permits), and Walton County (1,095 permits).

Southeast

Through the third quarter of this year, there have been 7,880 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the southeastern region of Florida; this reflects a 9 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction. Out of the seven counties that make up the southeast, St. Lucie County (2,834 permits) carried the highest volume of new residential construction 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.