Last week, we explored and highlighted some of the top home builders in Florida for August 2025. This week, we are taking a closer look at HBW’s construction data reports to better understand where residential construction is most concentrated, where higher-value projects are emerging, and which counties are leading growth within each region.
In August, there were 5,774 new residential construction permits on record with HBW across five major regions of Florida (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast). While activity remains strong, this figure represents an approximate 8% month-over-month decline compared to July, indicating a modest pullback in housing starts as we move through the second half of the year.
Here’s an overview and regional breakdown of new home construction in Florida during the month of August 2025:
Southwest
- Total Permits: 1,464
- Total Construction Value: $455.1M
- Average Value per Permit: $310,870
Southwest Florida continues to be a key driver of new home construction. Manatee County issued 365 permits totaling $88.7M, while Lee County recorded 619 permits valued at nearly $187M. Both counties accounted for more than two-thirds of the region’s new housing activity in August, reflecting continued growth along the Gulf Coast.
Tampa
- Total Permits: 1,723
- Total Construction Value: $580.3M
- Average Value per Permit: $336,808
The Tampa market led the state in terms of total permits pulled during August. Hillsborough County issued 411 permits valued at $156.1M, while Polk County carried 462 permits totaling $159.7M. The balance between volume and value in both counties underscores Tampa’s position as one of Florida’s most active and diversified residential construction markets.
Orlando
- Total Permits: 1,302
- Total Construction Value: $472.3M
- Average Value per Permit: $362,773
Central Florida exhibited strong permitting activity in August, with higher-than-average home values compared to most other regions reviewed. Lake County reported 407 permits valued at $107.1M, while Brevard County added 334 permits with a total value of $126.6M. The region’s higher average value per permit reflects demand for mid- to upper-tier residential development in and around Orlando.
Southeast
- Total Permits: 589
- Total Construction Value: $266.7M
- Average Value per Permit: $452,801
While Southeast Florida produced the fewest permits, it had the highest average value per project, topping $450K. St. Lucie County contributed 171 permits valued at $74.1M, while Palm Beach County generated 140 permits totaling $87.4M. The latest figures highlight the luxury-driven nature of the housing market in this region, where fewer but higher-value projects dominate the landscape.
Jacksonville
- Total Permits: 696
- Total Construction Value: $194.0M
- Average Value per Permit: $278,736
In Northeast Florida, the Jacksonville market recorded just under 700 permits. Duval County issued 285 permits valued at $56M, and St. Johns County contributed 190 permits with a total value of $50.6M. Although Jacksonville trailed other regions in terms of average construction value, it remains a steady market with a consistent flow of new housing permits.
Statewide Takeaways
- Tampa leads in volume with more than 1,700 permits, while Southeast Florida leads in value, averaging $452K per project.
- Southwest Florida remains highly active, with Manatee and Lee counties representing strong Gulf Coast growth.
- Orlando’s higher average values suggest interest and demand for larger or more upscale residential projects.
- Despite the month-over-month slowdown, Florida’s housing market remains strong, with nearly 5,800 new residential construction permits pulled statewide in August.
As we head into the final quarter of the year, tracking regional shifts in both permit volume and construction value will be key in anticipating where builders and developers are concentrating their efforts. Florida continues to present a dynamic mix of high-volume suburban growth and high-value luxury development, making it one of the most closely watched housing markets in the country.
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.