According to the latest HBW construction data reports, Florida’s residential construction market held strong in September 2025, with builders filing approximately 6,670 new residential construction permits across five major regions — Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast Florida; this reflects approximately a 15 percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction activity. The total construction value for the month exceeded $2.3 billion, underscoring continued strength in homebuilding activity across the state despite broader market adjustments.
With over two thousand permits separating the most and least active regions, Florida’s housing construction remains heavily regionalized — shaped by local demand, population migration, and development capacity. Southwest Florida once again led the state for total permits, while Southeast Florida, though smaller in volume, recorded the highest average value per project, reflecting the region’s concentration of luxury and high-end construction.
The regional breakdown is as follows:
Southwest Florida: Leading the State in Volume
- Total Permits: 2,288
- Total Value: $763.8 million
- Average Value per Permit: $333,825
Southwest Florida continues to dominate the state’s residential construction activity. The region accounted for more than one-third of all new permits statewide. Manatee County was among the top-performing areas with 584 permits valued at approximately $168.5 million, while Lee County was top-ranked with 878 permits totaling $256.5 million.
Tampa Region
- Total Permits: 1,785
- Total Value: $637.1 million
- Average Value per Permit: $356,902
The Tampa area held its position as one of Florida’s most active construction markets. Polk County led the region with 544 permits valued at $186.4 million, followed by Pasco County with 471 permits totaling $204.7 million.
Orlando Region: High Value and Steady Output
- Total Permits: 1,079
- Total Value: $397.1 million
- Average Value per Permit: $368,029
The Orlando area remained a steady performer in September, with permit totals proving to be somewhat consistent with recent months. Lake County issued 312 permits with a total value of approximately $74.2 million, while Brevard County reported 284 permits totaling $116.4 million. The region’s steady growth continues to be driven by suburban expansion, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing development in outlying counties surrounding the metro core.
Jacksonville Region:
- Total Permits: 953
- Total Value: $254.2 million
- Average Value per Permit: $266,708
Northeast Florida remained active, with construction spread across established and emerging communities. Duval County led with 308 permits valued at $54.9 million, while St. Johns County followed with 292 permits and a total value of $80.3 million. Although average project values continue to remain lowest compared to other regions reviewed, Jacksonville’s affordability continues to attract steady residential development and sustained population growth.
Southeast Florida: High-End Market Influence
- Total Permits: 563
- Total Value: $268.5 million
- Average Value per Permit: $476,867
While Southeast Florida recorded the lowest number of new permits for the month, it stood out for its high average value per project—nearly half a million dollars per new home. St. Lucie County led with 178 permits valued at $57.7 million, followed by Miami-Dade County with 133 permits totaling $53.1 million. The region’s numbers reflect its focus on luxury residential projects, high land costs, and the limited availability of new development parcels compared to inland and northern markets.
Key Takeaways
Florida’s new residential construction market continues to exhibit strong fundamentals — high permit activity, consistent construction values, and clear regional distinctions that offer insight into where growth opportunities remain strongest.
- Southwest Florida remains a volume leader, which could be ideal for builders focused on scale and subdivision development.
- Southeast Florida’s high-value projects signal ongoing demand for luxury and coastal construction.
- Tampa and Orlando reflect some balance, combining high activity with solid value performance.
- Jacksonville continues to expand as an affordable alternative for both buyers and builders seeking sustainable growth markets.
As the state closes out the third quarter of 2025, Florida’s residential construction data suggests continued confidence among builders and developers, as well as opportunities for sales and marketing teams to target markets where both permit volume and construction investment remain strong.
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 – Florida Residential Construction, September 2025