If you have lived or spent any time in Florida during July, you know two things: the heat is relentless, and the desire for a swimming pool becomes less of a luxury and more of a survival strategy. Fortunately, HBW’s latest construction data confirms that Floridians are still committed to cooling off — even if July 2026 showed a slight ebb in new pool construction activity after two months of strong momentum.
Across the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville), a total of 2,104 new swimming pool construction permits were added to the HBW database in July. These permits represent more than $173.2 million in total construction value, a substantial figure even with the 14% month‑over‑month decrease from June.
Before you start using monthly figures to predict market changes, it’s worth remembering that June itself saw a 20% MoM increase from May, and May was also up from April. In other words, July’s dip is less a downturn and more a natural exhale after two months of heavy inhaling. Markets breathe, and this one is simply catching its breath.
In order to better understand where construction was heaviest in Florida for the one-month period, it is important to take a look at the regional activity; for this reason, here is a quick overview of the permit totals, values, and leading counties for new pool construction during the month of July:
Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida once again led the state, pulling 815 permits, which accounts for nearly 39% of all new pool construction statewide for July. With a total construction value of $65.8 million and an average value of $80,789, the region continues to demonstrate both volume and consistency. Out of the counties that make up the region, there were three that held the bulk of new construction activity:
- Manatee County: 170 permits – $14.2M Total Value
- Sarasota County: 175 permits – $17.06M Total Value
- Lee County: 214 permits – $16.17M Total Value
Dominance in the southwestern region of Florida comes as no surprise. The region has been a magnet for residential development, and its permit activity reflects a steady appetite for backyard amenities. If Florida’s pool market were a concert, Southwest would be the headliner.
Southeast Florida
HBW reported 397 permits totaling $31.48 million for the southeastern region, with an average value of $79,296. While the region didn’t match Southwest’s volume, its numbers remain strong and stable. As may be expected, the following two counties held the highest concentration of new permitting activity for the one-month period:
- Palm Beach County: 124 permits – $11.09M Total Value
- Miami-Dade County: 103 permits – $5.47M Total Value
The average value of pool construction in Southeast Florida sits just below the average value in Southwest, but the region continues to show a healthy mix of mid‑range and higher‑end residential pool projects.
Tampa
The Tampa area added 384 permits valued at $32.1 million, with an average construction value of $83,607 — one of the higher averages statewide, and nearly half of all new permits originated from the following two counties:
- Hillsborough County: 115 permits – $12.06M Total Value
- Pasco County: 73 permits – $7.01M Total Value
The average value in the Tampa area suggests a concentration of larger or more customized pool builds, and while the region may not lead in volume, it certainly holds its own in project scale.
Orlando
Orlando posted 286 permits totaling $22.95 million, with an average value of $80,255, and more than half of all new construction took place in the following two counties:
- Orange County: 86 permits – $7.05M Total Value
- Brevard County: 68 permits – $6.42M Total Value
The Orlando area’s figures reflect a steady, predictable pattern — not the highest, not the lowest, but reliably active.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville recorded 222 permits totaling $20.87 million, the lowest of the five regions, but with a notable average value of $94,002 — the highest out of the regions reviewed.
- Duval County: 59 permits – $5.31M Total Value
- St. Johns County: 81 permits – $8.12M Total Value
While Jacksonville doesn’t produce the same volume as Southwest or Southeast, its higher average value suggests a concentration of premium pool projects. Fewer pools, but with an upscale touch.
Statewide Highlights & Market Insights
Southwest Florida continued to lead the state in July, pulling 815 permits and accounting for nearly two out of every five new pools built in Florida during the month — a clear reflection of the region’s strong residential growth and steady consumer demand. At the same time, Jacksonville distinguished itself with the highest average value statewide at $94,002, signaling a market that leans toward larger, more intricate, or premium‑grade builds. Tampa followed with an impressive average value of $83,607, suggesting that homeowners in the area are investing in upgraded or custom pool designs. Orlando and Southeast Florida maintained a consistent mid‑range profile, with average values hovering around the $79K–$80K mark and reflecting stable, predictable construction activity. And while the 14 percent month‑over‑month decline in July may catch the eye, it is far from a warning sign; after two months of strong increases, a modest dip is well within normal seasonal and market fluctuation. Construction activity rarely moves in a straight line (it pulses), and July simply represents a brief ebb after a period of notable flow.
For construction professionals, the July report reinforces a familiar truth: Florida’s appetite for swimming pools is enduring, even when the numbers take a brief breather. As always, keeping an eye on monthly, quarterly, and annual trends will provide the clearest picture of where the market is heading — and how your business can stay ahead of the curve.
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.