Florida’s residential construction market decided to stretch its legs a bit in August 2026—and frankly, it was about time. After a couple of steady and consistent months, the Sunshine State posted 7,842 new residential construction permits, marking a month‑over‑month increase of roughly 28%. For construction professionals, that’s not just a number—it’s a pulse check. And in August, the pulse was strong.
Statewide, the total construction value for the month came in at approximately $2.9 billion, based on HBW’s latest residential construction permit data. When we divide that total value by the statewide permit count, we land at an average construction value of about $369,000 per new home. That’s a healthy figure, and as we will review, some regions are pulling that average upward with gusto.
Below is a region‑by‑region breakdown of Florida’s five major markets (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast), along with insights into where demand is rising, where values are climbing, and which counties are leading the charge.
Tampa
- Total Permits: 2,170
- Total Value: $711,850,249
- Average Value: $328,042
Top Counties: Pasco County (517 permits – Total Value: $215.1M); Polk County (510 permits – Total Value $170.0M)
Tampa once again proved to be a powerhouse for volume. With more than 2,100 permits, it led the state in sheer activity. The counties of Pasco and Polk continue their marathon of growth, each posting over 500 permits. While Tampa’s average value isn’t the highest, its consistency and scale make it one of the most reliable indicators of statewide demand.
Southwest
- Total Permits: 1,911
- Total Value: $706,827,067
- Average Value: $369,873
Top Counties: Manatee County (500 permits – Total Value: $137.5M); Lee County (789 permits – Total Value: $246.7M)
Southwest Florida remains a magnet for new home construction, with Lee County alone posting nearly 800 permits. The region’s average value sits almost exactly at the statewide average, making it a balanced performer with strong volume, solid value, and steady demand.
Orlando
- Total Permits: 1,443
- Total Value: $547,609,232
- Average Value: $379,494
Top Counties: Lake County (360 permits – Total Value: $107.6M); Brevard County (408 permits – Total Value: $175.1M)
Orlando claims the second‑highest average value statewide, coming in at just under $380K. Brevard and Lake counties continue to show robust activity (more than half of the region’s total permits), and the region’s combination of strong values and steady permit volume makes it a standout for builders seeking higher‑value projects without sacrificing demand.
Jacksonville
- Total Permits: 1,291
- Total Value: $373,054,273
- Average Value: $288,965
Top Counties: Duval County (431 permits – Total Value: $83.2M); St. Johns County (338 permits – Total Value: $99.1M)
Jacksonville posted the lowest average value statewide, coming in just under $289K, but don’t let that fool you because this region remains a high‑demand market with strong permit activity. Lower average values often signal affordability-driven growth, which can be a strategic opportunity for builders targeting volume or entry‑level products.
Southeast
- Total Permits: 1,027
- Total Value: $548,093,981
- Average Value: $533,684
Top Counties: St. Lucie County (353 permits – Total Value: $139.3M); Palm Beach County (349 permits – Total Value: $209.5M)
Let’s talk about the Southeast. Because—wow.
With the lowest permit count of the five regions but the highest average value by a massive margin, Southeast Florida posted an average construction value of $533,684. That’s more than $150,000 higher than Orlando, the second‑highest region. Palm Beach County continues to flex its luxury‑market muscles, and St. Lucie’s strong permit count shows that demand isn’t limited to the ultra‑premium segment. In short, the southeastern region is the definition of “fewer homes, bigger budgets.”
Statewide Summary
- Total Permits: 7,842
- Total Construction Value: ~$2.9 billion
- Average Construction Value: ~$369,000
It is important to keep in mind that monthly permit data is a snapshot; it is useful, detailed, and revealing, but never the full story, and last month certainly offered plenty to read between the lines. Demand clearly began to rise again, with a 28 percent month‑over‑month increase that should reassure builders who felt any mid‑summer slowdown tightening around their schedules. Tampa continued to dominate in sheer volume, maintaining its role as the state’s heavyweight champion for anyone chasing scale. Meanwhile, Southeast Florida operated in its own distinct universe, posting sky‑high average values on comparatively lower volume and reminding everyone why luxury construction there so often defies statewide norms. Orlando emerged as a strong contender for higher‑value projects—not quite at Southeast’s stratospheric level, but still well above the statewide average and attractive for builders seeking premium opportunities without the ultra‑luxury price tag. Jacksonville, on the other hand, offered affordability‑driven potential, where lower average values translate into broader buyer pools and faster absorption rates. And rounding out the picture, Southwest Florida remained one of the most balanced markets in the state, combining strong volume, solid values, and consistent county‑level performance that make it a reliable region for both strategic expansion and steady operations.
And remember, monthly data is a pulse check, not a full medical exam. For long-term trends, HBW’s quarterly and annual reports (and especially its archives) are indispensable.
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.