The residential construction market in Florida continued to demonstrate momentum last month, with new home activity recorded across all major regions of the state. According to the latest building permit data added to the HBW database, 6,140 new residential construction permits were issued during the one‑month period, representing a combined construction value exceeding $2.2 billion statewide.
The five major regions of Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast Florida each contributed significantly to the monthly activity, with several counties standing out as high‑volume growth centers. Below is a regional breakdown providing insight into total permits, average values, and leading counties for February 2026:
Tampa
- Total Permits: 1,832
- Total Construction Value: $609,872,997
- Average Value per Permit: $332,900
The Tampa region led the state in total permit volume for February.
Pasco County remained the region’s top driver of new construction, issuing 479 permits valued at more than $184 million. Polk County followed closely with 472 permits totaling $152.2 million.
Southwest Florida
- Total Permits: 1,672
- Total Construction Value: $581,292,288
- Average Value per Permit: $347,663
Southwest Florida maintained its position as one of the state’s most active construction markets.
Manatee County issued 419 permits valued at $124.6 million, while Lee County led the region with 576 permits generating $167.8 million in new construction.
Orlando
- Total Permits: 1,139
- Total Construction Value: $459,056,690
- Average Value per Permit: $403,035
The Orlando area posted one of the highest average values per permit statewide, reflecting a mix of higher‑end residential projects and strong market fundamentals.
Lake County contributed 276 permits valued at $78.7 million, while Brevard County added 257 permits totaling approximately $114 million.
Jacksonville
- Total Permits: 795
- Total Construction Value: $217,823,020
- Average Value per Permit: $273,991
Northeast Florida saw moderate but steady activity in February.
Duval County led the region with 332 permits valued at more than $60.2 million, while St. Johns County—a long‑standing leader in higher‑value residential development—reported 234 permits totaling $63.25 million.
Southeast Florida
- Total Permits: 702
- Total Construction Value: $331,484,864
- Average Value per Permit: $472,201
Southeast Florida recorded the highest average permit value of any region in February, reflecting the area’s premium land values and concentration of higher‑end residential construction.
St. Lucie County issued 221 permits valued at $82.3 million, while Palm Beach County reported 125 permits totaling $87.3 million.
Overall, the Tampa and Southwest regions led in volume, while Southeast Florida posted the highest average construction values. Central Florida continued to show strength in mid‑to‑upper‑tier residential development, and Northeast Florida maintained steady growth supported by expanding suburban communities.
As the Sunshine State’s population growth continues to outpace national averages, the residential construction sector remains a critical driver of economic activity and housing supply across the state. HBW’s latest data highlights both the scale and diversity of new home construction underway as builders respond to ongoing demand in one of the nation’s fastest‑growing housing markets.
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.