Based onthe latest HBW construction data reports, new residential construction in Florida remained strong and steady in May 2025, with more than 6,500 new residential construction permits added to the books. While performance varied by region, most major metropolitan areas experienced steady to moderate activity, with Tampa leading in total permits and overall construction value.
Across the five major Florida regions reviewed — Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast — there were 6,578 new residential construction permits with a total construction value of $2.22 billion. The average value of new residential construction statewide hovered just under $340,000, reflecting continued demand for mid- to high-end housing.
Tampa
- Total Permits: 2,028
- Total Construction Value: $688.25 million
- Average Value per Permit: $339,374
- Top Counties: Pasco (480 permits), Polk (581 permits)
Tampa stood out as the top-performing region for May, accounting for 31% of all new residential permits statewide. It also led in total construction value, with nearly $700 million in new projects initiated. The strong activity in Pasco and Polk Counties continues to reflect suburban growth fueled by affordability and proximity to Tampa’s urban core.
Southwest Florida
- Total Permits: 1,503
- Total Construction Value: $461.74 million
- Average Value per Permit: $307,214
- Top Counties: Manatee (408 permits), Lee (671 permits)
Southwest Florida followed Tampa in total permit volume, making up approximately 23% of the statewide total. With a slightly lower average construction value, the region still posted robust numbers, particularly in Lee County, where development continues to surge post-recovery from somewhat recent storm cycles and as demand for coastal properties remains strong.
Orlando
- Total Permits: 1,289
- Total Construction Value: $485.77 million
- Average Value per Permit: $376,862
- Top Counties: Orange (276 permits), Brevard (242 permits)
While Orlando ranked third in total permits, it recorded a higher average value per permit in comparison to most regions reviewed, signaling a potential tilt toward larger-scale or luxury residential projects. This trend may be attributed to increased custom home building and ongoing demand in high-growth suburban areas like Lake Nona and Winter Garden.
Jacksonville
- Total Permits: 1,003
- Total Construction Value: $295.79 million
- Average Value per Permit: $294,904
- Top Counties: Duval (295 permits), St. Johns (396 permits)
Jacksonville represented just over 15% of the state’s new residential construction permits for May, with a balanced distribution across major counties. While overall construction value trailed other metro areas, the region remains a reliable contributor to Florida’s growth pipeline, especially in St. Johns County.
Southeast Florida
- Total Permits: 755
- Total Construction Value: $286.12 million
- Average Value per Permit: $378,973
- Top Counties: St. Lucie (262 permits), Palm Beach (212 permits)
Though Southeast Florida logged the lowest permit volume among the regions analyzed, it posted the highest average values per permit. This reflects the region’s emphasis on high-value residential development, particularly in Palm Beach County, where limited land availability can be a driver for higher cost and quality.
When taking an overall view of the latest data, we notice that Tampa and Southwest Florida continue to dominate new residential development by volume, while Orlando and Southeast Florida led in high-value construction, possibly pointing toward sustained demand for upscale residential housing. Healthy activity in secondary counties like Polk, Lee, and St. Johns supports ongoing suburban expansion, offering opportunities for builders targeting emerging communities. With steady permit activity and rising average values, the state’s residential construction market appears to be reflecting resilience amid national economic shifts.
As always, HBW will continue to monitor and report on permitting activity across Florida to support industry professionals in making data-driven decisions.
For more insights and regional breakdowns, contact HBW or subscribe to your custom market report today.