If there’s one thing Floridians know, it’s sunshine. And if there’s one thing construction professionals know, it’s that sunshine has a funny way of inspiring homeowners to say, “You know what? Let’s put in a pool.”
Last month proved exactly that. According to the latest HBW construction data, Florida added 2,032 new swimming pool construction permits to the books last month, representing nearly $164.7 million in total construction value across the five major regions: Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
Even better, this marks a 10% month‑over‑month increase from April—an encouraging rebound after the 20% dip in March. In other words, the market is doing what the market does: ebbing, flowing, and reminding us that one month does not make a trend, but it certainly makes for interesting reading.
Below is a breakdown of where the action was hottest, which counties led the charge, and how construction values stacked up across the state.
Southwest Florida
724 permits | $58.46M total value | $80,751 average value
Southwest Florida didn’t just lead the state—it seems to have dominated it. With 724 permits, the region accounted for over 35% of all new pool construction statewide.
When it comes to the counties where new pool construction was greatest, there were three that led the charge:
- Manatee County: 156 permits | $12.96M
- Sarasota County: 150 permits | $17.14M
- Lee County: 204 permits | $13.11M
Sarasota posted the highest total value among the three, while Lee County pulled the most permits. If you’re working this region, you are in the epicenter of Florida’s pool‑building momentum.
Southeast Florida
452 permits | $34.49M total value | $76,297 average value
Southeast Florida contributed 22% of the state’s total permits, maintaining its reputation as a steady, high‑demand market.
The counties with the greatest volume of new permits included:
- Palm Beach County: 112 permits | $10.12M
- Miami‑Dade County: 137 permits | $7.45M
Miami‑Dade pulled more permits, but Palm Beach posted a significantly higher total value—an interesting (and somewhat expected) contrast that hints at differing project scopes and homeowner budgets.
Tampa Area
329 permits | $26.87M total value | $81,676 average value
Tampa held a solid mid‑range position with 329 permits, representing about 16% of statewide activity. The region’s average value was slightly higher than Southwest and Southeast, suggesting a healthy mix of mid‑ to upper‑range residential projects.
Tampa’s leading counties for total new permits included:
- Hillsborough County: 117 permits | $10.88M
- Sumter County: 70 permits | $3.15M
Hillsborough continues to anchor the region, while Sumter’s activity—though smaller—remains consistent.
Orlando Area
319 permits | $25.01M total value | $78,415 average value
Orlando contributed just under 16% of statewide permits, landing close to Tampa in both volume and value. The region’s average value sits comfortably in the mid‑range.
The counties carried the greatest amount of new swimming pool construction for the one-month period include:
- Orange County: 83 permits | $6.62M
- Lake County: 84 permits | $5.34M
Orange and Lake were nearly neck‑and‑neck in permit volume, with Orange edging ahead in total value.
Jacksonville Area
208 permits | $19.83M total value | $95,317 average value
Jacksonville may have had the lowest permit volume of the five regions, but it posted the highest average value statewide at $95,317 per project. That’s nearly $15,000 above the next‑highest region.
As per usual, the bulk of new construction could be found in the following two counties:
- Duval County: 41 permits | $3.67M
- St. Johns County: 84 permits | $8.68M
St. Johns County continues to be a powerhouse for higher‑value residential construction, and May’s pool permit data reinforces that trend.
Key Takeaways
1. Southwest Florida is the volume leader—by a mile.
With more than a third of all statewide permits, this region remains the most active pool construction market in Florida.
2. Jacksonville leads in average value.
Fewer projects, but bigger budgets. This is a region where premium pool construction is thriving.
3. The statewide rebound is a positive sign.
A 10% MoM increase after a 20% decline in March suggests stabilization and renewed consumer confidence.
4. Monthly data is a pulse check—not a crystal ball.
The monthly figures are invaluable for benchmarking, but it is important to remember that they are just one piece of the broader market picture. Quarterly and annual trends remain essential for strategic planning.
5. Regional differences matter.
From high‑volume Southwest to high‑value Jacksonville, Florida’s pool market is anything but uniform. Understanding your region’s dynamics is key to forecasting demand and aligning resources.
Permit data may not be the most glamorous part of the construction world, but it’s one of the most revealing. It tells us where homeowners are investing, how markets are shifting, and where opportunities are emerging. The figures for last month show a market that’s regaining momentum, with strong regional performance and healthy construction values. Whether you are a builder, supplier, or industry analyst, the latest data offers both reassurance and insight—proof that even in a fluctuating market, Florida’s appetite for backyard oases remains 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.