New swimming pool construction across Florida demonstrated steady momentum in March 2026, with notable regional variations in both permit volume and project valuation. Drawing from HBW’s latest construction data, this report examines activity across five major regions—Southwest Florida, Tampa, Southeast Florida, Orlando, and Jacksonville—providing a comparative snapshot of market performance, valuation trends, and county‑level concentrations of new swimming pool development.
Statewide Overview
Across all five regions, Florida recorded 2,374 new swimming pool permits in March 2026, reflecting approximately a 15% month-over-month increase in new pool construction. The projects/permits on record represented a combined construction value of $196,893,476, reflecting continued consumer demand for residential outdoor amenities and sustained investment in home improvement and lifestyle‑enhancing upgrades.
Average project values varied significantly by region, indicating differing market compositions, labor and material cost structures, and consumer spending patterns. Here is a closer look at the data from a regional perspective:
Southwest Florida
878 permits | $70,995,601 total value | $80,861 average value
Southwest Florida led the state in total permit volume, accounting for more than one‑third of all new pool construction statewide. The region’s strong performance reflects its ongoing residential expansion and high demand for outdoor living enhancements. The counties with the highest concentration of new pool construction include:
- Manatee County: 216 permits | $19,450,793
- Sarasota County: 230 permits | $19,768,558
Manatee and Sarasota counties together represented over half of the region’s total activity, underscoring their continued role as growth engines within the Gulf Coast market.
Tampa
469 permits | $38,736,191 total value | $82,593 average value
The Tampa area posted the second‑highest permit volume statewide. Its average project value slightly exceeded that of Southwest Florida, suggesting a concentration of mid‑ to upper‑tier residential pool installations.
- Hillsborough County: 160 permits | $16,418,693
- Sumter County: 114 permits | $5,130,000
Hillsborough County remained the region’s dominant contributor, while Sumter County’s activity reflects ongoing development in fast‑growing master‑planned communities.
Southeast Florida
442 permits | $34,024,301 total value | $76,978 average value
Southeast Florida—encompassing some of the state’s most mature and densely populated markets—recorded a solid level of new pool construction, though at a lower average value compared to Tampa and Southwest Florida. The majority of all new permits originated from two primary counties:
- Palm Beach County: 201 permits | $17,440,291
- Miami‑Dade County: 106 permits | $5,852,505
Palm Beach County accounted for nearly half of all regional activity, reflecting strong demand in both established and newly developing residential areas.
Orlando
362 permits | $27,503,707 total value | $75,977 average value
The Orlando market demonstrated consistent performance, with permit volume aligned with historical seasonal trends. Average project values were lowest in the region in comparison to other areas reviewed but remained competitive with those in Southeast Florida.
- Orange County: 97 permits | $7,938,708
- Lake County: 96 permits | $5,434,354
Orange and Lake counties were nearly tied in permit volume, highlighting balanced growth across the region.
Jacksonville
223 permits | $25,633,676 total value | $114,949 average value
Although Jacksonville recorded the lowest number of permits among the five regions, it posted the highest average project value statewide. This elevated valuation suggests a market skewed toward larger, more customized, or higher‑end pool installations. The bulk of new construction activity took place in the following two counties:
- Duval County: 52 permits | $8,911,188
- St. Johns County: 103 permits | $10,816,548
St. Johns County, known for its affluent master‑planned communities, accounted for nearly half of the region’s total value.
Comparative Market Insights
- Highest Average Value: Jacksonville – $114,949
- Lowest Average Value: Orlando – $75,977
Jacksonville’s average project value exceeded Orlando’s by nearly 51%, highlighting a significant disparity in project scale and consumer spending across regions.
- Highest Permit Volume: Southwest Florida – 878 permits
- Lowest Permit Volume: Jacksonville – 223 permits
Southwest Florida accounted for 37% of all new pool permits statewide, while Jacksonville represented just 9%, marking a wide gap in regional construction activity.
Last month reflected strong consumer demand for swimming pools across the Sunshine State. Southwest Florida continued to dominate in total permit volume, while Jacksonville distinguished itself with the highest average project valuation. The monthly trends underscore the diversity of Florida’s residential construction landscape, shaped by regional demographics, housing market dynamics, and evolving homeowner preferences.
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.