Permit activity increases 5% statewide through the first half of the year
According to HBW’s latest Florida Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report, the state’s swimming pool construction market is seeing moderate growth through the first half of 2025. With a total of 14,487 new pool permits on record through Q2, Florida has experienced a 5% year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction when compared to the same time period in 2024.
While the rate of growth varies by region, the overall upward trend suggests stable consumer demand and ongoing investment in residential amenities across the state. Here’s a closer look at regional performance based on HBW’s permitting data for the six major regions in Florida:
Southwest Florida
Total Permits: 4,239 | YTD Change: +3%
Southwest Florida continues to lead the state in volume, accounting for the highest number of new swimming pool permits through the second quarter. The region experienced a 3% increase year-over-year, with Lee County driving activity through 1,211 permits – a 12% rise from the same time last year. Sarasota County followed with 862 permits, showing a 3% increase compared to Q2 2024.
Southeast Florida
Total Permits: 2,924 | YTD Change: +13%
Southeast Florida posted the highest growth rate among all regions, with a 13% year-over-year increase in new pool construction. Palm Beach County led with 1,092 permits and a 14% YTD gain, while Miami-Dade County surged with 780 permits, marking a notable 26% increase from the same period last year. The data reflects healthy market momentum and homeowner investment in luxury outdoor living spaces.
West Florida
Total Permits: 2,575 | YTD Change: +7%
The West Florida region saw a solid 7% increase in swimming pool construction activity through Q2. Hillsborough County registered the highest number of permits (703 permits), although it experienced a 7% decline compared to Q2 2024. In contrast, Pasco County reported a dramatic 55% increase, issuing 617 new permits through June – a strong indicator of rising development in surrounding suburban areas.
Central Florida
Total Permits: 1,912 | YTD Change: 0%
Central Florida remained flat year-over-year with no notable change in overall permitting activity. The region’s top counties include Orange County (538 permits, -1% YTD change) and Lake County (400 permits, -1% YTD change). Although the market held steady, the slight declines in its leading counties point to a stabilization rather than expansion in demand during the first half of 2025.
Northeast Florida
Total Permits: 1,434 | YTD Change: -2%
Northeast Florida was the only region to experience a decline in permit activity through Q2, with a minor 2% decrease compared to last year. However, St. Johns County showed resilience with 558 permits and a 5% increase YTD. Duval County, on the other hand, saw a 13% drop with just 234 permits issued.
Northwest Florida
Total Permits: 1,403 | YTD Change: +7%
Northwest Florida posted a 7% year-over-year gain, supported by strong permitting figures in Bay County (256 permits, +11% YTD) and Walton County (259 permits, -5% YTD). Despite a slight dip in Walton, the overall region is maintaining solid activity in pool construction as new developments continue to emerge.
Florida’s swimming pool construction industry is holding strong through mid-2025, with total permit volume up 5% statewide. Market activity remains highest in the Southwest and Southeast regions, which together account for nearly half of all new permits issued. While Central and Northeast Florida have flattened or declined slightly, gains in West and Northwest Florida balance out the state’s performance.
As we move into the latter half of the year, permit activity will serve as a key indicator of consumer confidence, regional growth patterns, and ongoing investment in Florida’s robust construction market.
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.