An HBW report on the top builders for total new residential construction permits on file during the month of February 2019
When it comes to new home construction in Florida, the top builders are consistent to say the least… While the leaderboard may fluctuate month-to-month, there are two major players in the industry: Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton. Across the state, and in all regions reviewed, both mega-builders ranked as the top two contractors for housing starts last month.
Throughout the Sunshine State there were approximately 5,540 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database last month, reflecting a 3% month-over-month increase in new residential construction. Here is a closer look at the construction permit data reports and the leading builders in Florida (Southeast, Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville) during the month of February 2019:
Tampa
Tampa ranked #1 for total housing starts last month, having approximately 1,440 new permits on file with HBW. The average value of new home construction was $280,433, and the counties with the bulk of new residential construction activity included Hillsborough (478 permits) and Polk (397 permits).
Out of the nearly 205 active builders in the Tampa area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new residential construction permits:
| Builder | Total Permits |
| Lennar Homes | 322 |
| D.R. Horton | 200 |
| The Villages of Lake Sumter | 121 |
| M/I Homes | 39 |
| Taylor Morrison | 35 |
Orlando
In Orlando, there were more than 1,240 housing starts last month. The average value of new construction in the Orlando area was highest in comparison to other regions reviewed (average value: $316,854), and Orange County held the greatest concentration of new residential construction activity (534 permits).
Out of the more than 180 active home builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:
| Builder | Total Permits |
| D.R. Horton | 190 |
| Lennar Homes | 159 |
| Minto Builders | 72 |
| Meritage Homes | 65 |
| M/I Homes | 49 |
Southwest Florida
Not far behind Orlando, the southwest region of Florida ranked #3 for total housing starts, having 1,145 new residential construction permits on file last month. The average value of new home construction was $250,321, and the counties with the greatest concentration of new permits included Lee (280 permits) and Collier (273 permits).
Out of the approximately 220 active home builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top five for total new residential construction permits in the area:
| Builder | Total Permits |
| Lennar Homes | 197 |
| D.R. Horton | 131 |
| Pulte Homes | 121 |
| Neal Communities of SW FL | 79 |
| Taylor Morrison | 36 |
Jacksonville
Last month, there were nearly 960 housing starts in the Jacksonville area. The average value of new construction was $232,260, and the counties with the highest concentration of new permits were St. Johns (367 permits) and Duval (296 permits).
Out of the 142 active builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top five for total new residential construction permits:
| Builder | Total Permits |
| D.R. Horton | 165 |
| Lennar Homes | 151 |
| Dream Finders Home | 101 |
| American Classic Homes | 54 |
| KB Homes | 46 |
Southeast Florida
While the Southeast (756 permits) held the fewest new residential construction permits for the month of February, the area continued to hold a high value of new construction (average value: $291,886). More than half of all new construction permits originated from two counties at the northern point of region: St. Lucie (288 permits) and Indian River (145 permits).
Out of the 145+ active home builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on file with HBW:
| Builder | Total Permits |
| D.R. Horton | 131 |
| Lennar Homes | 123 |
| GL Building Corp | 40 |
| Synergy Homes | 32 |
| Pulte Homes | 23 |
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.