According to the latest HBW Building Activity Trend Report, 23,343 new swimming pool construction permits were added to the HBW database through the third quarter of 2026, representing a 6% year-to-date increase compared to the same period in 2025. The data suggests that Florida’s pool construction sector remains firmly in expansion mode, building upon the 4% year-over-year growth recorded in 2025.
While the pace of growth varies considerably by region, the statewide picture points to a market that is not only stable but continuing to find new opportunities despite higher construction costs, fluctuating interest rates, and ongoing uncertainty in the broader residential construction environment. For pool builders, excavation contractors, concrete suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders, the first nine months of 2026 have reinforced a familiar reality: Florida remains one of the nation’s most active swimming pool construction markets.
Southwest Florida
Among the six regions analyzed in the HBW report, Southwest Florida has clearly distinguished itself as the leading growth market in 2026. Through the third quarter, the region recorded 7,573 new swimming pool construction permits, representing a remarkable 17% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Not only does this make Southwest Florida the most active region in the state by permit volume, but it also marks the strongest rate of growth among all regions surveyed.
What makes this performance particularly noteworthy is the historical context. For much of the past five years, Southwest Florida experienced year-over-year declines in pool construction activity, with last year finally showing signs of stabilization as permit volumes remained essentially unchanged. The sharp rebound in 2026 therefore represents more than a routine increase. It signals renewed confidence across the region’s residential construction market. That being stated, much of this activity is being driven by two counties:
Lee County led the region with 2,308 new pool permits through Q3, reflecting a healthy 19% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, Manatee County delivered one of the most impressive performances anywhere in Florida, recording 1,585 permits and an extraordinary 45% year-to-date increase.
When nearly half of a region’s permit activity is concentrated in two counties experiencing double-digit growth, it suggests underlying market fundamentals are strengthening rather than simply benefiting from isolated development projects.
West Florida and Southeast Florida: Similar Volumes, Different Stories
One of the more interesting observations from this year’s report comes from comparing West Florida and Southeast Florida. At first glance, the two regions appear nearly identical in terms of total permit activity. West Florida recorded 4,153 new swimming pool permits through Q3, while Southeast Florida reported 4,127 permits.
The similarities, however, end there.
West Florida posted a respectable 7% year-to-date increase, while Southeast Florida experienced a 5% decline compared to the same period last year. In practical terms, this means that West Florida has potentially become one of Florida’s more favorable growth markets for pool construction, surpassing Southeast Florida in momentum despite generating nearly the same permit volume. Within West Florida, Hillsborough County continues to be a primary driver, accounting for 1,217 permits and a 12% increase over last year. Sumter County deserves special attention as well, producing 830 permits and a robust 30% increase year over year. Together, the two counties account for nearly half of all new pool construction permits issued throughout the region.
Southeast Florida, meanwhile, remains an exceptionally active market despite the pullback. Palm Beach County generated 1,417 permits through the third quarter, though permit activity declined 7% compared to the same period in 2025. Miami-Dade County followed with 1,111 permits, reflecting a 10% decline year over year. The declines are noteworthy, but perspective is important. Southeast Florida remains one of the largest pool construction markets in the state.
Central Florida
Central Florida closed the third quarter with 2,878 new swimming pool construction permits on record, representing a modest 1% year-to-date decrease. From an analytical standpoint, a one-percent decline is statistically insignificant in a market of this size and is better viewed as stabilization rather than contraction. The region experienced a 4% decrease in 2025, so this year’s data suggests that the downward trend has slowed considerably. In other words, the market appears to be finding equilibrium after a few years of more significant declines.
Among the six counties included in the Central Florida region, Orange County remained the leading source of new permits with 766 permits through Q3, despite a 9% decline versus the prior year. Lake County, however, delivered growth, recording 681 permits and posting a 7% year-over-year increase. The combination of Orange County’s substantial permit volume and Lake County’s expansion suggests that construction activity within the region remains broadly distributed rather than concentrated in a single market.
Northeast Florida
Northeast Florida recorded 2,430 new swimming pool construction permits through the third quarter, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. For a region that has consistently attracted residential development, particularly from inbound migration and master-planned community growth, the increase is not entirely surprising, and it is a welcome change after a few years of annual declines.
Out of the eight counties that make up the region in the report, three counties accounted for the majority of permit activity:
St. Johns County led the region with 849 permits and essentially mirrored last year’s performance with no year-over-year change.
Duval County followed with 437 permits, posting a strong 15% increase.
Marion County generated 413 permits and delivered one of the region’s most impressive growth rates at 34%.
The performance in Marion County is particularly noteworthy because it reflects the continuing expansion of residential development beyond Florida’s more traditional coastal markets and into growth corridors that offer relative affordability and available land.
Northwest Florida
Northwest Florida added 2,182 new swimming pool construction permits through Q3 2026, representing a 2% increase over the same period last year. While the growth rate may appear modest, consistency has value; the region recorded similar growth in 2025, indicating a market that is expanding at a measured and sustainable pace.
Among the 18 counties included in the Northwestern region, several standouts emerged:
Walton County generated 390 permits and posted a 2% increase.
Bay County recorded 375 permits, though permit activity declined 4% year over year.
Santa Rosa County finished close behind with 369 permits and a healthy 9% increase.
An interesting footnote in the HBW report involves the Alabama counties included within the region’s broader market footprint. Baldwin County, Alabama, actually recorded the highest concentration of pool permits among all counties reviewed within the northwestern area, generating 426 permits and achieving an impressive 14% year-over-year increase. The Baldwin County data serves as a reminder that residential construction markets do not necessarily conform to state boundaries, and economic growth along the Gulf Coast continues to influence construction activity throughout the broader region.
Market Outlook
The pool construction market entering the final quarter of 2026 appears healthier than many industry observers may have anticipated at the beginning of the year. Statewide permit growth of 6% demonstrates that demand for residential swimming pools remains strong despite macroeconomic challenges. More importantly, permit activity is increasing across most regions rather than relying on growth from a single metropolitan area.
The standout story remains Southwest Florida’s resurgence. After years of sluggish performance and declining permit volumes, the region has reasserted itself as Florida’s most dynamic pool construction market. Equally encouraging is the emergence of growth leaders such as Manatee County, Sumter County, Marion County, and Lee County, all of which are significantly outperforming statewide averages.
At the same time, Southeast Florida’s decline serves as a reminder that construction markets are cyclical. Even within a growing state, some regions inevitably pause, consolidate gains, and recalibrate after periods of rapid expansion.
If current trends continue through year-end, Florida’s swimming pool construction industry will likely close 2026 with another year of meaningful growth. For builders, suppliers, and service providers, the message is clear: homeowners throughout the Sunshine State continue to place a high value on outdoor living amenities, and the backyard pool remains one of the most sought-after residential improvements.
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