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What 10 Years of Building Permit Data Can Tell You About the Market

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Erika Carruth

In the currently competitive and fast-moving climate of the construction industry, knowledge is more than power—it’s profit. Whether you’re a home builder, contractor, supplier, or service provider, knowing where, when, and what types of projects are being built plays a critical role in identifying new opportunities and gaining a leg up on the competition. One of the most powerful tools available for gaining these insights is historical building permit data.

As HBW subscribers are already aware, HBW provides construction professionals with access to decades of building permit data through customizable reports that detail construction activity by region, builder, project value, and more. Here’s why this data is so valuable—and how you can put it to work.

Why Historical Permit Data Matters

Permit data is more than just paperwork—it’s a footprint of construction activity. When collected and analyzed over a 10-year span, building permits reveal patterns and shifts that help forecast future market behavior. And while the unexpected can and will happen, permit data is a solid source for understanding current trends and construction patterns over time.

Over the span of 10 years, permit data can reveal robust information, including but not limited to:

Market Cycles and Trends: Understand how different regions have weathered economic shifts, housing booms, or downturns.
Growth Hotspots: Identify geographic areas with consistent long-term growth or sudden surges in residential or commercial building.
Builder Activity: Track which builders are most active in which regions—and how their focus may have changed over time.
Permit Values: See how construction costs and home values are trending by year and location.
Seasonal Patterns: Determine when construction is rising and falling throughout the year to plan accordingly.

How to Use Historical Data Strategically

Having access to this data is a start—but knowing how to use it is what truly gives a construction professional an edge. Here are several key ways professionals are leveraging HBW’s historical permit data:

1. Identify Emerging Markets

Use multi-year trend reports to spot previously overlooked areas that are on the rise. A steady increase in residential permits over several years can signal a strong growth market worth targeting for expansion or investment.

2. Refine Your Sales and Marketing Strategy

By knowing where certain types of permits (e.g., new residential, pools, etc.) are most prevalent, you can tailor your marketing campaigns geographically and seasonally. Historical data shows you where demand has existed—and potentially where it may return.

3. Benchmark Against Competitors

Track builder activity over time to see how your business compares. Are your competitors pulling more permits in your region? Are they entering new markets? This intelligence helps you assess your market share and adjust your strategy.

4. Forecast Seasonal Demand

Looking at trends year over year can help you prepare for seasonal fluctuations in work volume. Knowing when permits typically surge allows you to plan staffing, supply orders, and promotional pushes accordingly.

5. Support Business Planning and Investment Decisions

Use permit data to justify business moves—whether you’re expanding into a new territory, hiring, or adding services. Historical trends provide the evidence you need to reduce risk and back your decisions with data.

As an HBW subscriber, there are a number of ways to maximize the value of your subscription. With the system enabling users to customize reports, you can drill down by county, city, zip code, builder, permit type, and more; it is important to set filters that align with your goals. Additionally, by comparing time frames, you can gain a clear look at year-over-year (YOY) data to understand long-term shifts and recent surges or slowdowns. Filtering and tracking projects by value is also useful as it can help builders zero in on luxury developments vs. budget builds, which can be used to match services and offerings to the right markets.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, monitor competitors, or simply stay current on building trends, HBW building permit data reports are designed to be clear, relevant, and customizable to your unique needs. Contact HBW today to learn how the HBW database and customizable reports can bring clarity to your market strategy.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Report – April 2025

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Insights from HBW’s Building Permit Data Across Five Key Regions

As Florida’s warm weather ramps up, demand for residential swimming pools remains steady across the state. According to the latest construction data reports from HBW, there were nearly 1,880 new swimming pool construction permits added to the books in April 2025. This figure represents a month-over-month decrease of 10 percent.

Regional Breakdown – Total Permits and Construction Value

The five major regions analyzed in this report include Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, and Jacksonville. Below is a breakdown by region, ranked by the total number of new permits on record for the month of April:

Southwest Florida

Total Permits: 704

Total Construction Value: $57,281,536

Average Value per Permit: $81,366
The Southwest region once again led the state in new pool construction activity, accounting for more than 37% of all permits pulled statewide.

Tampa Area

Total Permits: 337

Total Construction Value: $28,336,206

Average Value per Permit: $84,084
Tampa held the second-highest position for new pool starts, with strong construction values reflecting demand in the area.

Orlando Area

Total Permits: 331

Total Construction Value: $24,394,906

Average Value per Permit: $73,701
Orlando followed closely behind Tampa, showing consistent performance in volume with slightly lower average values.

Southeast Florida

Total Permits: 312

Total Construction Value: $23,418,534

Average Value per Permit: $75,059
Southeast Florida demonstrated a balance of solid permit totals and steady construction values.

Jacksonville Area

Total Permits: 193

Total Construction Value: $18,320,314

Average Value per Permit: $94,924
While Jacksonville recorded the fewest total permits among the five regions, it posted the highest average value per permit, signaling a concentration of higher-end pool projects.

Top Counties for New Pool Construction

When evaluating pool construction activity at the county level, six counties stood out as the most active markets in April, collectively representing 43% of all new permits issued statewide (817 permits):

Lee County (Southwest) – 202 permits
Sarasota County (Southwest) – 176 permits
Manatee County (Southwest) – 117 permits
Charlotte County (Southwest) – 116 permits
Hillsborough County (Tampa) – 103 permits
Orange County (Orlando) – 103 permits

The Southwest region dominated at the county level as well, with four of the top six counties located within its boundaries. Lee County alone was responsible for more than 10% of all pool permits issued statewide.

Despite a small dip in overall volume, Florida’s swimming pool construction industry remains somewhat steady, with particularly high activity in the Southwest and Tampa regions. Jacksonville’s strong average project value underscores ongoing demand for custom, high-end residential pools.

HBW’s construction data—sourced directly from building permits filed across Florida municipalities—continues to provide valuable insight for construction professionals, suppliers, and service providers seeking to track market trends and identify new business opportunities.

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.

Texas Home Builders: Top Residential Construction Leaders – April 2025

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Erika Carruth

In April 2025, Texas experienced a steady flow in residential construction activity, with more than 6,635 new residential construction permits on record across its four major metro markets—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. According to the latest building permit data compiled by HBW, the state’s leading home builders continue to maintain a strong presence and market share, particularly in high-growth regions.

Statewide Leaders: Lennar and D.R. Horton

From a statewide perspective, Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton have continually emerged as the dominant forces in new home construction.

Lennar Homes led the state with 898 new permits, accounting for roughly 13.5% of all residential permits filed in April.
D.R. Horton followed with 493 permits, representing nearly 7.5% of the month’s total.

Combined, the two mega-builders were responsible for 21% of all new home construction permits filed across Texas’ four largest metropolitan areas in April—demonstrating their continued strategic focus on high-volume development in growth corridors.

Regional Breakdown: Top Builders by Metro Area

Houston

As the most active metro for residential construction in April, Houston saw 3,320 permits issued across nearly 330 contractors.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	565	$232,973
D.R. Horton	232	$252,318
Perry Homes	171	$295,309
Westin Homes	138	$293,860
David Weekley Homes	135	$278,946

Lennar’s permit volume in Houston alone accounted for nearly 17% of the metro’s total activity, with an average construction value reflecting their focus on moderately priced new homes. Perry Homes and Westin Homes also showed strong engagement in higher-value developments.

Dallas

The Dallas area recorded 2,194 new residential permits from 235 builders in April.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
D.R. Horton	198	$321,110
Lennar Homes	145	$302,976
Unlisted (Permit Office Restricted)	114	$250,000 (est.)
Pulte Homes	96	$371,127
Trophy Signature Homes	94	$397,655

Dallas continues to exhibit a blend of volume and luxury. D.R. Horton and Lennar again lead in activity, while Trophy Signature and Pulte signal demand in the upper-mid and luxury markets, with average values nearing or exceeding $370,000.

Austin

In Austin, there were 708 new permits spread among 80 builders, highlighting a relatively smaller but active market.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Shreveland Construction	122	$116,927
D.R. Horton	63	$252,903
Lennar Homes	50	$182,220
Pulte Homes	44	$312,992
Starlight Homes Texas	43	$375,515

Shreveland Construction captured the top spot in Austin by volume, though at a significantly lower average construction value, suggesting a concentration in affordable or entry-level housing. Other builders including Pulte and Starlight focused more on higher-end segments.

San Antonio

San Antonio registered 414 new permits in April, with 65 active builders.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	138	$165,695
KB Homes	34	$188,558
Perry Homes	22	$312,950
Castlerock Communities	17	$249,309
LGI Homes	16	$155,245

Lennar’s strong presence in San Antonio further reinforces its strategic footprint in Texas. Average values indicate a focus on affordability, though Perry Homes continues to serve the premium segment.

Based on the latest reports from HBW as noted above, some of the takeaways for last month are as follows:

Lennar Homes remains the most active builder in Texas by a significant margin, leading in three of the four metro areas (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio).
D.R. Horton holds a solid second statewide and leads in Dallas, underscoring its dominant position in North Texas.
The Dallas metro showcased the highest average construction values among the top five builders, while Austin displayed the broadest range of pricing, from affordable developments to high-end new construction.
Houston continues to be the epicenter of residential development by sheer volume, with nearly half of the state’s new permits in April filed in the area.

Last month was another dynamic month for residential construction in Texas. Backed by steady permit activity, major players like Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton continue to shape the residential landscape across the state. For industry professionals, these trends offer critical insight into builder performance, market saturation, and regional demand—all of which are essential for forecasting, investment, and strategic planning.

Florida’s Top Home Builders by Region – April 2025

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As noted in our post last week, Florida’s residential construction market demonstrated continual activity through the month of April 2025, with nearly 6,500 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database. Reflecting steady consumer demand and ongoing development momentum across the state, the total construction value exceeded $2.2 billion for the month.

As HBW subscribers are already aware, HBW tracks permit data from building departments across Florida (and the South) to help contractors, builders, and suppliers stay informed, plan strategically, and generate high-quality leads. For April, we’ve analyzed residential construction activity across five key Florida regions—Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville—to identify the leading home builders based on total permits pulled. Below is a breakdown of the top builders by region, as well as a statewide snapshot of market leaders.

Southwest Florida

In Southwest Florida, Lennar Homes led the market with 230 new residential permits totaling more than $40.7 million in construction value. Other top builders included D.R. Horton, Taylor Morrison, and Pulte Homes, all maintaining strong regional presence.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	230	$40,761,675	$177,225
D.R. Horton	130	$26,722,433	$205,557
Taylor Morrison	125	$27,267,060	$218,136
Pulte Homes	124	$20,298,070	$163,694
Holiday Builders	54	$16,154,645	$299,160

Southeast Florida

Lennar Homes once again took the lead in Southeast Florida, securing 111 permits valued at over $18.1 million. While GL Building Corporation and Mattamy Homes pulled fewer permits, they recorded notably higher average construction values, signaling activity in the luxury segment.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	111	$18,111,809	$163,169
GL Building Corp.	63	$25,425,720	$403,583
Mattamy Homes	38	$15,685,067	$412,765
KH East Coastal FL Homes	36	$16,469,216	$457,478
D.R. Horton	27	$5,130,675	$190,025

Orlando Area

The Orlando region saw D.R. Horton take the top spot with 170 permits and more than $56 million in total value. Lennar, Pulte, and Taylor Morrison followed closely behind, with Taylor Morrison leading the pack in average value at nearly $500k per home.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
D.R. Horton	170	$56,491,011	$332,300
Pulte Homes	140	$49,906,819	$356,477
Lennar Homes	138	$51,281,692	$371,606
Taylor Morrison	84	$41,758,620	$497,126
CKF Construction Services	67	$16,033,828	$239,311

Tampa Area

Tampa remains one of Florida’s most active residential construction markets. Lennar Homes dominated with 316 new permits, bringing in a total value of nearly $117 million. D.R. Horton and Taylor Morrison also held strong positions, with average values exceeding $335k.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	316	$116,872,922	$369,851
D.R. Horton	219	$74,201,893	$338,821
Taylor Morrison	122	$49,200,156	$403,280
The Villages of Lake Sumter	92	$16,100,000	$175,000
Muder Construction	68	$11,900,000	$175,000

Jacksonville Area

In Jacksonville, Lennar Homes held its leadership with 121 permits totaling over $32 million in value. David Weekley Homes and Pulte Homes followed next in line, while Toll Brothers led in terms of high-value construction out of the top five, having an average of approximately $344k per home.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	121	$32,027,880	$264,693
David Weekley Homes	54	$14,337,567	$265,511
Pulte Homes	52	$12,944,061	$248,924
Toll Brothers	35	$12,030,002	$343,714
Dream Finders Homes	33	$6,702,390	$203,103

Statewide Leaders – April 2025

When aggregating data across the state’s top regions, Lennar Homes emerged as the undisputed leader with 916 new permits and a total construction value of $259 million+. D.R. Horton and Pulte Homes followed as consistent performers across multiple regions.

Builder	Statewide Permits
1-Lennar Homes	916
2-D.R. Horton	561
3-Pulte Homes	401
4-Taylor Morrison	348

April 2025 reflected Florida’s ongoing residential construction momentum, fueled by both national and regional builders maintaining aggressive growth strategies. The data from HBW not only highlights the volume leaders but also provides insight into market segmentation—ranging from affordable housing to luxury builds.

To gain access to detailed permitting data, homeowner information, and project-level insights, contact HBW. The HBW platform equips construction professionals with the tools they need to forecast opportunities, refine marketing efforts, and grow strategically in a competitive market.

Florida New Residential Construction Report – April 2025

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Florida’s residential construction market continued to demonstrate continual activity through the month of April 2025, with nearly 6,500 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database. Reflecting steady consumer demand and ongoing development momentum across the state, the total construction value exceeded $2.2 billion for the month.

Regional Overview

Among the five major regions included in the HBW report—Southeast, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Southwest Florida—Southwest Florida emerged as the leader in new residential permit volume, accounting for 1,907 new permits. This figure represents approximately 29% of all new residential construction permits statewide for the month.

Conversely, Southeast Florida reported the lowest concentration of new home construction activity, with 522 permits issued. While this region recorded the fewest permits, it notably posted the highest average value of construction at $411,091, suggesting a continued focus on high-end and luxury residential development.

Region	Permits Issued	Average Construction Value
Southeast	522	$411,091
Orlando	1,455	$386,165
Jacksonville	784	$315,112
Tampa	1,828	$341,034
Southwest	1,907	$310,965

While Southwest Florida led in volume, the average value of construction in this region was the lowest, at $310,965. This figure reflects the broader trend of high-density development and cost-conscious building practices in areas experiencing rapid population growth.

Top Performing Counties

Five counties stood out during April for their elevated levels of residential permitting, collectively accounting for 40% of all new home permits recorded within the listed regions in the state:

Lee County (Southwest): 742 permits
Polk County (Tampa): 535 permits
Pasco County (Tampa): 506 permits
Orange County (Orlando): 434 permits
Manatee County (Southwest): 385 permits

The above listed counties continue to attract both builders and homebuyers due to a combination of favorable land availability, ongoing infrastructure investments, and desirable lifestyle amenities.

April’s performance in both permit volume and construction value underscores the resilience of Florida’s residential construction market amid evolving economic conditions. Builders continue to respond to demand across a range of price points, from luxury custom homes in Southeast Florida to high-volume developments in growing suburbs across Tampa and Southwest Florida.

As HBW continues to monitor residential permit data across the state, construction professionals can rely on up-to-date reports to inform strategic planning, market entry, and competitive analysis.

For a full breakdown of residential construction activity by region, county, and builder, subscribe to HBW’s comprehensive 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.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction: April 2025 Market Snapshot

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As the weather heats up across the Lone Star State, so too does residential swimming pool construction. According to the latest building permit data from HBW, a total of 511 new swimming pool construction permits were added across the four major metropolitan areas of Texas in April 2025—Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

While this figure reflects a slight month-over-month decrease of approximately 7% compared to 550 permits in the previous month (March), this type of short-term fluctuation is not unusual in the construction industry. Month-to-month changes are often driven by a variety of factors including weather patterns, scheduling backlogs, permitting timelines, and regional economic shifts. For construction professionals and suppliers, it is essential to analyze trends over longer periods before drawing conclusions about market direction.

Dallas Leads the Pack in Volume and Value
The Dallas area continues to lead in both permit volume and construction value, with 210 new permits on record and an estimated $47 million in new swimming pool construction for the month. The average value per project stood out at $223,712, significantly higher than other metro areas.

Top Contractors:
- Riverbend Pools – 17 permits
- Gold Medal Pools – 13 permits
- G3 Pools – 7 permits
Hotspot: Collin County accounted for 67 of the total permits, making it the most active area in the Dallas region.

Houston
In Houston, HBW reported 142 new pool construction permits, with a total value exceeding $13 million. The average value per permit came in at $92,139, reflecting steady market activity.

Top Contractors:
- Blue Haven Pools – 8 permits
- Cypress Custom Pools – 8 permits
- Platinum Pools – 5 permits
Hotspot: Harris County dominated the region with 98 new permits.

Austin
The Austin area held a total of 69 new swimming pool permits with a combined value over $5.5 million. The average project value was $80,096, and Travis County emerged as the core of activity with 50 permits.

Top Contractors:
- Denali Pools – 4 permits
- Anthony & Sylvan Pools – 4 permits
- Cody Pools – 4 permits

San Antonio
San Antonio experienced the lowest volume of new permits this month, with approximately 40 new permits and a total construction value nearing $1.8 million. The average project value was $45,269, reflecting smaller-scale projects in comparison to other metro areas reviewed.

Top Contractors:
- Keith Zars Pools – 6 permits
- Cody Pools – 5 permits
- Gary Pools SA – 5 permits
Hotspot: Bexar County accounted for 35 of the approximately 40 permits, indicating a localized market.

Short-Term Shifts vs. Long-Term Trends

A month-over-month drop from 550 to 511 permits statewide—a 7% decrease—is well within the range of normal fluctuations in residential construction. Such changes often reflect timing in permit processing, seasonality, or brief pauses in project initiation rather than a shift in market demand.

Construction professionals should rely on quarterly and year-over-year data for a more comprehensive understanding of the swimming pool market. Trends in material costs, labor availability, regional housing starts, and consumer confidence also play critical roles in shaping future demand.

While April 2025 saw a modest dip in new swimming pool construction permits in Texas, the data reveals consistent demand across the state’s major metro areas. Dallas continues to set the pace with high-value installations, while Houston and Austin remain stable contributors. San Antonio’s market shows steady localized activity.

Professionals leveraging building permit data from trusted sources like HBW can stay ahead of the curve, adapt to local market conditions, and refine their business development strategies with precision.

Florida Residential Construction Report – Q1 2025

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As the Florida construction industry moves through the first quarter of 2025, the latest building permit data collected and compiled by HBW indicates an upward trend in new residential construction across the state. With 28,408 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database from January through March, Florida has experienced approximately a 6 percent year-over-year (YOY) increase in comparison to Q1 2024. This growth marks a noteworthy change in market momentum, following a few consecutive years of slowing activity.

Construction Trends and Regional Highlights

Historically, Florida’s new residential construction activity has seen moderate declines since 2022. According to HBW’s Building Activity Trend Report for New Residential Construction, 2022 closed with a 5 percent YOY decrease, and 2023 exhibited a more significant 14 percent drop in residential construction permit issuance. By 2024, the market began to show signs of stabilization, and now in early 2025, industry data suggests a cautious return to growth.

The current landscape varies significantly by region, with Central Florida emerging as the front-runner, demonstrating approximately a 37 percent YOY increase in new home construction activity with 4,303 permits in Q1 alone. This spike reflects renewed residential development interest and increased demand in the heart of the state.

Other notable regional insights include:

West Florida: 7,686 permits | +9.5% YOY
Southeast Florida: 2,432 permits | +7% YOY
Northwest Florida: 3,132 permits | +12% YOY
Southwest Florida: 6,102 permits | -2% YOY
Northeast Florida: 4,753 permits | -11% YOY

While Northeast and Southwest Florida reflect minor dips in new residential construction, the broader picture shows moderate-to-strong gains, suggesting a potential market rebound in select areas.

County-Level Perspective

From a county-level perspective, several counties are leading the way in terms of residential construction permit volume. The top five counties with the highest concentration of new residential permits in Q1 2025 include:

Lee County (Southwest): 2,520 permits | -6% YOY
Pasco County (West): 2,385 permits | +60% YOY
Polk County (West): 2,112 permits | -22% YOY
Marion County (Northeast): 1,519 permits | +3% YOY
Duval County (Northeast): 1,332 permits | +52% YOY

The above listed counties account for a significant share of new home construction statewide, with Pasco and Duval experiencing particularly strong year-over-year growth, pointing to potential for a rising demand in both West and Northeast Florida.

High-Value Residential Construction

In Q1 2025, HBW also tracked notable growth in higher-value residential construction, defined as homes with construction values exceeding $500,000. The counties with the highest volume of these high-end permits include:

Pasco County (West): 561 permits
Palm Beach County (Southeast): 266 permits
Hillsborough County (West): 231 permits
Polk County (West): 176 permits
Osceola County (Central): 173 permits

Why Permit Data Matters

For contractors, builders, suppliers, and other construction professionals, staying current with building permit data is essential. Quarterly and annual permit tracking offers clear insights into market conditions, allowing businesses to:

Identify growth markets and opportunities for expansion
Forecast seasonal activity and resource needs
Monitor competitor presence
Generate targeted prospect lists
Align marketing and business development strategies with real-world activity

In addition to current construction activity, historical permit data can serve as a powerful tool for professionals to recognize long-term trends, gauge market health, and make strategic business decisions based on years of regional construction performance.

Looking Ahead

While the first quarter of 2025 signals a welcome increase in residential construction across many parts of Florida, it’s important to maintain a close watch on developing trends. With Central and Northwest Florida showing strong early performance, the state may be on track for a stronger year—though continued monitoring will be key as the market adjusts.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – Q1 2025

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Erika Carruth

The first quarter of 2025 has delivered a mixed but generally downward picture for the Texas swimming pool construction market. According to the latest building permit data compiled from the HBW database, there were 1,458 new swimming pool construction permits added across the state between January and March. This figure represents a 15% decline compared to the same period last year (Q1-2024), reflecting a continuation of the slowdown that has been evident since 2023.

Statewide Trends

The Texas pool construction market has been experiencing a multiyear deceleration. Following a 31% year-over-year decrease in 2023 and an 18% decline in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 suggests that the downward trend is persisting, at least for now. While the summer and fall seasons will ultimately shape the annual outcome, early data points to continued caution among homeowners and developers when it comes to new pool installations.

Regional Highlights:

The HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report used for gathering the latest stats focuses on four of Texas’s major metro areas: Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Here’s how they stacked up in Q1-2025:

Dallas: 687 permits, -4% YOY
Dallas remained the largest swimming pool construction market in the state, showing only a modest dip. The area’s resilience may be due to its robust housing market and steady demand for outdoor living enhancements.
Houston: 429 permits, -13% YOY
Houston posted a more pronounced decline, with permitting activity softening compared to last year. Market watchers have noted that weather events, material costs, and shifting homeowner priorities may be contributing to the slowdown.
Austin: 188 permits, -41% YOY
Austin experienced the sharpest drop among major metros. With a 41% decrease, the capital city’s pool construction market has clearly pulled back, potentially due to a cooling housing market and changing economic dynamics following several years of rapid expansion.
San Antonio: 154 permits, -13% YOY
San Antonio mirrored Houston’s trend with a 13% decline, potentially serving as a signal of a broad-based slowdown across South Texas.

Top Counties:

When analyzed by county, five counties accounted for over 63% of all new pool permits in the state:

Harris County (Houston): 274 permits, -16% YOY
Dallas County (Dallas): 206 permits, -15% YOY
Collin County (Dallas): 152 permits, -4% YOY
Denton County (Dallas): 151 permits, +28% YOY
Travis County (Austin): 142 permits, -46% YOY

Notably, Denton County was a bright spot among the top counties, recording a 28% increase over last year. Meanwhile, Travis County’s steep 46% decline aligns with the significant pullback observed across the greater Austin area.

Market Insights:

For construction professionals, understanding these shifts is essential for adjusting marketing strategies, workforce planning, and resource allocation.

Dallas remains the most stable market, providing the best prospects for contractors seeking steady leads in 2025.
Houston and San Antonio demand more targeted marketing and competitive pricing to win business in a cooling market.
Austin contractors may need to diversify their service offerings or expand into nearby regions to offset declining local demand.
Denton County over the coming year may deserve special attention if it continues to prove itself as an emerging hotspot for new residential pool construction.

While the early numbers from Q1-2025 point to continued caution in the Texas swimming pool construction market, the year is far from over. Market conditions can shift rapidly, and seasonal demand often picks up as temperatures rise. HBW will continue to monitor permit activity throughout the year, providing subscribers with timely updates and actionable insights to help navigate the evolving landscape.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Sees Strong Start in Q1-2025

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Permit Volume Up 8.5% Year-Over-Year

As we move through the early months of 2025, the Florida swimming pool construction market is off to an impressive start. According to the latest permit data sourced and tracked by HBW, a total of 7,012 new swimming pool construction permits were added to HBW’s database from January through March 2025. This figure marks a notable 8.5% year-over-year (YOY) increase compared to the same period last year, signaling continued strength and resilience in the state’s residential construction sector.

Regional Breakdown: Strong Gains in Southeast and Southwest Florida

Looking closer at the regional data, Southwest Florida led the state with the highest number of new swimming pool permits in Q1, registering 2,034 permits—a 10.8% YOY increase. This region continues to benefit from steady population growth and robust housing demand, particularly in coastal communities.

Southeast Florida followed as the second-highest region, recording 1,495 permits, and an impressive 16.8% YOY increase, the largest percentage gain among all regions reviewed. This jump underscores the region’s ongoing expansion, with homeowners and builders investing in outdoor living spaces and amenities.

Other regions reported the following activity:

West Florida: 1,246 permits (+3.4% YOY)
Central Florida: 926 permits (+8.6% YOY)
Northeast Florida: 674 permits, notably the only region to experience a decline, with a 4.9% YOY decrease
Northwest Florida: 637 permits (+10% YOY)

While the Northeast region showed a slight dip, the overall positive trends across most of the state suggest a broadly healthy market for pool construction.

Leading Counties: Palm Beach and Lee Lead the Way

Drilling into county-level data, Palm Beach County (Southeast) emerged as the top-performing county with 600 new permits, reflecting a 13% YOY increase. This aligns with the region’s overall surge and points to a growing and somewhat predictable demand for luxury home amenities.

Lee County (Southwest) followed closely with 587 permits, showing a 3.2% YOY increase, while Collier County (Southwest) reported 407 permits, boasting a striking 29.6% YOY jump—one of the highest growth rates among Florida counties with greater concentrations of construction.

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County (Southeast) recorded 386 permits, an eye-catching 43% YOY increase, and Manatee County (Southwest) rounded out the top five with 367 permits and a 2.8% YOY increase.

Market Outlook: What Lies Ahead

The robust start to 2025 aligns with broader industry forecasts, which predict steady growth in Florida’s residential construction and outdoor living sectors. Factors such as continued population migration, favorable climate, and strong housing market fundamentals are expected to drive demand for swimming pool installations throughout the year.

However, it’s important to note that while the Q1 data provides valuable insight into current market performance, there is still ample time for fluctuations to occur as the year progresses. Variables such as interest rates, material costs, labor availability, and shifting homeowner priorities can all influence permit activity in the coming months. For construction professionals and suppliers, staying informed through real-time permit data, such as that provided by HBW, is essential for making timely and strategic business decisions.

As Florida’s swimming pool construction market continues to heat up in 2025, HBW remains committed to providing its subscribers with up-to-date and detailed permit data. With strong early indicators and sustained growth in key regions and counties, the industry is poised for another dynamic year—though careful monitoring will be essential to navigate potential shifts in the market.

For contractors, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders, this Q1 snapshot offers both a benchmark and a reminder: the year is just getting started, and continued tracking of permit trends will be critical to capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

About HBW
HBW is a trusted provider of construction permit data and leads, delivering timely insights sourced directly from building permits across the Southeastern United States. With a comprehensive and continuously updated database, HBW helps industry professionals stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.

Florida Home Construction Summary – March 2025

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Based on the latest HBW construction data reports, there were approximately 8,200 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $2.75 billion added to the HBW database for Florida during the month of March. Out of the five regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), the greatest concentration of new home construction activity could be found in the Tampa area (2,352 permits), and the highest average value of new home construction could be found in the Southeast (average value: $476,022).

Total permits on record by region for the month of March are as follows:

Tampa: 2,532 permits

Southwest: 2,274 permits

Orlando: 1,459 permits

Jacksonville: 1,142 permits

Southeast: 789 permits

When reviewing the hundreds of contractors with new permits on record for the one-month period, three home builders were standouts, holding permits for more than 30 percent of all new construction activity on record statewide. Those leading contractors were as follows:

Lennar Homes: 1,203 permits

D.R. Horton: 788 permits

Pulte Homes: 540 permits

From a county perspective, there were five counties that carried just over 40 percent of all new home construction across the state; those counties are as follows:

Lee County (Southwest) – 854 permits
Pasco County (Tampa) – 742 permits
Polk County (Tampa) – 720 permits
Duval County (Jacksonville) – 519 permits
Hillsborough County (Tampa) – 476 permits

As far as average value of construction is concerned, as previously noted, the Southeast held the highest average value of residential building permits at $476,022. Here is an overview of how the other regions stacked up in comparison:

Southeast – average value: $476,022
Orlando – average value: $ 355,011
Tampa – average value: $ 321,880
Southwest – average value: $ 312,322
Jacksonville – average value: $ 290,939