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Florida Top Home Builders – November 2020

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of leading residential construction contractors in Florida based on new permits on record for the month of November

In our most recent post, “HBW Report: Florida Residential Construction Review – November 2020”, we reviewed the latest data pulled from new residential construction permits on record with HBW for the month of November; as previously reported, there were nearly 7,900 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $2.1 billion in Florida last month. This week, we are taking a closer look at the HBW construction data reports to identify leading home builders based on total housing starts on record for the month of November.

From the five major regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), two companies continue to lead new residential construction activity throughout the state – D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes. With more than 1,325 housing starts on record last month, D.R. Horton ranked #1 in four out of five regions, while Lennar Homes ranked #2 (statewide) with approximately 850 housing starts for the one-month period.

Here is a closer look at the leading home builders by Florida region during the month of November 2020:

Tampa

In the Tampa area, there were approximately 230 builders with new residential construction permits on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	339
2-Lennar Homes	246
3-The Villages of Lake Sumter	152
4-Pulte Homes	134
5-Highland Homes	85

Southwest

In the southwestern region of Florida, there were 280 active contractors with new home construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	346
2-Lennar Homes	221
3-Pulte/Centex Homes	103
4-Taylor Morrison	92
5-Neal Communities of SW FL	88

Southeast

Last month, there were approximately 150 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW in the southeastern region of Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-GL Building Corp	95
2-Lennar Homes	77
3-Pulte Homes	59
4-Kolter Signature Homes	57
5-D.R. Horton	52

Orlando

In Orlando, there were nearly 200 contractors with new residential construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	339
2-Taylor Morrison	87
3-Meritage Homes	79
4-CalAtlantic Homes	77
5-Lennar Homes	73

Jacksonville

Out of the 115 contractors with new residential construction permits on record with HBW in Jacksonville last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	251
2-Lennar Homes	232
3-Dream Finders Construction	111
4-KB Homes	77
5-Mattamy Homes	62

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.

HBW Report: Florida Residential Construction Review – November 2020

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A report on the latest permit data for new residential construction in Florida during the month of November 2020

Last month, there were nearly 7,900 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $2.1 billion in the Sunshine State, reflecting an 8 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction. Based on the latest HBW construction data reports for the five major regions of Florida (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), the greatest volume of housing starts could be found in Tampa (2,122 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in the southeastern region (average value: $302,225).

Here is a closer look at the total number of permits, average value of construction and leading counties for new home construction in Florida last month:

Tampa

In Tampa, there were 2,122 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $559 million last month. The average value of new home construction in the Tampa area landed mid-range (average value: $263,287) in relation to other regions reviewed, and approximately 65 percent of all new permits originated from the two counties of Polk (792 permits) and Pasco (574 permits).

Southwest

Last month, there were approximately 1,840 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $507.2 million in the southwestern region of Florida. The average value of new home construction was $275,969, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (675 permits) and Manatee (352 permits).

Orlando

In Central Florida (Orlando), there were 1,686 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $500 million last month. The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum in the Orlando area (average value: $296,647) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and just about half of all new construction activity took place in the counties of Orange (414 permits) and Lake (404 permits).

Jacksonville

In the Jacksonville area there were more than 1,325 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $300 million on record with HBW for the month of November. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $225,552) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of all new permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (513 permits) and Duval (396 permits).

Southeast

Last month, there were 916 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $277 million in the southeastern region of Florida. As previously noted, the average value of new home construction was highest in the southeast (average value: $302,225) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and just about 71 percent of all new construction activity took place in the counties of St. Lucie (373 permits) and Palm Beach (280 permits).

Texas Top Home Builders – November 2020

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the leading home builders in Texas during the month of November 2020

In a previous post last week, we reviewed the latest permit data for new residential construction in Texas and learned that there were 7,700+ housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $1.9 billion during the month of November.

This week, we are looking closely at each of the major metropolitan regions reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio) to identify leading contractors who carried the highest volume of starts within each area. Based on the latest construction data reports from HBW, the contractors with the greatest total amount of new residential construction permits on record for the month November 2020 are as follows:

Houston

Last month, there were approximately 335 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the Houston area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	299
2-D.R. Horton	223
3-Perry Homes	221
4-K Hovnanian Homes	154
5-KB Homes	141

Dallas

Out of the 225 home builders with new residential construction activity in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on record with HBW for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	251
2-Highland Homes	150
3-Lennar Homes	147
4-Bloomfield Homes	128
5-LGI Homes	112

Austin

In Austin, there were approximately 80 contractors with housing starts on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on record for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	185
2-Lennar Homes	135
3-KB Homes	86
4-Milestone Community Builders	53
5-Pulte Homes	52

San Antonio

Last month, there were more than 90 home builders with new residential construction activity on record in the San Antonio last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	90
2-Continental Homes of Texas	46
3-M/I Homes	45
4-Meritage Homes	31
5-KB Homes	30

Texas Residential Construction Report – November 2020

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest permit data available for new residential construction in Texas during the month of November 2020

Based on HBW’s construction data reports, last month there were more than 7,700 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $1.9 billion from the combined metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio; this reflects a 5 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction in the Lone Star State.

Out of the four areas reviewed, Houston carried the greatest volume of housing starts (3,254 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction has and continues to remain in the Dallas area (average value: $282,358).

Here is a breakdown of the permit data for new residential construction by Texas area during the month of November 2020:

Houston

As previously noted, Houston carried the highest amount of housing starts last month, having 3,254 new permits with a total construction value of $685.4 million on record with HBW. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Houston (average value: $210,638) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and just over half of all new permits originated from Harris County (1,680 permits).

Dallas

In Dallas, there were nearly 2,790 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $787.2 million last month. The average value of new home construction was highest in Dallas (average value: $282,358) in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and the counties with the greatest amount of new residential construction activity for the one-month period were Collin County (944 permits) and Tarrant County (764 permits).

Austin

Last month, there were more than 1,065 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $273.8 million in the Austin area. The average value of new home construction landed mid-range in Austin (average value: $256,834) compared to other areas reviewed, and the bulk of new residential construction permits originated from Travis County (609 permits).

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were nearly 600 housing starts with a total construction value of $147.5 million last month. The average value of new home construction was $247,919, and nearly all new residential construction permits on record for the area originated from the County of Bexar (482 permits).

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review – November 2020

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest construction data on record with HBW for new swimming pool construction in Texas during the month of November 2020

Based on the latest construction data reports, there were 1,146 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $54.4 million in Texas last month, reflecting a 27 percent month-over-month increase in new pool construction. Out of the four major metropolitan areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), the greatest volume of new pool construction activity took place in Dallas (617 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Austin (average value: $63,383).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, construction values and leading contractors for new swimming pool construction throughout Texas during the month of November 2020:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest volume of pool starts (617 permits, total value: $25.5M) last month in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed. The average value of new pool construction landed on the lower end of the spectrum (average value: $41,413), and more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Collin (206 permits) and Denton (167 permits).

Out of the more than 200 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Gold Medal Pools	39
2-Riverbend Pools	28
3-Hobert Pools	20

Houston

In Houston, there were 295 pool starts with a total construction value of $17.2 million last month. The average value of new pool construction was $58,303, and the majority of all new permits originated from Harris County (187 permits).

Out of the more than 130 pool contractors with new construction activity on record with HBW last month, the following ranked as the top three for total starts:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Anthony & Sylvan Pools	21
2-Platinum Pools	17
3-McKinney Custom Pools	12

Austin

Last month, there were approximately 135 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of $8.4 million added to the HBW database for the Austin area. The average value of new pool construction was highest in Austin (average value: $63,383) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the County of Travis (86 permits).

Out of nearly 65 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record for Austin last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Anthony & Sylvan Pools	14
2-Denali Pools	13
3-Cody Pools	12

San Antonio

In the San Antonio area, there were just over 100 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $3.2 million last month. The average value of new swimming pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $31, 447) in comparison to the other Texas metropolitan areas reviewed, and the majority of all new construction took place in Bexar County (79 permits).

Out of the approximately 35 pool builders with new construction activity on record in the San Antonio area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Keith Zars Pools	17
2-Cody Pools	14
3-Gary Pools	7

Using TikTok to Expand Your Marketing Strategy

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Erika Carruth

Tips for entering the world of TikTok and building brand awareness within the fast-growing social media platform

When most of us think of TikTok, we envision short videos that run the spectrum from the mundane to the completely insane; for the most part, the social media platform is viewed as being geared to the younger generation (Gen Z), with kids looking to be “TikTok famous” and seeing how many followers they can gain from shock value – But that view is a bit outdated and askew from the true picture. You see, no matter how relevant or completely useless the video content may seem, chances are that you are being entertained, and don’t think that top brands haven’t noticed it too.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, TikTok app downloads have increased and influencers from other platforms (Instagram) have been shifting and establishing their place within the TikTok universe. According to recent reports, the demographic for TikTok has evolved with an increased number of millennials flocking to the platform, and while that alone is not reason enough to become a “TikToker”, the impressive stats are difficult to deny:

TikTok is now available in 154 countries and growing.
To date, TikTok has approximately 800 million active users worldwide.
Videos created on TikTok earn 17 billion average views on a monthly basis.
TikTok users spend nearly 500 minutes per month on the app

So, how can your business begin to get its feet wet in the world of TikTok? Here are few quick tips to get you started:

Find Your Hashtags – Just like many other social media platforms (especially Instagram), hashtags are the key to visibility within TikTok. You can use hashtags to find what your competitors are doing, connect with prospects by commenting on their videos and sparking conversations, and finding popular hashtags to use when promoting your own original content.
Follow the Trends – If there were ever a platform that is trend-centric, it is TikTok. Just think of the viral Ocean Spray cranberry juice video – a guy, a skateboard and a musical throwback to a Fleetwood Mac classic (“Dreams”) that is recognizable by nearly every generation. Once that video went viral, many more videos were inspired and created by playing off of the same music and concept, sparking the #DreamsChallenge. Believe it or not, many those copycat versions of the video went viral as well, not to mention that the “cranberry juice guy” now has approximately 6.1 million followers (as of 12/04/20), gaining a mega audience since launching the video – seriously.
Get Creative – While following trends and piggybacking off of other viral content can be useful, the core of your TikTok content should be authentic to you and your brand. From featuring new team members to launching new services, you have 60 seconds (or less) to make an impact. For this reason, you should have a strategy for the content you will be creating and a schedule for when you will be sharing it. Be sure to develop a key message for each video, provide a consistent tone, and avoid direct self-promotion at all costs.
Run an Ad Campaign – As with most social media platforms, ad placement plays an important role in who sees your content and when they see it. Paid advertising can offer a high ROI, and although TikTok’s paid advertising is not as developed as some of the other platforms, it can be a good way to test the waters and boost brand awareness, while directing viewers to your website.

While working with a new social media platform can be intimidating, don’t let the initial hesitation stop you from expanding your marketing efforts. Beyond connecting with users who are already active on TikTok, your videos can be easily shared with your contacts and posted on some of your existing social networks. Additionally, fresh content can be a great way to open the door to new prospects and reengage some of your HBW leads that may need a little extra push in the right direction. With the holiday season being in full force, and the new year just around the corner, now is the time to advance your social media marketing strategy to resonate with your target audience, and reach them within a platform where they are watching.

For more information on construction business marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Preparing Job Sites for a Shutdown

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Erika Carruth

Since the start of COVID-19 in the U.S., many uncertainties have been brought to the table, and to the job site. From shifting safety measures to include social distancing and masks to moving office staff to remote capacities, business owners have been forced to adjust their operations very quickly, and constantly.

Depending on the state where you reside, your construction business may be classified as “essential” and has not experienced major interruptions, or it may not be classified as such and has been subject to a series of shutdowns. With the country being deep into a second wave of COVID-19, many business owners are bracing for another round of uncertainty as discussions of shutdowns begin to make their way back into the picture.

For this reason, it is vital that you and your team are prepared for the possibility of shutting down open job sites. Whether your community undergoes another shelter-in-place order, or your client’s property is closed due to an outbreak, it is crucial that you have a plan to avoid unnecessary last-minute scrambling that can deeply impact your bottom-line and security.

Here are a few things to consider as you develop a strategy for potential construction site shutdowns:

Provide Security – From your employees to your clients, everyone is looking for a sense of security. For your clients, they want to be sure that their time and money is being well spent and if and how the project timeline may be affected by a shutdown; as for your team, they will want to know how payroll may be impacted during a shutdown, as well as if they are guaranteed a position within your company upon reopening. Through transparent communication with both clients and employees, you can get ahead of concerns that may cause clients to consider the competition or employees to look for employment opportunities elsewhere.
Adjust Timelines – Now is the time to really take a close look at your open and pending projects. If you have jobs with timelines that can be expedited and pushed to early completion, then by all means speed it up. The fewer projects that you have open if a shutdown is put into play, the better.
Secure Job Sites – Depending on the number of construction sites you currently have open, you could potentially have a large amount of assets (materials, equipment) in a variety of locations. And while securing equipment and materials on an active job site should already be part of your standard operating procedures, you may not have a plan for securing your assets on a closed job site where access may be limited or halted without ample and advanced warning. For this reason, it is important to have a plan for securing and/or storing materials, equipment and access to your projects should you need to put them on hold for an unexpected and extended period of time.

By taking the time now to be proactive and plan ahead for a potential job site closure, you will be better positioned to manage expectations for your clients and team members, as well as get back on the job site in full force once the shutdown is lifted.

For more information on construction industry trends and business tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

HBW Report: Florida New Swimming Pool Construction – October 2020

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest construction data for new swimming pool permits on record with HBW for Florida during the month of October 2020

According to the latest HBW construction data reports, there were 2,775 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $137 million in the Sunshine State last month, reflecting a 6 percent month-over-month increase in new swimming pool construction permits. Out of the five regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), the Southwest (785 permits) carried the greatest volume of swimming pool starts, while the highest average value of new pool construction took place in Jacksonville (average value: $58,208).

Here is a closer look at new swimming pool construction activity across the state of Florida and by region for the month of October 2020:

Southwest

As previously noted, the southwestern region of Florida carried the highest concentration of new swimming pool construction activity last month, having 785 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $37 million. The average value of new pool construction laned mid-range (average value: $46,811) in comparison to other Florida areas reviewed, and nearly half of all new construction took place in the two counties of Lee (210 permits) and Manatee (177 permits).

Out of the 150 pool contractors with new construction activity on record in the southwestern region of Florida last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Coast to Coast Pools	92
2-Aragon Pools & Spas	70
3-Pinnacle USA	50

Southeast

Last month, there were approximately 640 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $26 million in the southeastern region of Florida. The average value of new swimming pool construction was lowest in the southeast (average value: $40,709) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of all new construction activity took place in the two counties of Palm Beach (212 permits) and Miami-Dade (177 permits).

Out of the approximately 190 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record for the southeastern region of Florida last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-A&G Concrete Pools	39
2-Paradise Swimming Pools & Spas	24
3-Treasure Pools & Service	19

Tampa

In the Tampa area, there were 610 pool starts with a total construction value of approximately $34 million last month. The average value of new pool construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $55,716) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Hillsborough (190 permits) and Pasco (158 permits).

Out of the 130 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record in the Tampa area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Olympus Pools	50
2-Challenger Pools	38
3-Tampa Bay Pools	26

Orlando

Last month, there were approximately 435 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $22 million in the Orlando area. The average value of new swimming pool construction was $50,745, and the county with the highest concentration of new pool construction activity was Orange County, with more than 180 new permits on record with HBW for the one-month period.

Out of the nearly 110 contractors with new pool construction on record in the Orlando area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-American Pools & Spas	32
2-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas	24
3-Martin Pools	23

Jacksonville

Last month, the Jacksonville area carried the least amount of new swimming pool construction activity in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, having 305 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $17.8 million. While volume of pool starts was lower than other Florida regions, the average value of new pool construction was highest in Jacksonville (average value: $58,208) in relation to other areas reviewed, and the bulk of new permits originated from the two counties of St. Johns (118 permits) and Duval (95 permits).

Out of the more than 85 pool contractors with new construction activity on record with HBW in the Jacksonville area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Pools by John Clarkson	25
2-Blue Haven Pools	22
3-Island Pools	11

Florida Top Home Builders – October 2020

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the leading contractors in Florida based on the total number of new residential construction permits on record with HBW during the month of October 2020

As reported in the Florida residential construction review last week, there were approximately 7,275 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $1.96 billion in the Sunshine State last month. Out of the hundreds of contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW, D.R. Horton carried the greatest volume of housing starts, having 1,235 new permits for the one-month period and ranking #1 in four our five of the Florida regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville).

Here is a closer look at the top five home builders by region, based on new permits on record with HBW during the month of October 2020:

Tampa

Out of the nearly 220 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW in the Tampa area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	263	$ 232,343.00
2-Lennar Homes	232	$ 313,315.00
3-The Villages of Lake Sumter	135	$ 300,309.00
4-Highland Homes	110	$ 212,260.00
5-M/I Homes	100	$ 346,670.00

Southwest

Last month, there were 265 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the southwestern region of Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	211	$ 202,525.00
2-Lennar Homes	192	$ 171,624.00
3-Taylor Morrison	96	$ 232,440.00
4-Pulte Homes	93	$ 201,520.00
5-Neal Communities	89	$ 188,146.00

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida, there were more than 150 contractors with new residential construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-GL Building Corp	128	$ 483,872.00
2-Lennar Homes	75	$ 222,145.00
3-D.R. Horton	75	$ 188,879.00
4-Pulte Homes	37	$ 355,434.00
5-Maronda Homes	37	$ 153,238.00

Orlando

Out of the approximately 150 home builders with new permits on record with HBW in Orlando last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	393	$ 282,974.00
2-CalAtlantic Homes	126	$ 387,426.00
3-M/I Homes	77	$ 345,601.00
4-Mattamy Homes	55	$ 314,190.00
5-Pulte Homes	50	$ 359,255.00

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were more than 120 contractors with new residential construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	293	$ 149,676.00
2-Lennar Homes	109	$ 263,660.00
3-KB Homes	104	$ 133,325.00
4-Dream Finders Construction	89	$ 233,746.00
5-Mattamy Homes	72	$ 234,164.00

HBW Report: New Home Construction in Florida – October 2020

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data for new residential construction in Florida during the month of October 2020

Based on the latest HBW construction data reports, there were approximately 7,275 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $1.96 billion in the Sunshine State last month. Out of the five major Florida regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Southeast, Orlando, Jacksonville), the greatest amount of new home construction could be found in Tampa (2,005 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction took place in the Orlando area (average value: $322,992).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, construction values and leading counties with the greatest amount of new residential construction activity during the month of October 2020:

Tampa

As previously mentioned, Tampa carried the greatest volume of housing starts last month, having 2,005 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $560 million on record with HBW. The average value of new home construction landed mid-range in the Tampa area (average value: $279,058) in relation to other Florida regions reviewed, and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Polk (737 permits) and Pasco (541 permits).

Southwest

The southwestern region of Florida ranked #2 for new home construction, having 1,675 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $395 million on record with HBW last month. The average value of housing starts was $236,007, and the county with the greatest concentration of new home construction activity was Lee County (622 permits).

Orlando

Last month, there were approximately 1,500 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $483.5 million in the Orlando area. The average value of new home construction was highest in Orlando (average value: $322,992) in comparison to other Florida regions, and nearly half of all new permits originated from the counties of Orange (405 permits) and Osceola (299 permits).

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were approximately 1,265 housing starts with a total construction value of $284 million last month. The average value of new home construction was lowest in the Jacksonville area (average value: $224,717) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of all new residential construction activity took place in the counties of St. Johns (447 permits) and Duval (440 permits).

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida, there were more than 830 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $235 million during the month of October. The average value of new home construction was $283,075, and the bulk of all new residential construction permits on record originated from the two counties of St. Lucie (390 permits) and Palm Beach (205 permits).