The average home building cost in Florida ranges between $240,000 – $350,000. The construction costs largely depend on the type of property, construction area, and customizations. Additionally, you need to budget land expenses and permit costs.
Building your own house is not just expensive but also time-consuming. On average, homeowners spend 9 to 12 months building a house. Many even consider buying a new one instead.
But will it be cheaper than building a new home in the Sunshine State? If not, how much does a new home construction cost in Florida, and is it worth the investment?
🚀 Key Takeaways
- Average Cost to Build a House in Florida: It costs about $147 per square foot to build a house in the Sunshine State.
- Framing Lumber is the Highest Material Cost: It costs about $33,000 to frame a 2,000 sq. ft. home, according to Forbes Home.
- Your Building Costs Can Increase: Rising material costs, expensive labor, and supply chain issues can increase your house-building costs.
- Home Building Financing Options: You can work with a lender to get a construction loan. You can also opt for USDA construction loans and VA construction loans.
- Buying a House is Cheaper than Building: Apart from construction prices, one must budget for land costs, permit fees, etc. This will increase your home building costs significantly. In some cases buying a home in Florida can be affordable than building a new one.
Can I Build My Own House in Florida?
Yes! If you have land in an area of your choice, you can build your own house in Florida. You have to budget for the time and the cost of building your home though.
You will also need permits to build your house. Permit fees depend on the home value or the construction area. Home building permit laws vary across counties in Florida. Refer to your local county’s website or office for more information.
» Permit Costs: Read more about home building permits.
Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a House in Florida?
Generally, buying an existing home is cheaper than building a new one. But remember, by building your own home you get a brand-new residence, customized to your needs.
The cost of house building in Florida ranges between $240,000 – $350,000, with the state average at $295,000. This figure does not include land costs, excavations, permits, and other expenses. Home building prices in Florida can reach millions depending on the build type and customizations.
If you’re considering buying a home, the median sale price (as of September 2023) in Florida is $404,500.
Owner-built homes can take up to 12 months to complete. Even if you hire a contractor, you will spend 9 months building your house. So, as per the Florida real estate market, new home construction is time-consuming.
» Homes For Sale in Florida: Browse thousands of property listings in Florida.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Florida?
The average cost per square foot to build a house in Florida is $147. This doesn’t include land costs, permit fees, excavations, and other costs.
Average Cost of Building a House in Florida
| Average Home Building Costs in Florida | $295,000 |
| Minimum (800 sq. ft.) | $117,600 |
| Maximum (5,000 sq. ft.) | $735,000 |
| Average Range | $240,000 – $350,000 |
Average Cost to Build in Florida Per the Number of Bedrooms
Below is the table showing the building costs in Florida per the number of bedrooms:
| Number of Bedrooms | Average Cost Range to Build a House in Florida |
| 1 Bedroom | $90,000 – $200,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $110,000 – $270,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $220,000 – $365,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $275,000 – $540,000 |
Average Cost to Build a Home in Florida by Square Footage
Below is the table showing construction cost per square foot in Florida for varying home sizes:
| Home Size | Average Price Range |
| 800 sq. ft. | $117, 600 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $147,000 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $176,400 |
| 1,400 sq. ft. | $205, 800 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $220,000 |
| 1,700 sq. ft. | $249,900 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $294,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $367,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $441,000 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $588,000 |
| 4,500 sq. ft. | $661,500 |
Average Cost to Build a House in Florida by Cities
Here’s how much it costs to build a house in popular cities/counties in Florida:
| City/County | Average Building Costs Per Sq. Ft. |
| Miami | $125 |
| Orlando | $105 |
| Tallahassee | $115 |
| Volusia County | $103 |
| Tampa | $105 |
Average Home Building Costs in Florida by Region
Here are some other popular regions where you can consider building your home:
| Region | Average Building Costs Per Sq. Ft. |
| South Florida | $110 |
| Central Florida | $160 |
| South West Florida | $150 |
Florida Home Building Costs Breakdown
To paint a better picture, here is a house building cost breakdown for a 2,500 sq. ft. house in Florida:
Hard Costs to Build a House in Florida
Hard costs comprise expenses directly involved in the home-building process. They play a direct role in estimating the project’s completion.
1. Material Cost to Build a New Home: $147,500
Building materials make up approximately 50% of the overall building prices. You can expect to spend about $50 per square foot on home-building material costs.
Home building prices per square foot are expected to be volatile in 2023. Ken Simonson, Chief Economist at Associated General Contractors of America, expects price hikes and shortages to ease for some products, and to remain volatile for others in 2023.
“Cement and concrete products are likely to have continuing shortages as the nation has not added any cement production since 2009 while demand is growing, particularly from infrastructure projects.”
– Ken Simonson, Chief Economist at Associated General Contractors of America
Here are the material costs you must account for while building your home in Florida:
- Flooring: $1 – $5 per sq. ft.
- Drywall: $12 – $20 per sheet
- Siding: $2 – $15 per sq. ft.
- Lumber: $25,000 – $65,000
2. Contractor(s) Charges: 10% – 20%
You need a contractor or a firm to oversee the construction process. Contractors estimate the costs and complete the construction on time. A general contractor hires several other professionals involved in the home-building process. They include:
- Electricians
- Architects
- Floor installers
- Plumbers
- HVAC installers
- Carpenters, etc.
A contractor charges around 10% to 20% of the total construction value. A general contractor’s fee depends on several factors, such as property type, detailing, materials, and workforce. Apart from a contractor fee, ensure to account for each professional’s hourly rates.
Below are the average hourly rates of home building professionals in Florida:
| Professionals | Hourly Rate* |
| Flooring Installers | $19.09 |
| Roofers | $19.80 |
| Painters | $18.54 |
| Brick Masons | $22.19 |
| Landscapers | $16.02 |
| General Contractors | $24.15 |
| Plumbers | $24.33 |
| Carpenters | $21.26 |
| HVAC Technicians | $23.37 |
| Structural Engineers | $39.38 |
| Electricians | $23.04 |
3. Electrical Costs: $7,500 – $12,500
On average, new construction electrical cost per square foot is $3 to $6. This amount includes both the rough-in as well as the finishing work.
The amount you spend on electrical work will differ depending on the property size, type of wiring, wire material, etc. To save money, you can DIY the electrical work, but you will still need an electrician to check the connections. Some electricians can charge up to $120 per hour.
4. Roof Installation Costs: $3,262 – $36,700
Roofing costs depend on the choice of roofing material, the slope of the roof, and the size of your house. Below is the table showing roofing costs per square foot in Florida for various roofing materials:
| Roofing Material | Avg Cost Per 100 Sq. Ft. |
| Asphalt Shingle Roof | $163.13 – $265.08 |
| Tile Roof | $764.66 – $1,223.45 |
| Wood Shake Roof | $535.26 – $703.48 |
| Slate Roof | $739.17 – $1,835.18 |
5. Plumbing Costs: $12,000
Plumbing costs include installing plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucets, wash basins, bathtubs, etc. Homeowners spend around $4.50 per sq. ft. in plumbing in new construction or $4,080 on average.
You require a plumber to fix the pipes and lay the sewage lines. You also need to install washing machines, dryers, and geysers while custom building a home in Florida.
6. HVAC Installation Costs: $12,500
Homeowners pay $1,500 to $12,500 for installing a new HVAC system. This cost can further vary as per the size of the cooling area, the type of system, the brand, etc. All these additional factors can increase the HVAC installation cost by $2,000 or more.
Soft Costs to Build a House in Florida
Soft costs in home construction contribute to the building process indirectly. They include costs like land costs, permit costs, design costs, etc.
1. Land Costs: $37,000 Per Acre
Before you build your house in Florida you need to shop for land to build it on. You will incur two costs related to land:
- Land Purchase Cost: The average price per acre in Florida is $34,900. The cost of land depends on the size of the house you wish to build as well as the location.
- Preparation Cost: You need to clear the land and level it before starting the construction process. Land preparation costs can be anywhere between $1,500 – $3,000.
🤔 Is it cheaper to build a house in Florida if you already own land?
Yes. In most cases, building a house is in Florida cheaper if you own the land. You will incur only the cost of building the home. Plus, you can customize your home to your requirements!
» Land For Sale By Owner in Florida: Buy land to build a house near you.
2. Florida Home Building Permit Costs: $5,000
In Florida, contractors need a building permit to construct a new house. Construction or building permits are legal documents that authorize the house-building process.
The permit costs, and building codes, vary per the county. They are usually based on the construction type, occupancy type, home building area, and project scope.
Some permits you may need along with their average cost are as follows:
- Building Permit: $1,000 to $2,000
- HVAC Permit: $250 to $400
- Plumbing Permit: $50 to $500
- Electrical Permit: $10 to $500
3. Home Interiors: $20,000
Before you move into your new home, you’ll need furniture, electronics, utensils, silverware, and bathroom essentials. These may sound relatively cheap, but the costs can add up quickly.
The costs will depend upon your taste, quality of finishes, location, and the outlet you order from. For a 2,500 sq. ft. home, you should budget at least $20,000 on interior furnishings.
4. Home Interior Designer Costs: $5,400
If designing your own interior isn’t your thing, you can hire an interior designer. A great interior designer will provide you with 3D views and renderings of your home.
An interior designer will also order the right furniture, wall prints, rugs, etc. based on your taste and requirements. They can also help you maximize space utilization.
But interior designers aren’t cheap. Budget $5,400 on average; it can be more or less depending upon your requirements.
House Building Financing Options
Here are the typical home-building financing options available for you:
Home Construction Loans
The two most prominent home construction loans are as follows:
- Construction-to-Permanent Loan: This loan covers land purchase and home building costs. It is converted to a conventional mortgage after the construction is complete and you move into the house.
- Construction-only Loan: It only covers the cost of home building. After your home is ready, the entire loan amount is due. You can pay back the loan through cash or take out a mortgage.
Personal Loan
A personal loan will not cover your entire home-building cost. You can opt for a personal loan to finance a specific part of the construction. For example, you can finance landscaping through a personal loan.
Home Equity Loan
Home equity loan applies to homeowners who already have a property and want to finance a new construction. Depending on how much equity you own in your existing home, you can finance the entire construction of your new home or a part of it.
Should You Build Your Own House in Florida?
If you own land in a location you want to live in, build your house yourself or hire a general contractor. Budget 9 to 12 months to plan and construct your new home in Florida.
If you don’t own your own land, we recommend you house-hunt for turnkey homes in Florida and move in quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to build a 2,000 square foot home in Florida?
It costs about $60 to $150 per square foot to build a house in FL. So, you would have to spend $120,000 to $300,000 to build a 2,000-square-foot home in Florida. These costs will vary depending on location, property type, labor expenses, material costs, etc.
2. How much does it cost to build a house per square foot in Florida?
It costs $60 to $150 per square foot to build a house in Florida. However, home-building costs depend on several other factors. These include property type, construction area, labor costs, etc.
3. How much does a foundation cost in Florida?
A foundation costs $5 to $7 per square foot in Florida, depending on the thickness of the reinforced slab.
4. How much does it cost to build a 4 bedroom house in Florida?
The average cost to build 4 bedroom house in Florida is between $275,000 – $540,000.
5. How much does it cost to build a 3 bedroom house in Florida?
The average cost to build 3 bedroom house in Florida is between $220,000 – $365,000.
6. How much does it cost to build a 3 bedroom 2 bath house in Florida?
The cost to build a 3 bedroom 2 bath house in Florida is between $248,000 and $410,000.
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Florida How Much Does it Cost to Build a House
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