Florida guide
Construction and Handover in Florida
The numbers
| Illustrative land cost | $500k to $5M for coastal parcels; Naples, 30A, Sarasota and Palm Beach vary widely by street and view. |
|---|---|
| Illustrative build cost | $650 to $1,400 per square foot for hurricane-rated, impact-glazed custom construction. |
| Climate exposure | Subtropical with hurricane exposure, elevated water tables and year-round construction weather. |
| Regional vernacular | Gulf and Atlantic contemporary, coastal traditional, board-and-batten cottage and refined stucco. Standing seam metal, impact glass, deep covered porches, elevated foundations, salt-tolerant plantings. |
| Permit pathway | Building permits are municipal or county; coastal construction, environmental and DEP approvals may precede local permit and drive schedule. |
Key risks in Florida
- FBC High-Velocity Hurricane Zone and wind-borne debris requirements
- FEMA flood zone, base flood elevation and finished floor requirements
- Coastal Construction Control Line permitting through Florida DEP
- Septic and stormwater rules on barrier islands and near wetlands
Frequently asked in Florida
How long does construction take in Florida?
A well-run 5,000 square foot custom home in Florida typically takes 14 to 20 months from groundbreaking to certificate of occupancy, plus 30 to 60 days for punch and closeout.
What inspections happen during a FL build?
Foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation, energy code, and final. On coastal or environmentally sensitive sites, add stormwater, dune, wetland or shoreland inspections.
What should the handover package include?
As-built drawings, warranty schedule, equipment manuals, finish and material log, subcontractor directory and a first-year service plan. Every homeowner should receive a bound and digital copy on day one.
More on Construction and Handover
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What Should Be in a Custom Home Handover Package?
The home should be delivered with an operating record that helps the owner maintain, understand, and protect the investment.
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The Final Walkthrough: What to Inspect
The final walkthrough should confirm completion, operation, documentation, training, and outstanding obligations before the project closes.
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How to Build a Useful Punch List
A punch list should be a controlled closeout tool with clear locations, responsibility, status, and acceptance—not a collection of ambiguous observations.
June 10, 2026 · 8 min read
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Quality Control in a Custom Home Build
Quality is produced through clear standards, mockups, sequencing, inspections, testing, protection, and documented closure—not a final punch list alone.
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How to Manage Change Orders During Construction
Change management should preserve informed consent by showing scope, reason, price, schedule, funding, and approval before execution.
June 8, 2026 · 8 min read
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The Best Communication Cadence During Construction
A strong communication system reduces noise by creating predictable meetings, written reports, decision channels, and escalation rules.
June 7, 2026 · 8 min read
Same topic, other markets
Build the right home in Florida, in the right order.
Start with a paid concierge engagement that resolves property, program, budget and financing before you sign anything.