Florida’s housing market continues to be one of the most competitive in the nation, as demand from new residents and growing local populations drives a steady wave of new construction. A recent Realtor.com State-by-State Housing Report Card awarded the state a C+, noting that while challenges remain, Florida is outperforming most states in keeping supply moving.
Population growth has surged over the past decade, and the state is racing to keep housing options affordable despite rising insurance rates and construction costs. Florida still boasts one of the strongest new-home pipelines in the United States — a key advantage as buyers continue to look south.
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At the national level, housing has become a renewed political focus. President Donald Trump recently pushed large homebuilders to accelerate nationwide construction. In a Truth Social post, he argued that developers are controlling land availability:
“They’re my friends ... but now, they can get Financing, and they have to start building Homes. They’re sitting on 2 Million empty lots, A RECORD.”
Trump encouraged federal housing giants to step in, urging Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to “get Big Homebuilders going” to “restore the American Dream.”
Florida earned a report card score of 59.4, reflecting a marketplace that remains within reach for many families. A median household income of $69,226 offers some balance to a median listing price of $445,826 — higher than most Southern states but still more affordable than coastal metros elsewhere.
The biggest strength: Florida simply builds more homes. The state represented 11.8% of all U.S. single-family construction permits in 2024, despite accounting for just 6.8% of the population. New homes in many areas are also cheaper than resales, with a -4.0% new construction premium — a rarity and a major supporter of affordability.
According to Realtor.com New Construction Insights, the South leads the nation in both affordability and production scale. Florida is a major contributor to that momentum.
Cities including Jacksonville, Cape Coral, and Deltona have seen some of the nation’s fastest price moderation for new builds due to competition among builders and growing inventory. Jacksonville’s new home prices dropped 7.8% year over year, while Cape Coral–Fort Myers saw a 7.4% decline — giving first-time homeowners more opportunity than before.
National Association of Realtors® executive vice president Shannon McGahn said inventory shortages have suppressed the nation’s housing market for too long:
“America is short more than 4.7 million homes, and every new home built helps close that gap while fueling local economies.”
She added that supply growth gives families the chance to build generational wealth.
To maintain progress, Florida lawmakers have directed major financial support toward workforce housing, disaster preparedness, and buyer protection.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a $117.4 billion state budget including $50 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program — which provides down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers.
A permanent tax exemption on storm-readiness items like generators, smoke detectors, and emergency equipment also kicked in July 1, reducing expenses for homeowners.
A new law, House Bill 623, tightens builder accountability by requiring warranties that stay active even if the home changes owners — a significant win for buyers facing expensive construction defects.
The administration also continues to back the Live Local Act, one of the most ambitious housing incentives in the country. It expands tax credits, encourages higher-density development near jobs and transit hubs, and supports infrastructure needed for attainable housing.
Governor DeSantis defended the programs against concerns that developers could take advantage of tax breaks:
“This legislation provides record support for Florida’s workforce and their families to help them live where they work, while also providing historic support for our military communities and the families living near military bases.”
Even as Florida outperforms other states, costs remain a pressure point:
Still, Florida’s ability to deliver new homes at scale — and sometimes below resale prices — sets it apart from other high-growth states like Texas and Arizona.
As long as population growth continues and development fuels new permitting, analysts expect Florida to remain a housing leader and a critical piece of the nation’s push to resolve a 4.7 million–home deficit.
Originally reported by The Realtor.com Team
