The average cost to build a house in Florida now ranges from about $351,000 to $728,000, excluding expenses for land and site preparation. Generally, new home construction costs in Florida vary between $195 and $364+ per square foot. These costs are influenced by several factors, including the location, size, and style of the house, as well as your choices in design and materials.
Cost per Square Foot to Build a House in Florida
Building a basic, builder-grade home with standard finishes now costs around $195 to $364 per square foot. These homes typically come in a limited range of styles and floor plans offered by builders.
For a custom home with upgrades, such as granite countertops and hardwood floors, the price per square foot increases to approximately $364 and can go as high as $520 per square foot for a home with luxury fixtures and finishes.
Price per Square Foot to Build a House in Florida
Home Size (square feet) | Average Cost to Build* |
800 | $156,000 – $291,200 |
1,000 | $195,000 – $364,000 |
1,500 | $292,500 – $546,000 |
1,800 | $351,000 – $655,200 |
2,000 | $390,000 – $728,000 |
2,500 | $487,500 – $910,000 |
3,000 | $585,000 – $1,092,000 |
3,500 | $682,500 – $1,274,000 |
4,000 | $780,000 – $1,456,000 |
Factors that Affect Home Building Costs in Florida
Location plays a significant role in determining the cost of building a home in Florida. Construction and land costs are generally lower in rural areas but can be significantly higher in popular cities like Miami and Tampa, especially in beachfront locations.
Other factors influencing the cost include the size of the home and your choice of materials, fixtures, and finishes. Here’s an updated breakdown of the major expenses for building a new home in Florida.
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Breakdown of New Home Construction Costs in Florida
Category | Average Cost |
Foundation | $13,000 – $36,400 |
Framing | $28,600 – $78,000 |
Roof | $7,800 – $23,400 |
Siding | $10,400 – $33,800 |
Electrical | $10,400 – $23,400 |
Plumbing | $10,400 – $15,600 |
HVAC | $9,100 – $20,800 |
Interior Finishes & Fixtures | $65,000 – $260,000+ |
Appliances | $4,030 – $10,010 |
Building Permits | $1,950 – $6,500 |
Buying Land in Florida
Before construction, you’ll need to acquire land. The average cost of land in Florida is $39,000 to $65,000+ per acre, depending on location. Lots in major cities are more expensive, and oceanfront properties can easily exceed $650,000 per acre.
A land survey, costing about $520 to $2,340, is often necessary for marking boundaries, utilities, and foundation lines for new construction.
Site Preparation
Preparing the site is essential before construction. Excavation costs can range from $1,950 to $13,000 for leveling and grading. If you’re building in a low-lying or swampy area, grading for proper drainage can increase these costs.
Foundation
Most homes in Florida use a monolithic concrete slab foundation due to minimal excavation needs and moisture resistance. This type costs about $6.50 to $18.20 per square foot, or roughly $13,000 to $36,400 in total.
For coastal or lakefront properties, a pier and beam foundation may be necessary to lift the home and protect it from flooding, costing between $18,200 and $36,400.
Framing & Roof
Framing costs range from $14.30 to $39 per square foot, or $28,600 to $78,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home, including the roof trusses. Framing typically takes 30 to 60+ days, depending on the design and layout.
After framing, roof installation costs about $7,800 to $23,400 or around $3.90 to $7.80 per square foot. Asphalt shingles are a common choice in Florida, with a lifespan of 15 to 30 years, while tile and premium materials range from $9.10 to $32.50+ per square foot.
Siding
Siding costs vary from $5.20 to $16.90 per square foot or about $10,400 to $33,800 in total. Vinyl and aluminum siding are cost-effective, while stucco, popular in Florida, costs around $9.10 to $22.10 per square foot.
Electrical
For a 2,000-square-foot home, electrical wiring costs are $5.20 to $11.70 per square foot, totaling $10,400 to $23,400. Costs increase for complex layouts or homes requiring a high-capacity electrical panel.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing installation costs $10,400 to $15,600, covering pipes, connections, and fixtures. Additional charges of $585 to $2,340 per fixture apply for sinks, toilets, and other items.
A new HVAC system with ductwork costs $9,100 to $20,800, depending on the system size and brand. Central air conditioning systems with heat pumps are standard in Florida homes.
Interior Finishes & Fixtures
Interior finishes include cabinets, countertops, flooring, painting, lighting, and more, which represent a substantial portion of the overall budget. Here’s a breakdown:
- Cabinets: $195 to $650 per linear foot, or $5,850 to $19,500+ total.
- Countertops: $65 to $195 per square foot with installation, depending on material.
- Flooring: $5.20 to $19.50 per square foot, totaling $10,400 to $39,000.
- Drywall: $1.95 to $4.55 per square foot, or $10,400 to $39,000 for 2,000 square feet.
- Painting: $1.30 to $3.90 per square foot of wall or ceiling.
- Lighting fixtures: $91 to $520 each, including installation.
Appliances
For a new home, appliances now cost around $260 to $2,990 each, depending on the brand, model, and features. High-end items like ovens, ranges, and refrigerators can reach prices up to $6,500 each.
A basic kitchen appliance package—including a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave—now costs approximately $2,730 to $7,020.
A washer and dryer set costs between $1,300 and $2,990 for standard models, with options for high-end or specialized units increasing these prices further.
Labor Costs to Build a House in Florida
A general contractor oversees the entire construction project, coordinating materials, managing subcontractors, and ensuring the project stays on schedule. In Florida, general contractors typically charge about 13% to 26% of the total construction budget, which is often included in the overall build cost by most home builders.
Here’s an updated table of labor costs per hour for various professionals involved in building a house, reflecting a 30% increase:
Professional | Labor Cost per Hour |
Excavating Contractors | $130 – $390 |
Plumbers | $98 – $195 |
Electricians | $65 – $169 |
Roofers | $39 – $130 |
Carpenters & Framing Contractors | $39 – $130 |
Siding Contractors | $52 – $104 |
Drywall Contractors | $52 – $130 |
Painters | $26 – $91 |
Flooring Installers | $26 – $91 |
HVAC Installers | $98 – $195 |
Landscapers | $33 – $65 |
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Cost to Build a House in Florida vs. Other States
In Florida cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, the average cost to build a house ranges from $195 to $364 per square foot for a standard, builder-grade home. This cost does not include expenses for land. For a custom home with high-end finishes, costs can range from $364 to $520 per square foot, influenced by factors like location, design complexity, and material choices.
Comparatively, the national average cost to build a house is slightly lower, at $150 to $250 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home. For a custom home with upgraded finishes, the national range is $250 to $400 per square foot. Here’s how Florida’s costs stack up against other popular states:
- California: Building costs are higher, ranging from $200 to $600 per square foot, driven by high material and labor costs, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
- Texas: The cost to build a home ranges from $140 to $300+ per square foot. Texas offers lower labor and material costs compared to Florida, but prices can increase in urban areas like Austin and Dallas.
- Michigan: Homebuilding is more affordable, with costs around $130 to $220 per square foot. This is due to generally lower construction and land costs across the state, including cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Factors Influencing Construction Costs in Florida
Several factors influence the cost of new construction projects in Florida, and understanding these can help you make informed decisions:
- Location: Coastal areas in Florida often have higher costs due to increased demand and the need for materials that withstand hurricanes and moisture. Urban areas like Miami and Orlando generally have higher labor and material costs than rural areas.
- Design Complexity: Complex architectural designs or custom features can raise construction costs significantly. Simple designs are often more cost-effective and quicker to build.
- Material Selection: High-quality or custom materials, such as impact-resistant windows and moisture-resistant siding, are essential in Florida’s climate but can increase costs.
- Labor Market: Labor costs fluctuate depending on the region, demand, and availability of skilled workers. Labor costs are generally higher in densely populated cities.
- Building Codes and Regulations: Florida has stringent building codes, particularly for areas prone to hurricanes. Compliance with these codes may require additional expenses for materials and inspections.
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Question Answer
Frequently Asked Question
The average cost to build a house in Florida ranges from about $351,000 to $728,000. However, this does not include expenses for land and site preparation. Costs per square foot typically range between $195 and $364, influenced by factors like location, size, design, and materials.
For a basic builder-grade home, the cost is around $195 to $364 per square foot. Custom homes with upgraded materials and finishes can go as high as $520 per square foot.
Key factors include the home’s location, size, and architectural style, as well as material choices. Urban or coastal areas tend to have higher costs due to increased labor and material prices, while rural areas are generally more affordable.
Florida’s construction costs are higher than the national average, especially in urban and coastal areas. For example, building costs in California can range from $200 to $600 per square foot, while Texas averages between $140 and $300 per square foot.
- 800 sq. ft.: $156,000 – $291,200
- 1,500 sq. ft.: $292,500 – $546,000
- 2,000 sq. ft.: $390,000 – $728,000
- 3,000 sq. ft.: $585,000 – $1,092,000
Most homes in Florida use a concrete slab foundation, costing approximately $6.50 to $18.20 per square foot. Pier and beam foundations, often used in coastal areas, range from $18,200 to $36,400.
Framing typically costs between $28,600 and $78,000 for a 2,000 sq. ft. home. Roof installation adds an additional $7,800 to $23,400, depending on material and design.
- Electrical installation: $10,400 to $23,400 for a 2,000 sq. ft. home.
- Plumbing installation: $10,400 to $15,600, with additional costs for specific fixtures.
An HVAC system for a new home typically costs between $9,100 and $20,800, depending on the system size and brand.
Interior finishes, including cabinets, countertops, and flooring, can represent a significant portion of the budget. Costs for finishes can range from $65,000 to $260,000+.
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