FAQs: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Florida, FL?

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Based on a recent report from Homeadvisor, it is estimated that it will cost you approximately $270,000 to $675,000 to build a 4500-square feet house in Florida.

Based on the US Census Bureau’s 2022 report, building a house may cost you a minimum of $65 per square foot and a maximum of $160 per sq ft. On average it can cost you around $115 per square foot.

how much does it cost to build a house in florida
How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Florida

Florida House Building Cost Summary

The cost mostly depends on the size of the house, design, land cost, availability of labor, and the price of the materials.

HVAC Cost$1,500-$13,000
Plumbing Cost$7,000-$15,000
Electronic Wiring Cost$20,000-$30,000
Solar Panel Cost$18,000-$35,000
Per Square Foot Cost$115-$160
Average House Building Cost$330,000-$825,000

A Comprehensive Guide to Building a House in Florida

You may intend to build a house in Florida. No matter how bad the weather is in Florida, it’s still better than anywhere else. The tides of the sea put you in a good mood all the time.

It’s a high-flying state with plenty of sunshine, where a man can dream freely. Florida is the 3rd most populous state in the USA and the 22nd largest state of 50 states. It is surrounded by 4,510 islands.

Florida is a picturesque place to buy a house. Building a home there might be on your mind. Throughout this article, we’ve attempted to estimate all the costs for your consideration.

What is the Cheapest Place to Build a House in Florida?

The average house building cost in Florida is 5% less than the national average building cost. Ocala is the cheapest place to build a house in Florida. The average building cost in Ocala is 12% less than the country’s average cost.

Panama City is the 2nd cheapest city with 11% less building cost than the country’s average cost and Fort Pierce is the third cheapest place with 10% less building cost than the average building cost.

House Building Per Square Foot (sq ft) Cost in Florida, FL

This cost summary is made according to the US Census Bureau Report 2022. This table shows the lowest cost, highest cost, and average cost for different size houses.

Just have a look at the table and you will get a primary idea of the total cost.

Square FeetLowest Cost ($60/sq ft)Average Cost ($110.19/sq ft)Highest Cost ($150/sq ft)
500$30,000$55,095$75,000
1000$60,000$110,190$150,000
1500$90,000$165,285$225,000
2000$120,000$220,380$300,000
2500$150,000$275,475$375,000
3000$180,000$330,570$450,000
3500$210,000$385,665$525,000
4000$240,000$440,760$600,000
4500$270,000$495,855$675,000
5000$300,000$550,950$750,000
5500$330,000$606,045$825,000‬
6000$360,000$661,140‬$900,000‬

Cost Summary for Building Different Types of Family Houses in FL

According to TAMU research data, we estimate the house building cost of different families. Here you can see the average building cost of different families in Florida.

If you are willing to build a single-family house, it will cost much more compared to a multi-family house.

Family TypePer Dwelling Cost
Single-family house$261,900
A multi-family house for 2 to 4 families$150,900
A Multi-family house for 5+ families$136,200

Different Types of Single-Family House Building Costs in Florida

In the USA private family houses are divided into these six classes. The average building cost per square foot will increase if the house is small in size with a smaller gross floor and the building cost will be lowest for the big house with a big gross floor.

Generally, for any kind of house, builders charge much for small houses and charge less for bigger houses. Costs can increase if the house has a difficult shape and design.

In this table, we give the minimum, maximum, and average building costs for different types of private houses in Florida, according to the National Estimator house building cost report.

Single-family Home TypeMinimum Cost (per sq ft)Average Cost (per sq ft)Maximum Cost (per sq ft)
Luxury House$327.65$386.67$502.27
Semi-luxury House$199.13$234.99$305.24
Best Standard House$128.73$150.71$195.52
Good Standard House$93.95$110.87$144.07
Average Standard House$76.26$89.92$116.78
Minimum Standard House$60.14$70.95$92.19

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Colorado?

Top 11 House Building Cost Factors in Florida (FL): A Complete Price List for 2022

There are many cost factors associated with the total cost. All of the cost factors together determine the total cost. Below we provide a cost breakdown of these factors.

Kinds of CostAverage Cost
Building Permit$1,200-$2,000
Land Preparing Cost$1,500-$5,000
Planning & Designing Cost$2,000-$8,000
Foundation Cost$4,000-$25,000
Framing Cost$20,000-$50,000
Utility Cost$30,000-$75,000
Exterior Finishing Cost$40,000-$60,000
Materials Cost$80,000-$150,000
Land Cost$130,000-$170,000
Interior Finishing Cost$50,000-$175,000
Labor Cost$80,000-$180,000

1. Planning and Designing Cost

In the pre-construction process, you need to hire engineers and architects for house planning. The engineer can charge $125 to $250 per hour and the architect can charge $100 to $200 per hour.

The house designer can charge $50 to $200 per hour. The cost depends on how many experienced professionals you choose.

2. Land Cost

You may have to bear more than $100,000 for land prices. The land cost mostly depends on the location and the availability of the utility.

If you choose a rural village lot it will cost you very low but if you choose a developed area with all the utility facilities.

3. Land Preparing Cost

You may need to test the soil and survey the land to make sure the land is ready for construction. The average price for soil tests may cost you $800 to $2,100.

4. Building Permit

To start the construction it is a must to take the govt. Permission to start the building. The cost differs from area to area and the requirements of the government.

It can cost you up to $5,000. After paying the building permit impact fee or permit costs you can hand in the building process.

5. Cost of Labor

Labor cost is the major factor for any kind of construction. The 30% to 60% of the total cost has to pay for the labor cost. Labor costs can be higher for complex models and bigger houses.

The process will require a lot of labor. Prior to building a new home, you should factor in the cost of hiring engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Florida has a diverse economy, which impacts how expensive it is to hire architects and engineers. Sometimes it’s included in the construction cost.

Here are the labor costs in Florida when building a house:

  • Architects: $65-$135/ hour
  • Engineers: $115-$155/ hour
  • Land Surveyors: $200-$900

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Austin TX?

6. Material Cost

Another major factor in building a house is materials. The cost of materials is 30% to half of the total cost. It depends on you.

The quality of the materials makes a big difference. We suggest you not compromise the quality for a lower price if you have to pay extra cost for it.

7. Foundation Cost

Foundation is the backbone of any building. For building the basement you may need to pay $110 to $3,000 per square foot. Foundation includes the cost for pouring, backfilling, and form set might cost you up to $25,000.

8. Framing Cost

House framing includes walls, doors, windows, and roofs and will cost you $20,000 to $50,000. According to the National Association of House Buildings, framing, and exterior finish can cost you 33% of your total cost.

9. Utility Cost

Installing all the utility connections may cost you between $30,000 and $75,000. Include plumbing cost $7,000 to $15,000, electronic wiring cost $20,000 to $30,000 and HVAC cost $1,500 to $13,000 and solar panel cost $18,000 to $35,000. Make sure all electrical wiring is finished before paying.

10. Interior Finishing Cost

Interior finish is one of the most important cost sectors for house building. Here you can give your custom design.

According to the NAHB report, the interior finishing cost is 30% of your total house building cost. The interior finishing cost is used to add comfort to the newly built house.

It includes the cost of installing new cabinets for $2000 to $30,000, countertops cost for $2,000 to $4,000, interior painting cost $4,000 to $11,000, the flooring installation cost for $1,000 to $10,000, house appliance cost for $3,000 to $15,000, etc.

11. Furniture Cost

Creating a home is incomplete without furnishing it. This is a crucial step that can’t be overlooked. It can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 to furnish a 2,000-square-foot home, depending on your style and how the furniture is available.

Get tough, comfortable beds, couches, and tables that you can rely on for years to come. The overall building cost can vary widely from area to area.

The cost can increase in one sector and decrease in another. You have to be mentally and financially prepared for unforeseen expenses.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Tennessee?

Where Can You Reduce Costs for House Building in FL?

No matter how much money you have, you always try to save your precious money. In this section, we try to give you some hints so that you can think and reduce the cost. To maintain your budget, you can do a few things.

First and foremost, you can reduce the size of your home. Building a larger home naturally takes more time and materials. Additionally, two-story homes cost more than one-story homes.

Consider this when designing your home. It’s not necessary to build a large house if you don’t need it. It is common for the finishings to be the most hidden cost both in pre-built new homes and in custom homes.

Real wood floors, marble countertops, tiling in bathrooms, and other luxury options come at a high cost. Home appliances also cost a lot. Consider the cost of a refrigerator, stove, and other items before purchasing them.

Obviously, the cost of these high-end applications is higher than the cost of more basic applications. An accurate estimate and a house plan help you to reduce the cost.

Related: What is the Average Cost to Build a House in Missouri?

What is the Cheapest: Build a house or Buy a House in Florida?

According to the Neighborhood scout report buying a medium-size house can cost you $245,845 and you can buy a house in the price range between $100,000 and $200,000 depending on the location, size, and house condition.

It is a tough decision to take. You have to keep the renovation cost in mind while buying a house. Building a house may be a little bit costly.

If you don’t have enough time to wait to build a new house, it is better to buy a good-condition house because according to the US Census Bureau report completing a house can take 7 months on average.

Buying a house can not beat the joy of building your house with every single detail chosen on your own. if you build your own house there will be no issue with the quality. A new buy house can not ensure you 100% quality.

Note: If you have proper land with utility facilities our suggestion is to build your own house. Housing is something we must not compromise the quality for a cheaper price.

Related: How Much Does it Cost Per Square Foot to Build a House in Hawaii?

Some Extra Tips To Keep in Mind When Building Your Dream House in Florida, FL

When you’re building your own house you may become very busy maintaining this whole thing. You may forget these things in the busyness. These little bits of thinking can impact the whole scenario.

The first thing you must do is stay within your building budget. You have to separate the construction budget from the overall project. Because construction project budget sometimes exceeds.

Sometimes the most expensive raw materials don’t give you the best result. Prices don’t always indicate the best but quality can. Make sure you inspect the items for yourself.

You should do your homework before buying any products, supplies, or finishes. Then you should choose the most effective and efficient engineer.

The state of Florida requires all blueprints to be examined, modified, and endorsed by an engineer.

The installation of these systems can be costly, but it ensures your home is ready to withstand extreme weather conditions and climatic changes in this state.

Slow down and appreciate the surroundings. Building projects always cost thousands of dollars. The house you’re building is not just a house, it’s your home.

No matter what place you choose price won’t vary too much. Like Central Florida, South Florida, or north-central Florida; it doesn’t differ too much in total cost estimates of actual projects cost.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in North Carolina?

Some Most Commonly Asked Questions by People about (Florida House Building): FAQs

What is the expensive place to build a house in Florida?

Anyplace above the average country building cost will be considered expensive. But there is no such place in Florida. Florida is one of the cheapest states to build a house in the USA.

How much does it cost to build a 2000 sq ft house in Florida?

According to the US Census Bureau Report, the average cost for building a 2,000 sq ft house in Florida is $220,380 and it can cost you up to $300,000 depending on the location, labor, materials, and design.

How much does it cost to build a 2500 sq ft house in Florida?

A 2,500 sq ft house in Florida can cost you $275,475 on average according to the US Census Bureau report and it may cost you a maximum of $375,000 depending on the different cost factors.

Does price per square foot matter when buying a home?

Using price per square foot is most effective when comparing properties that are similarly sized, located, styled, and finished. When comparing similar homes in the same neighborhood, price per square footage provides the most useful comparison. The total cost will increase with it.

Florida is one of the most beautiful states to have your own house. We hope you find this guide helpful in minimizing the cost of building a house in Florida.

If you want, you can also share how you estimate and manage your home construction. We have details about modern home construction, architecture, interior design, exterior design, and other related topics.

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