Data compiled from city and county building departments by the Northeast Florida Builders Association for the greater Jacksonville area (Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties) show an increase over the prior month and substantial growth over the same period last year. With the first quarter 2005 off to a strong start and April’s average increasing beyond first quarter averages, experts believe this will be another high-growth year for the local housing market.
Compared to April last year, the four counties combined show a 31 percent growth rate, with 1,229 permits issued in April 2004 and 1,605 permits issued in April 2005.
Locally, the building industry is poised for another very good year, said Northeast Florida Builders Association President Bryan Lendry.
“Our economy remains strong,” Lendry said. “The continued demand for new homes is driving the market. Northeast Florida is enjoying unprecedented national attention in the wake of Super Bowl XXXIX, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and recent filming activity here. It’s a good time to be in the limelight.”
Two counties, Duval and St. Johns counties, showed an increase over March numbers, with the greatest in Duval County with 776 permits in April compared to 698 in March, an increase of 11 percent. St. Johns County recorded 392 permits in April compared to 377 in March. Clay County issued 321 permits in April, 349 in March, and Nassau County had 116 permits in April, 117 in March.
The monthly average for permits issued in the four counties so far in 2005 is 1,368. Last year, a monthly average of 1,136 permits was recorded.
CLAY COUNTY
April 2005/321
March 2005/349
2005 Total YTD/1,164
2004 Total/2,687
2003 Total/2,313
DUVAL COUNTY
April 2005/776
March 2005/698
2005 Total YTD/2,502
2004 Total/6,101
2003 Total/5,646
NASSAU COUNTY
April 2005/116
March 2005/117
2005 Total YTD/381
2004 Total/1,238
2003 Total/1,005
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
April 2005/392
March 2005/377
2005 Total YTD/1,423
2004 Total/3,610
2003 Total/3,002
Greater
Jacksonville Area (Clay, Duval Nassau and
St. Johns counties)
2005 April/1,605
2005 March/1,541
2005 Total YTD/5,470
2004 Total/13,636
2003 Total/11,976
2002 Total/10,618
2001 Total/9,075
The Northeast Florida Builders Association provides education, research, legislative representation, media relations, promotions and programs for its 1,700-plus builder and associate members. The Association is celebrating 61 years of service to members and to the community through various charitable efforts.