by Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
The April 2006 issue of Florida Trend magazine provides an in-depth overview of growth and development in the state overall and in specific regions. The news is good for Northeast Florida and is consistent with reports of activity from area builders.
“This report reflects business as we are experiencing it here in Northeast Florida,” said Bryan Lendry, president and founder of Brylen Homes. “Our area is growing and will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. We’ve just come through a period of unprecedented activity, and frankly a leveling off period is healthy for business.”
Lendry, also immediate past president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, has been concerned about the impact of inaccurate media reports, and he cites the Florida Trend articles as more closely reflecting the general economy and the housing industry in our area.
According to Florida Trend’s Economic Yearbook 2006 (April 2006), Florida population grows by 1,060 every day. About 1,890 move in, 945 leave and 115 babies are added each day. Projections are that the natural increase (more births than deaths) will equal zero in 25 years and Florida’s population increase will be from migration into the state.
The magazine’s report on Northeast Florida indicates there were 43,585 newcomers in Duval County alone in 2003-2004. North Florida is attracting an older population, some of whom are moving north from the crowded southern part of the state. While Southeast Florida is expected to continue growing, Central and North Florida will grow more rapidly.
Jobs are a major factor in the decision of people under the age of 55 to move to Florida. Florida typically is ahead of the rest of the nation in job growth.
Examples of growth in our area include River Watch at City Centre, a $350-million project that includes residential condos, retail, hotel and commercial space, and Nocatee, the 20-year, 70,000-home project in St. Johns County.
Lendry said data compiled from city and county building departments by the Northeast Florida Builders Association for Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties show the greater Jacksonville area on track for another year of growth at a stabilized pace.
At the end of the first quarter 2006, the Jacksonville area reports 3,780 permits, compared to 3,865 for the same period in 2005.
All the counties in the Jacksonville area for which data is obtained showed an increase in March compared to February. The four counties showed an increase from 1,127 permits issued in February to 1,411 permits issued in March.
Local builders have confidence in the Jacksonville area market.
“The builders I know count themselves very fortunate to be in this place at this time,” said current NEFBA president and president of The Vintage Group Jerry Linder. “Demand for new homes remains the dominant force in this market, and as people continue to move to the First Coast, they will continue to need a place to live.”
Linder said he believes builders in the area have the diversity in their products required to meet the demand for housing in all price ranges, from affordable, entry-level homes to the high-end luxury homes. He also said condominiums and townhomes are increasing in popularity for first-time buyers.
To view the current issue of Florida Trend, log onto www.floridatrend.com/. Florida Trend has reported on the people and issues that define Florida and shape its future for more than 45 years. The St. Petersburg-based magazine offers a mix of regionally based stories and reporting with statewide impact. Trend’s mix of local color and thorough, hard-hitting investigative journalism is recognized each year with regional and national awards for editorial excellence.