Daytona Beach Housing Starts Down in 2024

Daytona Beach’s residential construction industry showed signs of a slight slowdown in 2024, with 918 new single-family home permits issued, according to a media release. While this marks a significant investment in local housing, it represents the fewest permits issued in three years and a nearly 30% decline from the peak in 2022, when 1,282 permits were issued. Despite fewer starts, the total construction value of these new homes reached $389 million, the highest value recorded in a single year.   

The reduced number of starts is primarily attributed to the significant completion of subdivisions. That includes Margaritaville, a planned development with 3,900 homes, which is 95% built out, while Mosaic and Eagle Crest are 70% and 99% built out, respectively, according to Chief Building Official Glen Urquhart.   

Much of the new home construction activity remains concentrated along the LPGA Boulevard corridor. March saw the highest number of permits issued in a single month, with 181 approvals. Of these, 78 were for homes in The Preserve at LPGA, a Lennar Homes subdivision located just south of Daytona Stadium. Approved in 2019, The Preserve is about 85% built out, the release states.

In an interview with EVOLVE News, Economic and Strategic Opportunities Director Jeff Brown said residential construction is an important part of the city economy.

“It plays a role in the economic development of the city since 5% to 8% of the local workforce is in the construction industry,” he said.

 In addition to providing jobs, residential construction also contributes to the city’s overall economic development efforts.

“It has a noteworthy role when recruiting industries to the city,” he said. “As we recruit companies to Daytona Beach, ensuring a sufficient housing stock is crucial to accommodate the growing workforce and support the city’s economic development. It’s also important for the city to have housing available for homeownership and rental opportunities.”

The city also saw construction activity on several multi-family housing developments. The city issued 21 permits for apartment complexes, representing 872 residential units with a construction value of $140.1 million. This highlights a steady demand for apartment living in the area, the release states.

Building permits for 400 Beach were issued in August. The six-story apartment development with 296 units is being developed by Framework on a 3.5-acre site in downtown Daytona Beach. Once completed, 400 Beach will contribute to the city’s housing options, offering modern apartment living in the heart of the community, according to the release.