Industry News
Florida Pool Permits Down Roughly 3% YTD as Market Continues Post-Boom Adjustment
A closer look at Florida’s pool permit numbers tells a larger tale

Florida has always been one of the strongest performing markets in the pool industry. When Florida grows, the rest of the pool world feels it. When Florida slows, that slowdown echoes across every major pool market in the country. With permit data now available through September, we finally have a complete view of how the state is performing year-to-date — and what the numbers reflect is a market still cooling, but in a steady and predictable way.
When measuring true year-to-date performance from January through September, Florida recorded 21,268 permits for 2025 compared to 21,908 during the same period in 2024. That’s a decline of 640 permits, or –2.92% YOY.
This marks the third consecutive year of softening permit activity since the highs of the pandemic boom. But the pace of the decline, and the underlying factors behind it, tell a far more balanced story than simply calling it a slump.
📊 Florida Pool Permit Data Overview (Jan 2024 – Sep 2025)
Month-by-month YOY totals sourced directly from Florida Pool Pro Magazine & HB Weekly.
| Month | 2024 | 2025 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2,230 (Jan 2024) | 2,043 (Jan 2025) | –187 | –8.39% |
| Feb | 1,980 (Feb 2024) | 2,316 (Feb 2025) | +336 | +16.97% |
| Mar | 2,160 (Mar 2024) | 2,522 (Mar 2025) | +362 | +16.76% |
| Apr | 2,850 (Apr 2024) | 2,218 (Apr 2025) | –632 | –22.18% |
| May | 2,001 (May 2024) | 2,239 (May 2025) | +238 | +11.89% |
| Jun | 2,862 (Jun 2024) | 2,350 (Jun 2025) | –512 | –17.89% |
| Jul | 2,088 (Jul 2024) | 2,427 (Jul 2025) | +339 | +16.24% |
| Aug | 2,898 (Aug 2024) | 2,269 (Aug 2025) | –629 | –21.70% |
| Sep | 2,839 (Sep 2024) | 2,884 (Sep 2025) | +45 | +1.58% |
📈 Top 10 Counties with the Biggest YOY Increases
| County | 2024 Permits | 2025 Permits | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa County | 219 | 437 | +99.5 % |
| Columbia County | 84 | 142 | +69.0 % |
| Bay County | 255 | 393 | +54.1 % |
| Hernando County | 433 | 658 | +51.9 % |
| Alachua County | 195 | 280 | +43.6 % |
| Escambia County | 205 | 287 | +40.0 % |
| Lake County | 1,084 | 1,373 | +26.7 % |
| Okaloosa County | 296 | 367 | +24.0 % |
| Pasco County | 1,313 | 1,595 | +21.5 % |
| Clay County | 315 | 374 | +18.7 % |
📉 Top 10 Counties with the Sharpest YOY Declines
| County | 2024 Permits | 2025 Permits | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns County | 1,227 | 877 | –28.6 % |
| Citrus County | 581 | 428 | –26.3 % |
| Charlotte County | 867 | 666 | –23.1 % |
| Osceola County | 1,721 | 1,345 | –21.9 % |
| Hillsborough County | 2,142 | 1,678 | –21.7 % |
| Manatee County | 1,621 | 1,304 | –19.6 % |
| Sarasota County | 1,459 | 1,177 | –19.3 % |
| Marion County | 1,112 | 911 | –18.1 % |
| Indian River County | 634 | 537 | –15.3 % |
| Lee County | 2,311 | 2,001 | –13.4 % |
A Market Cooling, But Much Less Than Expected
The COVID surge pushed the industry to extraordinary highs. Builders saw unprecedented demand and permit numbers that were never meant to be the new normal. With rising rates and higher construction costs, some cooling was predictable as the market settled into a more sustainable rhythm.
Many analysts predicted sharp declines in the 10% range for 2025.
Instead, Florida is hovering just under a 3% decline year-to-date, and several months posted meaningful year-over-year growth:
February 2025: +16.97%
March 2025: +16.76%
May 2025: +11.89%
July 2025: +16.24%
September 2025: +1.58%
These gains counterbalance weaker months, showing a market that has stayed resilient despite challenging economic conditions.
The only true outliers pulling the year down are the months of April and August.
A Weak Spring and a Soft End to Summer
If there were two stretches that really weighed on Florida’s 2025 permit numbers, it was a weak spring and a soft end to summer.
April 2024: 2,850 permits
April 2025: 2,218 permits
Difference: –632 permits
Drop: –22.2%
August 2024: 2,898 permits
August 2025: 2,269 permits
Difference: –629 permits
Drop: –21.7%
Industry veterans know that a couple of bad months don’t define a year. But the fact is, a dip during those two traditionally big pool months dragged down the curve for the reporting period. A weak spring and a soft end to summer were enough to tip the scales, keeping 2025 in negative territory despite steady performance across most other months.
Why Florida’s Market Remains Fundamentally Strong
Despite the mild 2.92% YTD dip, on-the-ground activity tells a different story. Builders, service companies, and renovation specialists across the state are staying busy.
Here’s why:
Renovation Work Is Robust
Even if homeowners aren’t building new pools, they’re investing in:
- Pool resurfacing
- Pool equipment upgrades
- New tile and coping
- Pool automation
- Pool remodeling
The renovation market continues to prop up revenue and stabilize contractor schedules even as new pool construction projects continue to cool in 2025.
High-End Construction Hasn’t Slowed
Florida’s high-end residential pool market — especially in counties like Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Lee, Sarasota and Collier — continues to show resilient demand. Miami-Dade posted a roughly +22% increase in permits year-over-year, Lee moved about +13%, Sarasota climbed about +11%.
Population Growth Continues
Florida remains one of the top inbound migration states. More residents = more long-term pool demand. That pipeline remains extremely healthy.
Swimming Pools Still in High Demand
A slowdown could be driven by hesitation, but it is certainly not a lack of desire. Swimming pools still rank high on homeowners’ wish lists; roughly 15% of the homes in the state of Florida have a pool.
Final Thoughts
Economic Headwinds Are Real — But Not Overwhelming
The factors shaping today’s environment are challenging but aren’t going away quickly:
- Interest rates remain elevated
- Construction costs remain high
- Insurance premiums are a major pressure point
- Homeowners are more cautious
Florida’s pool industry enters 2026 on steadier footing than many expected. Even with the current market conditions, permits are down less than 3% for the year — a far better outcome than the double-digit drop analysts were bracing for.
Looking ahead, 2026 has room for quiet but meaningful growth. Even a modest improvement in rates could unlock a wave of buyers who have been waiting for the right moment, and continued in-migration keeps Florida’s long-term demand solid. Homeowners are still building, still upgrading, and still prioritizing their outdoor spaces — just with more intention than in the frenzy years.
Industry News
Latham Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Companies List for Second Year

Recognition Highlights Pool Industry Leader’s Continued Commitment to
Innovation, Sustainability and Employee Experience
LATHAM, N.Y. (August 25, 2026) – Latham, The Pool Company [NASDAQ:SWIM], the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Companies 2026. This marks the second consecutive year Latham has earned a place on the list, which recognizes leading U.S.-based companies for their financial performance, employee satisfaction, innovation and sustainability efforts.
The comprehensive study, presented by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, evaluated companies with over $75 million in annual revenue through an extensive survey of more than 179,000 employees and 2.7 million company reviews on financial stability, innovation, and sustainability. To enhance the depth and reliability of the study, Plant-A partnered with leading third-party data providers to assess more than 120 KPIs across critical performance areas such as leadership, integrity, compensation and work-life balance. Only companies that demonstrated outstanding results earned a place on the list.
“Being named one of America’s Greatest Companies for the second year in a row reflects the strength of our people and the culture they have built at Latham,” said Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham. “Our team shares a commitment to serving our customers, advancing our industry and finding better ways to work. This recognition shows the impact of those efforts and gives us strong momentum as we continue to grow.”
The Newsweek ranking also considers environmental stewardship, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste reduction and transparency in sustainability reporting. Latham continues to explore ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support more responsible practices across its operations.
“Families trust Latham to help create spaces where they can connect, recharge and enjoy time together,” added Gadd. “Earning that trust starts with how we operate as a company. We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on delivering high-quality products, supporting our employees and building a strong foundation for continued growth.”
The full list of America’s Greatest Companies 2026 is published online at Newsweek.com. To learn more about Latham, visit LathamPool.com.
About Latham, the Pool Company
Headquartered in Latham, NY, Latham Group, Inc., is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools and pool accessories in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. With over 60 years of experience and a coast-to-coast operations platform across 24 locations, the company offers a broad range of pool products, including fiberglass, vinyl liner, and automatic safety covers, all designed to provide homeowners with the highest quality and value. For more information, visit www.lathampool.com.
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Duraflex Diving Equipment to Facilities Nationwide

Duraflex International and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring premier diving equipment to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Duraflex’s decades of expertise in diving board design and manufacturing with Landmark’s proven track record in aquatic facility construction, renovation, and maintenance — creating a best-in-class solution for facilities looking to elevate their diving programs.
Whether outfitting a new build or upgrading an existing facility, the collaboration gives aquatic operators access to Duraflex’s full product lineup alongside Landmark’s end-to-end project management and long-term service support. From recreational community pools to high-performance competition venues, the partnership is built to serve divers at every level.
“By joining forces, Duraflex and Landmark Aquatic provides our customers access to greater resources and strengthens our ability to better serve our customers,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the future we’ll build together in the world of aquatics.”
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Serving clients across most of the U.S., Landmark delivers construction-led solutions and on-going support though its AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. For more about Landmark Aquatic visit www.landmarkaquatic.com
About Duraflex International
For over 60 years, Duraflex International has been the trusted name in competitive and recreational diving equipment. Designed for performance and built to last, Duraflex products are found in facilities ranging from neighborhood pools to Olympic-level competition venues worldwide. Duraflex’s commitment to innovation and quality has made it the industry standard for diving boards and aquatic equipment.
Industry News
CCEI Wins 2025 Golden Wave Award

Every two years, the prestigious German media outlet Schwimmbad + Sauna hosts the Golden Waves awards, celebrating and rewarding European companies for their outstanding products, technologies, and innovations in the aquatic and wellness industry. The competition draws entries from across the continent, making each nomination a meaningful recognition of excellence. CCEI has long been a strong contender at this event — most notably in 2019, when the company took home the coveted Gold award.
For this 11th edition of the Golden Waves, CCEI put its connected level regulation system Niva VP for infinity pools in the spotlight. The technology earned the company nominations in three categories: Smart Technology, Usability, and Technical Innovation — a testament to the solution’s breadth of impact and the jury’s recognition of its multi-dimensional value. Thanks to its differential pressure technology, Niva VP delivers ultra-precise water level regulation down to the centimeter, without floats or approximate adjustments.
Representing CCEI at the awards ceremony were Catherine Gobin, Group Sales Director, and Leonie Bauer, Germany Branch Manager, who accepted the Bronze Medal in the Smart Technology category on behalf of the entire CCEI team. Their presence at the event also underscored the company’s active engagement with the European market and its commitment to building lasting relationships within the industry. “We are thrilled and honored to receive this award as it acknowledges the hard work of our entire team who continue to push the technological envelope to bring innovative products to the swimming pool industry,” says Gobin.
This distinction is more than a medal — it is a confirmation of CCEI’s strategic vision and ongoing commitment to shaping the pool of tomorrow: connected, efficient, and sustainable. As the aquatic industry continues to evolve, CCEI remains at the forefront, developing solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with real-world usability for professionals and end users alike.
www.ccei-pool.com/en-us
424-800-2191
CCEI USA Inc.
808 Hindry Ave, Suite G / Inglewood, CA 90301
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