Florida Home Builders: What You Must Know Before You Buy!

Thinking about building a brand new home in Florida? Before you jump in, there’s something crucial you need to understand—not all home builders are created equal.

I’m Lisa McBride with Sarasota Neighborhood Experts, and my team and I help people like you buy, sell, and invest in Florida’s Gulf Coast every day. Today, I’m breaking down Florida’s most popular builders across different price points so you can make an informed decision before signing any contract.

Let’s get into it.

Tier 1: Budget-Friendly Builders (DR Horton & Lennar Homes)

These two builders dominate the entry-level market and offer great options for buyers who want affordability and speed.

DR Horton

• Biggest builder in the nation

• Known for affordable homes, quick build times, and lots of available inventory

• Typically builds communities ranging from under 100 homes to massive master-planned neighborhoods (like Star Farms in Lakewood Ranch, which will have close to 3,000 homes)

• Most homes are move-in ready within 60 to 90 days

What you see is generally what you get. DR Horton keeps prices reasonable by minimizing upgrade options—personal touches can be added later.

Lennar Homes

• Offers homes in a similar price range as DR Horton

• Known for their “Everything’s Included” model—so what you see in the model is what you get

• Higher quality finishes than DR Horton, but still affordable

• Popular for building amenity-rich communities, including Lorraine Lakes and golf course neighborhoods like Lakewood National and Calusa Golf & Country Club

If you're looking for move-in ready homes with no surprise upgrade costs, both DR Horton and Lennar offer fantastic value.

Tier 2: Mid-Range Builders ($600K – $1M)

This is one of the most popular price points in the Sarasota-Manatee area, and there are some standout builders offering style, flexibility, and great amenities.

Pulte & Divosta (Same Company)

• Known for customizable floor plans and energy-efficient homes

• Popular models include Mystique, Prestige, and Hallmark

• You’ll see more line-item pricing here (lot cost, upgrades, structural changes, etc.)

• Pulte is also behind Del Webb—a standout for 55+ buyers looking for social, amenity-rich communities

Taylor Morrison

• Especially popular for their Esplanade communities

• Known for beautiful landscaping, elegant ranch-style homes, and upscale amenities

• Esplanade neighborhoods may or may not include golf—but offer flexibility for both golfers and non-golfers

• Models like Lazio, Farnese, and Palazzo are loved for their layout options and design flexibility

They’re also building in Sky Ranch, with 13 different floor plans to choose from. Taylor Morrison delivers some of the best craftsmanship in this price range.

Neal Communities

• A local Florida builder, known for unique floor plans and great customer service

• Developments include Windward in Lakewood Ranch and Grand Palm in Wellen Park

• Floor plans aren’t cookie-cutter, and there’s lots of flexibility for personalization

• Their warranty program and responsive service are some of the best in the business

Tier 3: Luxury Builders ($1M – $2M)

You’re entering luxury territory here, but with builders that offer more customization without going full custom.

Neal Signature Homes

• The luxury branch of Neal Communities

• Beautifully appointed homes, often with pools included in pricing

• Higher-end finishes and more customization options

Homes by Towne

• Over 75 years in the business

• Strikes a balance between luxury and value

• Offers single and two-story homes with flexible designs

• Building in places like Lakehouse Cove, Shellstone, and Wellen Park

Toll Brothers

• Known nationwide for luxury and high-end finishes

• Each community is unique—no cookie-cutter designs

• Standard features often include quartz countertops, designer cabinets, and premium flooring

• Developments like The Isles, Monterey, and more bring variety and style to the area

Homes by WestBay

• Newer to some buyers, but gaining popularity

• Offers sprawling ranch and two-story homes

• Known for including luxury finishes as standard (quartz, designer lighting, vinyl flooring)

• Building now in Star Farms and Everly in Wellen Park

Tier 4: Fully Custom Builders ($2.5M+)

Ready to go all-in on a dream home? These builders let you design from the ground up.

Lee Wetherington Homes

• A local legend in custom home building

• Known for stunning craftsmanship, energy-efficient construction, and smart home features

• Building in Lakewood Ranch since day one

AR Homes (Arthur Rutenberg)

• Offers fully personalized home designs

• Takes 60–90 days to design your dream home before construction even begins

• Homes start at $2.5M and go well above $5M

• Building in Star Farms, Wild Blue, and Wellen Park, or on your own lot

Build times for custom homes typically run 15–18 months, but the result is a home that's truly yours in every detail.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re building your first home or your forever home, knowing the builder’s style, process, and quality level makes all the difference.

➡️ Have you built with any of these builders?
➡️ What was your experience like?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments!

And if you're considering building here on the Gulf Coast, my team and I would love to guide you through the process. Let’s find the right builder and the right community for you.

📞 Contact us today, and let’s make your Florida dream home a reality.