The construction scene in Florida continues to evolve rapidly, driven by workforce shifts, climate imperatives and energy-efficiency upgrades. Here’s a digest of three recent pieces of news that shed light on where the industry is headed — from people and training, to resiliency, to building-performance upgrades.
- Tackling the Workforce Shortage in Central Florida
In Central Florida, the nonprofit iBuild Central Florida is stepping into the spotlight to address a major workforce challenge. According to a report in the article “How iBuild is hoping to combat construction worker shortage in Central Florida,” industry leaders claim that more than 400,000 construction workers are needed nationally just to meet current demands — and Florida is no exception. (FOX 35 Orlando)
iBuild, founded in 2016, offers training and certification programs for both high school students and adults, aiming to connect them with construction-related jobs. To date, more than 2,000 students have earned certifications and over 9,000 high‐schoolers have taken courses. (FOX 35 Orlando)
One of the core problems: for every three workers exiting the industry, only about one is entering. (FOX 35 Orlando)
iBuild’s mission is two-fold: expand the pipeline of skilled labor, and diversify who enters the field — for instance encouraging women and younger people who might not have traditionally considered construction careers. (FOX 35 Orlando)
Why it matters:
- With Florida’s construction boom showing little sign of slowing, having a qualified workforce is critical.
- Training programs like iBuild help bridge skills gaps, reduce dependence on out‐of‐state labor, and may improve quality and safety.
- Encouraging broader participation (including women and underrepresented groups) can help stabilize the labor market.
Tip / Consideration for stakeholders:
Builders, developers and contractors might want to partner with local training initiatives like iBuild to ensure their future workforce is better prepared. Schools and community programs could also use this model to show students practical pathways into construction.
- Climate-Ready Construction Takes Center Stage in South Florida
Another major trend: the growing emphasis on making buildings more resilient in the face of climate change. A recent article from the Miami Herald titled “Experts discuss climate-ready construction in South Florida” reports on a panel at PortMiami where industry experts called for government action and new construction practices tailored to South Florida’s unique risks. (Miami Herald)
Key take-aways:
- Because South Florida is exposed to sea level rise, hurricanes, flooding, etc., the built environment needs to adapt to these risks.
- Panelists argue for stricter building codes, more forward-looking zoning and infrastructure plans, and better coordination between private development and public policy.
- The message: it’s not just about building new homes or offices — it’s about ensuring those structures endure and perform under changing environmental conditions.
Why it matters:
- Florida’s coastline and rapid population growth make it one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate-driven construction challenges.
- Developers and contractors who integrate resilience (materials, design, site planning) will be better positioned for the long-term.
- Regulatory tailwinds may mean more incentives (or requirements) for resilient building practices.
Tip / Consideration for stakeholders:
If you’re involved in Florida construction (whether developer, architect, or contractor), now is a timely moment to review: Are materials and designs aligned with climate risk? Are you factoring in future-proofing (flood elevations, wind ratings, insulation, etc.)? Could you engage with local governments or insurers to leverage incentives?
- Energy Efficiency & Home Performance with Spray-Foam Insulation
The third story shifts to building-performance upgrades: a press-release (via Florida Today) headlines “Spray Foam Services Mark a New Chapter in Energy Efficiency and Home Performance.” The gist: regional demand is increasing for high-performance insulation solutions, especially spray-foam insulation, to improve energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings. (Florida Today)
Highlights of the story:
- Spray-foam insulation is positioned as “one of the most effective insulation methods available today,” capable of reducing annual energy usage. (Florida Today)
- As building codes evolve and performance expectations rise (for example in hot-humid climates like Florida’s), solutions like spray foam are gaining traction.
- The market shift reflects both regulatory and consumer interest in higher efficiency, lower energy bills, and improved occupant comfort.
Why it matters:
- In Florida’s climate, cooling loads dominate energy usage; better insulation and envelope design can make a tangible difference.
- For contractors, adding spray-foam services or partnering with insulation specialists can open new revenue streams.
- For owners and developers, investing up-front in higher-performance building systems may yield savings and longer-term value.
Tip / Consideration for stakeholders:
If you’re specifying building envelope systems, consider whether spray-foam insulation (or similar advanced methods) makes sense for your type of project — factoring climate, build type, lifecycle cost, maintenance. Also check that installers are certified and meet Florida code/how they integrate with ventilation, moisture management and other systems.
Altogether, these three stories paint a vivid picture of Florida’s construction sector right now:
- The labour pipeline is under pressure, and training is becoming a strategic imperative.
- The environmental and resilience dimension is no longer optional — climate-ready design and regulation are shaping projects.
- Building performance and efficiency are gaining ground as a competitive and operational differentiator.
For anyone involved in Florida construction — developers, contractors, policy‐makers, investors — understanding and embracing these trends is essential. The industry is evolving: the way we build, who builds, and how buildings perform are all changing. Those who adapt will be better positioned to meet the demands of the market and the environment.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any of these topics (e.g., workforce training programs across Florida, resilience standards, or performance-specs for spray foam insulation).
John Caravella, Esq
John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: [email protected] or (631) 608-1346.
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References
- Barclay, K. “How iBuild is hoping to combat construction worker shortage in Central Florida.” FOX 35 Orlando, October 9 2025. (FOX 35 Orlando)
- “Experts discuss climate-ready construction in South Florida.” Miami Herald, October 3 2025. (Miami Herald)
- “Spray Foam Services Mark a New Chapter in Energy Efficiency and Home Performance.” Florida Today press release, October 2025. (Florida Today)