Florida Leading the Build-to-Rent Boom
By Andra Hopulele
Florida is emerging as a top destination for build-to-rent (BTR) communities, with 13,591 new single-family rental homes currently under construction across the state. This surge is providing renters with a new path to homeownership by offering the flexibility of renting while enjoying the comfort and privacy of a standalone home.
For those not yet ready to buy, renting a single-family home can be the next best option. With rising home prices, steep down payments, and high mortgage rates keeping many prospective buyers on the sidelines, the BTR sector is stepping in to meet demand. These communities allow renters to enjoy the benefits of home-like living without the burden of maintenance costs.
As a result, developers across the U.S. are ramping up single-family rental construction, with Florida ranking among the leaders. According to the latest Point2Homes BTR report, Florida joins Texas and Arizona as the top states with the most single-family rentals under development.
Across the nation, 110,727 single-family rental homes are under construction, with Texas, Arizona, and Florida leading the charge. Florida alone is adding 13,591 new units—an 83% increase in its current inventory. Only Texas (21,812 units) and Arizona (13,972) have more projects underway.
Orlando is at the forefront of Florida’s BTR growth, ranking seventh among U.S. metros with 3,085 new rental homes under construction. While Tampa and Jacksonville did not make the top 10, both cities are adding nearly 2,000 new rental units. North Port is another key player, with over 1,000 units in development.
Several Florida cities are experiencing significant growth in single-family rental developments:
While Texas dominates the BTR sector, Florida is leading the Southeast with its 13,591 new units in the pipeline. The state’s booming economy—driven by tourism, finance, military, and construction—continues to attract new residents, increasing demand for rental housing.
North Carolina and Georgia also rank among the top five states for single-family rental construction. Developers in these states are working on thousands of new homes designed to improve renters’ quality of life with spacious layouts, attached garages, and premium amenities in well-planned communities.
Even in states where BTR is still emerging—such as Nebraska, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire—the trend is gaining traction. For instance, Nebraska is set to see a 255% increase in build-to-rent inventory upon completion of its ongoing projects. These developments highlight a broader shift toward expanding rental housing options nationwide.
The rapid expansion of BTR housing is fueled by several key factors:
Orlando is a major hotspot for BTR, with over 3,000 single-family rentals under construction—an increase of 226% in local inventory. The city’s thriving tech and industrial sectors continue to drive job growth, attracting renters in search of quality housing.
Tampa and Jacksonville are also expanding their BTR supply, each adding nearly 2,000 units. Meanwhile, North Port’s inventory will grow by 94%, and Punta Gorda will see an astounding 1,124% jump in available single-family rentals.
The growing popularity of BTR communities is not just a short-term trend. The pandemic accelerated demand for more spacious rentals, as remote work led renters to seek larger homes in suburban and secondary markets. Combined with high home prices and tight mortgage conditions, these factors continue to push more people toward renting instead of buying.
As developers respond to this demand, the build-to-rent market is solidifying its place as a key segment in the U.S. housing landscape—offering renters the opportunity to enjoy home-like living while maintaining financial flexibility.
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