July 17, 2025

Florida’s Home Construction Surge Under Investigation for Quality Issues

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News Summary

Florida is seeing a significant increase in new home construction, holding 11.8% of all permits in 2024. However, alarming complaints regarding construction quality have prompted the Florida Attorney General’s Office to launch an investigation. Multiple homeowners, particularly in Starkey Ranch, reported serious defects, including severe water leaks and mold issues. The builder, Taylor Morrison, faces backlash as homeowners report inadequate responses. New policies aim to enhance oversight, while experts criticize the lack of penalties for faulty construction practices. Homeowners are encouraged to seek thorough inspections before buying.

Florida’s New Home Construction Boom Faces Serious Quality Issues, Prompting Investigation

Florida is experiencing a significant surge in new home construction this year, accounting for 11.8% of all new home construction permits in 2024. However, this boom is now under scrutiny due to alarming complaints about construction quality issues. The Florida Attorney General’s Office has initiated a formal investigation into various defects reported by homeowners, reflecting serious concerns about the state of new housing developments throughout the state, especially in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

The increase in housing projects has brought various problems, particularly highlighted in areas like Starkey Ranch, which is home to more than 5,000 homes. This development has reportedly seen significant construction defects. Taylor Morrison, one of the major builders in Starkey Ranch, constructed 160 homes, but at least half of these have been subjected to remediation work due to construction faults.

Among the most concerning issues reported are severe water leaks attributed to improper installations, including issues with shower pans. Homeowners like Niteeja Likhite have faced extensive damage in their homes due to such leaks. In another instance, Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal reported that friends had to vacate their residences because of severe mold problems stemming from construction shortcomings.

Homeowners have frequently received unsatisfactory responses from Taylor Morrison regarding their claims, with the builder attributing issues to a lack of maintenance, rather than acknowledging potential construction flaws. This has led some residents of Starkey Ranch to establish a private Facebook group named “Taylor Morrison Mold of SR”. This group serves as a platform to discuss their challenges and gather support for a potential class action lawsuit against the construction company.

Mold assessment expert emerged from these discussions, revealing hazardous mold levels in the community. The underlying cause, according to experts, is primarily due to poor ventilation and inadequate construction practices. Compounding these challenges, the Pasco County building department has found it difficult to keep pace with the high volume of new construction. This situation has permitted builders to engage their own inspectors, causing further concern regarding oversight and compliance with building standards.

In light of the investigative findings, Pasco County has recently updated its policies to enhance oversight over the builders to ensure compliance and quality standards. Yet, critics such as Attorney Dave Murray argue that existing penalties for construction companies that fail to meet these standards are not strict enough to deter poor practices. Structural engineer Tom Miller commented on the situation, indicating that many subcontractors lack the necessary knowledge of building codes, highlighting systemic issues in the construction industry.

Homeowners who find themselves dealing with these construction defects have the option to pursue breach of contract claims. They can also use a Chapter 558 process that allows them to formally address defects with the responsible contractors. However, it is important to note that state law permits only a four-year window to file claims for construction defects, alongside a seven-year overall deadline for filing any related claims.

Potential homebuyers are advised to conduct thorough inspections before making their purchase decisions, as they cannot rely solely on builders’ assertions of quality. Likhite emphasized the necessity of obtaining independent inspections prior to buying new homes. In response to the controversy, Taylor Morrison has stated that they are implementing new codes to improve their constructions and have formed a dedicated team to address the identified problems.

Furthermore, Hillsborough County authorities have opted to employ their own inspectors for new housing developments, ensuring better quality control in future projects. As the investigation surrounding Taylor Morrison’s construction practices continues, the Attorney General’s office is encouraging homeowners to come forward with their complaints, promoting accountability in the home construction market in Florida.