Construction cost ranges in Orlando vary significantly by project type and specification. Residential projects typically fall within a moderate to high range per square foot, while commercial and luxury developments command higher cost brackets. These ranges reflect Orlando’s dynamic market, influenced by population growth, tourism demand, and premium material selection. This page serves as a gateway to detailed cost tables for specific project types and components.
Trade labor, journeyman, and subcontractor rates in Orlando are rising due to sustained demand and a tightening skilled labor pool. Nationally, construction wages have increased by approximately 4–5% year-over-year, with union settlements averaging around 4.7% and some exceeding 6.5% in first-year increases. The construction wage premium—how much more workers earn in construction versus other sectors—has also climbed, particularly in nonresidential building trades. These trends are mirrored in Orlando’s market, where competition for qualified trades continues to push rates upward.
Equipment hire costs in Orlando follow national patterns of escalation. Heavy equipment such as excavators, cranes, and earthmovers are subject to rising rental rates driven by increased demand and maintenance costs. While specific daily, weekly, and monthly rates vary by equipment type and supplier, contractors should anticipate upward pressure on hire costs and plan accordingly in their budgets.
Several local factors influence construction costs in Orlando:
Florida’s construction sector continues to face elevated material cost pressures. Between mid‑2024 and mid‑2025, key materials in the Southeast—including wood, drywall/insulation, steel, and concrete—saw year‑over‑year price increases ranging from approximately 4.7% to 8.2%. These increases have added substantial cost to new home construction and are contributing to budget overruns in affordable housing and infrastructure projects. Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper—reaching up to 50%—further exacerbate cost volatility. Orlando, as a high‑growth metro in Florida, is directly impacted by these statewide trends, reinforcing the need for proactive cost escalation planning and early procurement strategies.
At the national level, construction cost escalation in 2025 is averaging between 6% and 11%, with Florida’s Central region—including Orlando—experiencing escalation in the 9%–11% range. Labor costs are rising faster than in previous years, and material inflation remains a persistent challenge. Contractors in Orlando should integrate escalation clauses, diversify suppliers, and monitor cost indices regularly to maintain budget control.
