What the Florida permit records cover

The dataset contains permit records published by selected Florida jurisdictions. Their publication histories and level of detail vary. A place with no records in the dataset may still have substantial building activity.

The figures describe the records we analyzed. They are not statewide construction totals.

Earlier years contain fewer records, partly because jurisdictions began publishing at different times. Changes in coverage can affect a yearly count as well as changes in building activity.

Check the coverage before comparing years. A difference in record counts alone does not establish a change in construction.

A record matches a term when its description contains that term or a recorded variant. This can miss unusual wording or count a passing mention. It does not verify the work described.

One permit can match several terms. Counts should not be added together, and shares of matching records are not shares of all construction.

Treat the records as evidence of permit filings within the dataset. Where the site compares years, it uses the method described on the methodology page and states the scope of the comparison.