Florida’s construction industry is one of the most active and diverse in the United States. From luxury beachfront condos and sprawling school campuses to hurricane-hardened hospitals and infrastructure upgrades, the opportunities are vast but so are the challenges. Builders and contractors working in Florida must navigate a complex landscape of strict building codes, volatile labor markets, unpredictable weather, and tight bid timelines.
Accurate estimating is the cornerstone of successful project delivery. Yet even seasoned professionals can fall into common traps that lead to underbidding, change orders, and profit erosion. In this guide, we’ll explore the top five estimating mistakes Florida builders make, explain why they happen, and offer practical strategies to avoid them so you can bid smarter, win more work, and protect your margins.
Table: Common Estimating Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens in Florida | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ignoring Hurricane Code Costs | Florida’s strict wind load and impact resistance requirements add material and labor costs | Include impact-rated windows, reinforced doors, and upgraded roofing systems |
| 2. Using Generic Labor Rates | Labor costs vary widely across Florida’s regions and trades | Use county-specific wage data and adjust for union/non-union crews |
| 3. Overlooking Specialty Systems | Schools and commercial buildings require AV, fire alarm, and access control systems | Break out Division 27 and 28 scopes separately in your estimate |
| 4. Underestimating Site Conditions | High water tables, sandy soil, and coastal permitting affect foundations and logistics | Include allowances for dewatering, soil stabilization, and permitting delays |
| 5. Rushing Estimates for Tight Deadlines | Florida’s public bids often have short windows and strict formatting requirements | Use estimating software and outsource when needed to meet deadlines |
Sources: Florida Building Code, AGC Florida Construction Outlook, NECA Labor Units
Deep Dive: Mistakes & Solutions
1. Ignoring Hurricane Code Costs
Florida’s location makes it vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. As a result, the Florida Building Code mandates enhanced structural systems, especially in coastal zones. Builders often underestimate the cost and complexity of meeting these requirements, which can include:
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- Impact-rated windows and storefronts
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- Reinforced roof assemblies and anchoring systems
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- Upgraded exterior doors and hurricane hardware
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- Additional labor for specialized installation
Solution: Always review wind load requirements based on the project’s location. Coordinate with structural engineers and include premium materials and labor units in your estimate.
2. Using Generic Labor Rates
Labor costs in Florida vary significantly by region, trade, and union status. For example, electricians in Miami may earn 20–30% more than those in Ocala. Using national averages or outdated rates can lead to underbidding and labor overruns.
Solution: Use current wage determinations from Davis-Bacon or local ordinances. Adjust for:
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- Union vs. non-union labor
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- Trade-specific productivity rates
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- Fringe benefits and overtime rules
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- Regional availability and demand
Incorporate historical data from past projects to refine your labor forecasting.
3. Overlooking Specialty Systems
Modern Florida buildings especially schools, hospitals, and government facilities — include complex systems that are often shown on separate plan sheets. These include:
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- Fire alarm and detection systems
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- Access control and intercom
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- Audio-visual (AV) and structured cabling
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- Nurse call and emergency communication systems
Solution: Break out these systems using CSI Division 27 and 28 formatting. Apply specific labor units and material pricing. Coordinate with low-voltage subcontractors and ensure scope coverage to avoid change orders.
4. Underestimating Site Conditions
Florida’s geography presents unique site challenges. Coastal areas often have high water tables, requiring dewatering and soil stabilization. Inland regions may have sandy or unstable soil. Permitting delays in environmentally sensitive zones can also impact timelines.
Solution: Review geotechnical reports and civil drawings early. Include contingencies for:
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- Excavation and dewatering
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- Soil testing and remediation
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- Foundation adjustments (e.g., pilings or grade beams)
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- Environmental reviews and permitting lead time
Consult with civil engineers and local permitting authorities to anticipate delays.
5. Rushing Estimates for Tight Deadlines
Public-sector bids in Florida especially for schools and municipal buildings often follow fiscal calendars. Bids may be released with only a few days’ notice, and submission deadlines are strict. Rushed estimates can lead to:
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- Missed scope items
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- Incomplete formatting
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- Inaccurate labor and material pricing
Solution: Maintain a bid calendar to anticipate release dates. Use estimating software like Accubid, PlanSwift, or Trimble Estimation to automate takeoffs and formatting. Consider outsourcing estimating to professionals for fast, accurate turnaround.
Florida Estimating Best Practices Checklist
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- Review Florida Building Code for hurricane and wind load requirements
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- Use local labor rates and adjust for union/non-union conditions
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- Break out fire alarm, AV, and access control systems separately
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- Include site-specific contingencies for soil, water, and permitting
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- Format estimates using CSI Division 26, 27, and 28
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- Validate quantities with architectural and MEP drawings
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- Include commissioning and testing costs
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- Document assumptions and exclusions clearly
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- Use estimating software or outsource for fast, accurate takeoffs
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- Track bid calendars and prepare estimates in advance
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- Include setup, staging, and cleanup time in labor forecast
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- Coordinate with subcontractors for specialty systems
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- Review addenda and revisions during preconstruction
Real-World Example: Avoiding Estimating Pitfalls
A mid-sized contractor bidding on a charter school in Broward County:
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- Initially missed fire alarm scope shown on separate sheets
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- Revised estimate using CSI Division 28 formatting
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- Included impact-rated storefronts and reinforced roof assemblies
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- Adjusted labor rates based on South Florida wage data
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- Added 15% labor buffer for phased work during school hours
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- Submitted a complete, compliant bid and won the project with zero change orders
Why Avoiding Estimating Mistakes Matters
| Outcome | Benefit to Florida Contractors |
|---|---|
| Fewer Change Orders | Complete scope coverage reduces surprises during construction |
| Higher Bid Acceptance Rate | Accurate, compliant estimates improve review speed |
| Improved Profit Margins | Realistic labor and material pricing prevents overruns |
| Stronger Client Relationships | Professionalism builds trust with school districts and GCs |
| Better Scheduling | Phased planning and labor forecasting improve project delivery |
| Reduced Legal Risk | Clear documentation and scope coverage protect against disputes |
Final Thoughts
Estimating in Florida isn’t just about counting fixtures and wire it’s about understanding the state’s unique codes, labor markets, site conditions, and bid environments. By avoiding common mistakes and applying best practices, contractors can submit smarter bids, win more work, and deliver projects with confidence.
At MSB Estimating, we help Florida builders produce fast, accurate, and compliant estimates from public schools and hospitals to coastal resorts and commercial towers. Our team delivers CSI-formatted takeoffs, regional labor forecasting, and complete scope coverage to help you win more bids and protect your margins.
Need Help With Florida Estimating?
Contact MSB Estimating today to streamline your bids and avoid costly estimating mistakes.
