Recent permitting data reveals a significant slowdown in new residential construction across Nassau County. While permitting has cooled across Florida, the decline in Nassau appears more dramatic—especially when contrasted with the county’s rapid growth in recent years.
In the first five months of 2025, the County issued just 311 permits for single-family, multi-family, and senior housing units. During the same period in 2024, the County issued 533 permits—a 41.7% decrease year over year.
Worryingly, 2024’s total permit count was already below average, ending the year at just 918 permits. Based on 2025’s current pace, the County is projected to issue only 536 permits by year’s end—a massive drop from prior years. With the bulk of permit activity traditionally coming in the first half of the year, there’s little expectation that these numbers will improve significantly.
Concerns Over Staffing and Government Efficiency
The permit slowdown raises important questions: If the County has substantially less work, why are staffing levels and costs continuing to rise?
Over the past few years, Nassau County has expanded departments and added administrative roles, citing increased demand due to growth. But with housing starts slowing dramatically, residents are wondering whether the County has adjusted its staffing or budgeting to reflect the reality of 2025.
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” said one concerned resident. “If there’s less work to do, why are we paying more people to do it?”
Desired Outcome: Adjust Staffing to Reflect Actual Workload
With development activity slowing, Nassau County should take a hard look at its internal operations—especially departments tied to planning, permitting, and development services.
The desired outcome is a right-sized government that reflects current demand, not outdated growth projections. This includes:
- Conducting a staffing efficiency audit
- Reassessing departmental budgets tied to permitting and inspections
- Reallocating funds where public needs are greatest
Nassau County should prioritize efficiency, transparency, and accountability to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely.
Call to Action: Hold the County Accountable for Smart Staffing
The community deserves a local government that acts like a business and adapts to economic realities. We need county leaders to:
- Review and align staffing levels with actual permit volume
- Freeze hiring where activity has slowed significantly
- Increase transparency around how departmental needs are evaluated
By acting now, the County can prevent unnecessary waste and build public trust in its ability to manage growth—both in times of expansion and slowdown.
What Can You Do?
- Ask Questions: Attend Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) meetings and request updates on permitting trends and staffing reviews.
- Request Oversight: Encourage the County to conduct a performance and staffing audit in growth-related departments.
- Stay Informed: Track permitting and building trends, and compare them to budget and staffing decisions.
- Speak Up: Contact your Commissioner and ask what steps they’re taking to ensure government staffing matches actual community needs.
