Your Complete Guide to Buying New Construction in Tampa Bay
Every step from pre-approval to closing — including builder contract review, CDD fee confirmation, pre-drywall inspection, and 2-10 warranty registration.
Your Complete Florida New Home Buyer Checklist
This Florida new home buyer checklist covers every step of purchasing a new construction home from a production builder in Tampa Bay. New construction transactions are fundamentally different from resale — the builder uses their own proprietary contract, there is no Seller’s Property Disclosure, no Comparative Market Analysis is needed, and the builder’s on-site sales representative works for the builder, not for you.
The most critical rule in any new home buyer checklist for Florida: register your buyer’s agent before your first model home visit. Most builders require this on your very first visit — if you walk into a model home without your agent, you may permanently forfeit your right to representation in that community. Call (813) 680-3040 before any first builder appointment.
What This New Home Buyer Checklist Covers
The steps to buying new construction in Florida are organized into six B.R.I.D.G.E. phases. Unlike a standard resale, the Dialogue phase spans the entire construction timeline — 3 to 12 months for a to-be-built home.
Register your agent before your first model home visit, sign the Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement, and get pre-approved — including a quote from at least one outside lender so you have an independent benchmark to compare builder lender incentives.
Research builder reputation, confirm the exact CDD fee and remaining bond balance, compare the builder lender vs. outside lender total cost, and review HOA documents and amenity delivery timelines. CDD fees in Tampa Bay’s master-planned communities typically run $1,500–$4,000+/year on top of HOA dues and are not optional.
Review and sign the builder’s proprietary purchase contract — not the standard FAR/BAR form. Confirm lot selection and premium, all included features, and upgrade pricing in writing before signing. New construction deposits are typically 3–10% of the purchase price and may be non-refundable. Never sign without your agent present.
Complete design center selections, schedule an independent pre-drywall inspection before drywall is installed — this is the only opportunity to see inside the walls — and monitor the construction timeline. If delays push past your rate lock, contact your lender immediately. Submit your full mortgage application as early as possible.
Confirm the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by Hillsborough County — do not close without it. Obtain homeowner’s insurance, satisfy all lender conditions, and review your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. Verify wire instructions by phone before sending any funds.
Complete the builder’s blue tape walkthrough and your own independent final inspection before closing. Sign all closing documents, register your 2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty immediately after closing, and file for the Florida Homestead Exemption by March 1 of the following year.
Buyer alert — CDD fees: CDD fees appear on your annual property tax bill in addition to HOA dues and are not reflected in the listing price. In Tampa Bay master-planned communities, CDD fees commonly run $1,500–$4,000+ per year. I confirm the exact CDD fee and remaining bond balance for every new construction buyer before we sign any contract. Source: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida New Home Buyer Checklist
Joshua Patterson · REALTOR® · Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group · FL License #SL3632100 · FAA Certified Remote Pilot · U.S. Air Force Veteran
This Florida new home buyer checklist covers production builder purchases. Custom builds and spec purchases may have additional steps. Source: Hillsborough County MLS, March 2026.
