What is the Home Builders Association of West Florida (HBA)?
The Home Builders Association of West Florida is a not-for-profit organization representing over 350 businesses that are affiliated with the residential building industry in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. We are the local chapter of the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
How did this organization come about?
The HBA was formed in 1950 to represent the interests of local builders and allow professionals to connect, share expertise and resources to better their businesses and the industry.
What impact does the HBA have on the community?
HBA and its members are very active in the local community. A great example of the impact our members have is our recent completion of the construction of three affordable homes in downtown Pensacola built through a unique partnership with the City of Pensacola and Habitat/NWFL Community Land Trust. The three homes were built by HBA member volunteers and will forever remain affordable as part of the Community Land Trust.
Another meaningful impact that HBA has on the community is that we offer scholarships. We offer scholarships to students pursuing vocational training or a degree in construction management. These scholarships are available to any senior high school student in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Our “Contractors in the Classroom” program brings builders into the schools to talk directly with students about careers in construction. We also support educational initiatives at local organizations such as AMI Kids.
One community effort I am particularly excited about is this spring, in partnership with Roc Solid, our members are building a playset for a local 4-year-old child battling Leukemia. Roc Solid is an organization whose mission is to build hope for every child fighting cancer by giving them the gift of play.
What are some future goals for the HBA?
We are hoping to have another opportunity to partner with the City of Pensacola and the NWFL Community Land Trust to build more affordable homes downtown. Making the American Dream of home ownership possible is at the very heart of the mission of the HBA.
What are some challenges your organization faces?
The HBA faces ongoing challenges from anti-growth and anti-development activists who use social media campaigns to influence community leaders and elected officials to oppose new home construction. Our members are committed to building safe, high-quality homes for those who want them while also creating jobs and supporting the growth of our local economy. Despite these challenges, we work to ensure our message highlights the value of responsible homebuilding and effectively counters the criticism directed at our industry.
What events does your organization host? Are any open to the public?
The HBA hosts member networking events throughout the year including a holiday toy drive event benefitting Gulf Coast Kids House. We host fundraising events including golf tournaments and clay shoots to help fund the mission and efforts of the Association. We also offer free educational and professional development sessions to our members.
Our main public event is the annual Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes is a time-honored local tradition that goes back 60 years. The Parade of Homes, scheduled for June 12-14th this year, is our builder members’ time to shine and showcase the latest and greatest in home design and construction to the local community. Potential home buyers and those just looking for some inspiration flock to this event to visit the homes and we anticipate another fantastic Parade this year, This year’s Parade will feature the 2026 HBA Dream Home which is currently under construction in the Carrington subdivision in Cantonment.
What is your role and how did you get involved with HBA?
I am the Executive Officer, and I work on behalf of the membership under the direction of the Senior Board of Directors. My background is in Association Management, Construction Business Development and Lobbying. After relocating to Pensacola from the Ft. Lauderdale area in 2023, I took over this role after longtime HBA Executive Officer, David Peaden, left to take a position at FPL.
What’s your favorite thing about being involved with the organization?
HBA members take great pride in not only building communities but also in building up the people who live there, I have been impressed by members’ generosity and commitment to the community. Many of our members are active in local charities, churches, and civic groups.
What would you like our readers to know about your organization?
HBA is here as a resource to the community. We are happy to put you in touch with a local builder, subcontractor, mortgage agent, or anyone else you may be looking to connect with related to residential home building.
How can someone get involved and/or support your nonprofit?
Our membership is continually growing. If interested in joining the HBA, please reach out to our Director of Membership Services, Stephanie Monie at [email protected]
If you are interested in making a donation to the scholarship fund or being a volunteer at an event, please reach out to Stephanie.
