Quick Answer: Redington Shores has no vacant lots — the island was built out in the 1960s-1980s. New builds happen only through teardown-rebuild projects. A teardown lot costs $400,000-$1,500,000+. Demo and construction add another $450,000-$2,500,000+. Total all-in cost: $800,000-$3,500,000+. Timeline: 18-36 months. Permitting is complex, especially for Gulf-front Zone VE sites. Call Barrett at (813) 733-7907 to discuss teardown opportunities or nearby new construction alternatives.
New Construction in Redington Shores FL: Teardown-Rebuild Process, Costs, and Alternatives
Redington Shores FL Resources
Why There Is No New Construction in Redington Shores FL
Redington Shores is a barrier island community that was substantially developed between the 1950s and 1980s. By the time land values and building costs made development in other markets attractive, nearly every buildable lot in Redington Shores was already occupied. Today, the island is fully built — there are no vacant lots, no new master-planned communities, and no production homebuilders working in the area.
This is a characteristic shared by most of the Pinellas County barrier island communities: Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach. The supply constraint is one of the reasons these communities have seen strong long-term price appreciation. There is no way to add housing supply, so existing homes hold value relative to demand.
The only path to owning a brand-new home in Redington Shores is purchasing an older, typically smaller or less upgraded property and replacing it with new construction. This is called a teardown-rebuild, and it is the model that many buyers with custom home requirements pursue in this market.
The Teardown-Rebuild Process in Redington Shores FL
A teardown-rebuild project in Redington Shores has three phases: (1) lot acquisition, (2) demolition and permitting, and (3) new home construction. Each phase has significant cost and timeline variables specific to this market.
Phase 1: Finding and Acquiring a Teardown Lot
Finding the right teardown lot requires identifying properties where the land value significantly exceeds the value of the existing structure. In Redington Shores, these are typically 1950s-1970s era concrete block or wood frame homes on desirable lots — particularly Gulf-front, Intracoastal-front, or canal-front sites where the land value is $700,000-$1,500,000+ but the existing structure is worth $200,000-$400,000 in its current condition.
The negotiation for teardown lots is different from standard home purchases. Buyers are essentially buying land, so the condition of the house matters less than lot size, flood zone, setbacks, and FAR (floor-area ratio) limits that determine how large a new home can be built. I help buyers analyze lots for teardown potential including reviewing Pinellas County zoning for maximum building height, setbacks, impervious surface limits, and any deed restrictions.
Typical teardown lot prices in Redington Shores: non-waterfront interior lots $400,000-$700,000; canal-front lots $600,000-$1,200,000; Intracoastal-front lots $800,000-$1,800,000+; Gulf-front lots $900,000-$2,500,000+.
Phase 2: Demolition, Asbestos Abatement, and Permitting
Asbestos and lead paint abatement: Pre-1980s construction in Redington Shores almost universally contains asbestos (in floor tiles, drywall joint compound, pipe insulation, roofing) and lead paint. Florida law requires a licensed asbestos inspector to survey any structure before demolition, and licensed abatement contractors must remove hazardous materials before the structure is demolished. Abatement costs for a typical Redington Shores teardown structure run $5,000-$20,000 depending on the scope of contaminated materials found.
Demolition: Structural demolition of a typical 1,500-2,500 sq ft concrete block or wood frame home runs $15,000-$35,000 in Pinellas County, including hauling and disposal. Concrete block construction (common in this era) is more expensive to demo than wood frame. Budget $20,000-$40,000 total for abatement plus demolition on most Redington Shores teardowns.
Permitting requirements: New construction in Redington Shores requires Pinellas County building permits at minimum. Gulf-front properties within the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) setback require a Florida DEP CCCL permit, which is a separate state-level process typically taking 3-6 months. Zone VE construction must comply with FEMA Zone VE open-pile foundation requirements and cannot include enclosed habitable space below Base Flood Elevation. Zone AE properties must demonstrate compliance with Base Flood Elevation in the permit application.
Phase 3: New Home Construction
New construction costs in Redington Shores run $350-$550+/per square foot of living area, depending on quality of finishes, structural requirements, and whether the property is Zone VE or Zone AE. Zone VE Gulf-front construction is the most expensive because of elevated pile foundation requirements, impact-rated windows and doors throughout, and coastal-grade materials required for long-term durability in direct beach exposure.
| Construction Element | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos survey and abatement | $5,000-$20,000 | Required for pre-1980s demo |
| Demolition of existing structure | $15,000-$35,000 | Concrete block higher end |
| Fill and site prep | $5,000-$20,000 | Depends on lot elevation and drainage |
| Open pile foundation (Zone VE) | $80,000-$200,000+ | Required for Gulf-front; engineered pilings |
| New home construction (2,500 sq ft, Zone VE) | $875,000-$1,375,000 | $350-$550/sq ft coastal build |
| Impact windows and doors (whole house) | $30,000-$80,000+ | Required by code in coastal zones |
| New seawall or dock (if needed) | $30,000-$150,000+ | Depends on condition of existing; permits required |
| Architect and engineering fees | $30,000-$80,000+ | CCCL permit docs add cost |
| Permit fees (county, state) | $10,000-$30,000+ | FDEP CCCL permit extra |
| Estimated Total (Gulf-front 2,500 sq ft) | $1,080,000-$1,940,000+ | Plus land cost $900K-$2.5M+ |
Timeline for a Redington Shores Teardown-Rebuild
Expect a Redington Shores teardown-rebuild to take 18-36+ months from lot purchase to move-in. Gulf-front projects with FDEP CCCL permit requirements typically land at the longer end of this range. Here is a realistic timeline:
Months 1-3: Property due diligence and closing; asbestos inspection; preliminary design and architect selection; begin permit applications.
Months 3-6: Abatement and demolition; Pinellas County permit processing (typically 3-6 months for new construction); FDEP CCCL permit processing (3-6 months, overlaps with county process).
Months 6-18: Foundation work and rough framing; MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) rough-in; inspections; enclosure (roofing, windows, doors).
Months 18-30: Interior finish work; final inspections; Certificate of Occupancy; landscaping and site work; move-in.
Working with an experienced coastal Pinellas County general contractor who has a track record of projects in this area significantly reduces delays. I can refer clients to contractors I know and have worked with on comparable projects in the barrier island communities.
Nearby New Construction Alternatives to Redington Shores
If teardown-rebuild complexity and timeline is not the right fit, the following markets offer new construction options within reasonable distance of the Redington Shores area:
| Community | Distance from Redington Shores | New Construction Context | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole FL | 10-15 min east via Park Blvd | Infill lots; some subdivision activity | $400K-$700K |
| Clearwater FL | 20-30 min north | Infill and some new subdivisions; less beach proximity | $350K-$800K |
| St. Petersburg | 25-40 min southeast | Urban infill; townhomes; some SFH lots | $400K-$1.5M+ |
| Wesley Chapel / Pasco County | 50-65 min northeast | Active master-planned new construction | $300K-$700K+ |
| Wimauma / Ruskin | 55-70 min southeast via I-275 | New production and semi-custom home communities | $280K-$600K |
If beach proximity is the primary goal but a teardown-rebuild is outside your timeline or budget, the options in the table above offer new construction without the complexity of coastal permitting. The trade-off is less beach proximity and a different lifestyle profile.
Questions About Redington Shores Real Estate?
Barrett Henry — 23+ years of real estate experience. Licensed Broker Associate at REMAX Collective.
Contact BarrettCall (813) 733-7907Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction in Redington Shores FL
Is there new construction available in Redington Shores FL?
No. Redington Shores is a fully built barrier island with no vacant lots available for traditional new construction. New builds happen only through teardown-rebuild projects. Browse current Redington Shores listings for available properties including older homes with teardown potential.
How much does it cost to build a new home in Redington Shores FL?
Teardown lots run $400,000-$2,500,000+ depending on waterfront. Demo and abatement: $20,000-$55,000. New construction: $350-$550+/sq ft. A Gulf-front 2,500 sq ft new build can run $1,000,000-$2,000,000 in construction costs plus $900,000-$2,500,000+ for the land. Total all-in: $1,900,000-$4,500,000+.
How long does a teardown-rebuild take in Redington Shores FL?
Typically 18-36 months from lot purchase to Certificate of Occupancy. Gulf-front CCCL permit projects often run 30-36 months. Zone AE non-Gulf-front projects can be completed in 18-24 months. Delays from permit processing and contractor availability are common.
What permits are required to build in Redington Shores FL?
Pinellas County building permit (new construction), asbestos survey and abatement permits (demo), and for Gulf-front: Florida DEP CCCL permit (typically 3-6 months processing). Zone VE foundations require engineered pile design. Zone AE requires BFE compliance documentation. Contact Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services at (727) 464-3888 for current permit requirements.
About Barrett Henry: Licensed REALTOR and Broker Associate with REMAX Collective. 23+ years of real estate experience serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and surrounding counties. Learn more or call (813) 733-7907.
