Warbird Construction is a licensed general contractor and pool builder serving Monroe County and the Florida Keys — from Key Largo to Key West. We handle commercial construction, residential builds and renovations, and pool construction throughout the Keys, with a full understanding of the permitting environment, environmental compliance requirements, and logistical realities that make construction here unlike anywhere else in South Florida.
The Florida Keys present a unique set of challenges for construction: FEMA flood zone requirements that affect nearly every build, environmental oversight from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, restricted land use, limited contractor access, and the added complexity of working on islands. Warbird Construction has the licensing, experience, and established permitting relationships to navigate all of it.
Warbird Construction holds a Florida Certified General Contractor license (CGC1524919) and a Florida Commercial Pool Contractor license (CPC1461045) — both active and valid throughout Monroe County and the Florida Keys.
Pool construction in the Florida Keys is one of the most demanding scopes in South Florida — and one of the most in-demand. The lifestyle drives it: waterfront properties, warm weather, and homeowners who want a pool built right, by a licensed contractor who understands the local requirements. Warbird Construction builds pools throughout Monroe County, from straightforward residential builds in Key Largo to complex coastal projects in Key West.
Building a pool in the Keys requires more than a pool contractor license. Flood zone designations, FEMA freeboard requirements, DEP review for properties near wetlands or protected coastal areas, and Monroe County's own building department add layers that most contractors outside the Keys aren't equipped to handle. We are.
Want to understand what pool construction costs in the Keys vs. the rest of South Florida? Read our full breakdown: How Much Does Pool Construction Cost in South Florida? — with a dedicated section on Monroe County pricing and why Keys builds typically run 25–40% above Broward County equivalents.
Finding a licensed, experienced general contractor willing to work in the Florida Keys — and capable of managing the full permitting and compliance scope — is genuinely difficult. The combination of geographic isolation, environmental oversight, and complex code requirements means most South Florida contractors don't take on Keys projects. Warbird Construction does, and has the track record to back it up.
We handle commercial construction, residential builds and renovations, government and institutional projects, and mixed-use development throughout Monroe County. Our principal, Eric Squilla, has managed complex public and private sector builds across South Florida for over 30 years — including projects in jurisdictions with requirements as demanding as the Keys.
Monroe County and Keys municipal building departments have specific requirements around elevation certificates, flood zone compliance, FEMA substantial improvement rules, and environmental mitigation. Warbird Construction manages these requirements as part of our standard project process — not as an add-on.
Construction in the Florida Keys is genuinely different from the rest of South Florida. If you've built or renovated elsewhere and are planning a project in the Keys, here's what to expect:
Nearly all of Monroe County is within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area — AE or VE zones in most cases. VE zones (coastal high hazard areas) have the most stringent requirements: structures must be elevated on open foundations, and mechanical and electrical equipment must meet specific freeboard heights. These requirements affect pool equipment placement, foundation design, and what can be built at grade. A contractor unfamiliar with these requirements will cost you time and money when the inspector arrives.
Properties near mangroves, seagrass beds, wetlands, or the coastal zone may require a permit or exemption determination from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection before construction can begin. This is separate from the Monroe County building permit and can add weeks to a project timeline if not initiated early. Warbird Construction coordinates DEP review as part of pre-construction — not after the permit is already filed.
Monroe County's Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) controls building permits in unincorporated areas. If your project involves a new residential structure or addition in an unincorporated part of the Keys, ROGO allocations and timing affect your project schedule. We advise clients on this at the outset so there are no surprises mid-project.
Everything that goes into a Keys build comes from somewhere north of Homestead. Material lead times, delivery windows, and the cost of staging and transporting equipment to island job sites add to both the budget and the schedule. An experienced Keys contractor prices and plans for this from the start — not as a change order.
Warbird Construction works throughout Monroe County, including:
The northern gateway to the Keys, Key Largo is a high-demand area for both pool construction and residential renovation — particularly for waterfront properties and canal-front homes. We handle pool builds, renovations, and general construction projects throughout Key Largo and the Upper Keys. Explore our work in Key Largo →
One of the most active markets for upscale residential and pool construction in the Keys. Islamorada's combination of waterfront properties, high property values, and discerning homeowners makes quality construction — and a contractor who can actually execute in this environment — essential. Learn more about construction in Islamorada →
A central Keys hub with significant commercial and residential construction activity. Marathon's municipal building department has its own processes and timelines, which we navigate as part of standard project management. Contact us about your Marathon project →
Environmental sensitivity in the Lower Keys — particularly around the National Key Deer Refuge — adds an additional review layer for some projects. We understand the additional site assessment and agency coordination required in this area. Contact us about your Lower Keys project →
Key West's historic district adds architectural review requirements to many renovation and construction projects. Commercial builds in Key West also navigate a distinct permitting environment. We work with Key West's building department and, where applicable, the Historic Architectural Review Commission. Explore our work in Key West →
The Florida Keys deserve a contractor who treats the unique requirements of working here as standard — not as an exception. Warbird Construction brings the licensing, experience, and operational readiness to deliver quality work throughout Monroe County.
Whether you're building a pool in Islamorada, renovating a waterfront home in Key Largo, or managing a commercial project in Key West — Warbird Construction is ready to talk through your project. We offer a free initial consultation and will give you a clear picture of what your project requires before you commit to anything.
Is Warbird Construction licensed to work in the Florida Keys?
Yes. Warbird Construction holds a Florida Certified General Contractor license (CGC1524919) and a Florida Commercial Pool Contractor license (CPC1461045), both active and valid throughout Monroe County and all Florida Keys municipalities.
Can you build a pool in the Florida Keys?
Yes. Warbird Construction builds pools throughout Monroe County — Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West. We handle all permitting including Monroe County building permits, DEP review for coastal and wetland-adjacent properties, and FEMA flood zone compliance for equipment placement and foundation design.
Why does pool construction cost more in the Florida Keys than in Broward County?
Pool construction in the Keys typically runs 25–40% above Broward County pricing due to FEMA flood zone requirements, potential DEP environmental review, the logistical cost of materials and equipment south of Homestead, and the limited availability of licensed contractors in the area. Our South Florida pool cost guide breaks down the full picture.
Do you handle DEP permitting for Keys construction projects?
Yes. For properties near wetlands, mangroves, seagrass, or the coastal zone in Monroe County, we initiate DEP review as part of pre-construction — coordinating the determination or permit alongside the Monroe County building permit so the two processes run in parallel rather than sequentially.
What types of commercial projects does Warbird Construction handle in the Keys?
We handle retail, hospitality, office, mixed-use, government, and institutional commercial construction throughout Monroe County. We also manage commercial renovations and tenant improvements in Keys municipalities, including Key West where historic district review applies.
Do you serve all of the Florida Keys or just certain areas?
We serve all of Monroe County — from Key Largo and the Upper Keys through Marathon, the Lower Keys, and Key West. Project logistics are factored into our scoping and pricing from the start.
Can Warbird Construction handle both my pool and my home renovation as one project?
Yes. Because we hold both a general contractor license (CGC1524919) and a pool contractor license (CPC1461045), we can manage your pool construction and residential renovation or addition as a single contract — one point of contact, one schedule, and no coordination gap between trades.
Eric Squilla is a licensed Florida General Contractor with 30+ years of experience building across South Florida. As founder of Warbird Construction, he brings hands-on leadership to every project. Have a project in mind? Let’s talk.
