Building New in Citrus Springs: Step-By-Step Guide

Thinking about building a new home in Citrus Springs but not sure where to begin? You’re smart to pause before you pick a plan or a lot. A new build gives you modern code protections, storm-ready features, and the layout you want, but it also adds steps you don’t face with resale. This guide walks you through the local process, from choosing the right lot to closing day, with clear checklists and timelines you can use right away. Let’s dive in.

Build or buy: the first decision

Choosing to build or buy depends on your timing, budget, and how specific your needs are. A resale can get you in sooner with fewer steps. A new build gives you customization and the latest Florida Building Code standards, but you’ll take on lot checks, permitting, and a longer timeline.

Expect a build to carry extra costs for site work, impact or tap fees, and utility connections. In return, you may benefit from lower maintenance and energy costs over time. Local market conditions change, so compare current inventory with what you can build on lots available in Citrus Springs.

Step 1: Choose the right lot

Picking the lot is the most important decision you will make. Site conditions drive your budget, schedule, and long-term comfort.

Zoning and land use

Confirm zoning, setbacks, and allowable uses with county planning before you buy. Zoning controls where you can place the home, accessory structures, and how you can use the property. Start with Citrus County’s departments page to reach Planning and Zoning and related teams.

• Action: Contact Citrus County Government to verify zoning, setbacks, and any design reviews.
• Why it matters: Zoning or setback surprises can force a redesign or delay.

Visit Citrus County Government departments

Flood zone and elevation

Review FEMA flood maps to understand risk, insurance requirements, and any elevation rules. Even inland parcels can sit in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

• Action: Pull the lot’s flood zone and ask your surveyor about base flood elevation.
• Why it matters: Lenders may require flood insurance, and elevation can affect foundation design.

Check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center

Soils and septic suitability

Many Citrus Springs lots use on-site sewage systems. Order a soils and septic site evaluation through the Florida Department of Health.

• Action: Request a perc and site evaluation early to confirm system type and setbacks.
• Why it matters: Poor soils or a high water table can require an engineered system and increase cost.

Review Florida’s Onsite Sewage Program

Utilities and service distance

Confirm availability and distance to water, sewer, power, and broadband. Some lots need extended runs, which add cost and time. Ask about tap or impact fees and service timelines.

• Action: Call the utility provider with the parcel number to verify service and fees.
• Why it matters: Utility access affects both your budget and your build schedule.

Easements, access, and HOAs

Order a boundary and title review to identify recorded easements. Ask about private road maintenance and any required upgrades to access the site. If the subdivision has CC&Rs or an HOA, get design rules and approval timelines.

• Action: Get CC&Rs and speak to the HOA about architectural review steps.
• Why it matters: Easements can limit your building footprint, and HOA approvals add time.

Topography, trees, and wetlands

Walk the lot with your builder or a site work contractor. Identify protected trees, slopes, drainage, and any wetland indicators. Some sites need permits for tree removal or environmental impacts.

• Action: Ask your civil or environmental specialist to flag constraints early.
• Why it matters: Site prep, mitigation, and drainage solutions can shift your budget by thousands.

Step 2: Select and vet your builder

Picking the right builder sets the tone for your project and protects your budget.

Builder types

• Production builders: Faster schedules and standardized plans. Fewer custom changes, often on builder-controlled lots.
• Custom or local builders: More flexibility on design and finishes. Timelines can be longer and costs vary more with site conditions.

Vetting checklist

• Verify the contractor’s license and specialty licenses with the State of Florida.
• Review local permit history and ask for recent Citrus County references.
• Confirm general liability and workers’ comp insurance.

Use the Florida DBPR to verify licenses

Contracts and pricing

Understand whether your agreement is fixed price, cost-plus, or allowance-based. Clarify what is included in site work, driveway, landscaping, and appliances. Require a clear change order process and a draw schedule tied to inspections.

Warranties and lien protections

Get warranty terms in writing for workmanship, systems, and structure. Require lien waivers from the builder at each draw to protect against subcontractor claims. Ask how the builder handles punch lists and post-close service.

Inspections and quality control

Ask for the builder’s internal quality checkpoints. Many buyers also schedule independent inspections at framing and pre-drywall to verify structure and mechanicals before they are covered.

Step 3: Permits, fees, and approvals in Citrus County

Most builds require a building permit plus related approvals that vary by site. Expect separate reviews for septic if needed, driveway and grading, and utility connections. Plan review time depends on county workload and complexity.

• Typical review window: About 4 to 12 weeks for plan review, longer for complex sites.
• Common fees: Impact and tap fees for water and sewer, often due at permit or hookup.
• Plans: Many builds require engineered foundation and site plans stamped by a Florida licensed engineer.

Contact Citrus County departments and the Building Division

Step 4: Financing and insurance for new builds

Construction financing works differently than a standard mortgage. Most buyers use a construction loan that funds in draws and then converts to a permanent loan, or they secure a separate end loan at completion. Lenders require detailed budgets, draw schedules, and inspections.

• Government loan options: Confirm property eligibility for USDA programs and builder approval rules for VA or FHA.
• Insurance: New homes must meet current Florida wind standards. Flood insurance needs depend on FEMA flood zone and finished floor elevation.
• Escrows: Many lenders require escrows for taxes and insurance. Expect property tax reassessment after completion.

Check USDA’s Property Eligibility Map

Review Florida Building Code resources

Step 5: Timeline and inspections you should expect

Every project is unique, but most single-family builds follow a similar sequence. Local labor, materials, permitting, and site conditions can change durations.

• Lot due diligence and purchase: 2 to 8 weeks
• Design and contract: 2 to 8 weeks
• Permitting and approvals: 4 to 12 weeks or more
• Site work and foundation: 2 to 6 weeks
• Framing: 2 to 6 weeks
• Rough-ins: 2 to 4 weeks
• Insulation, drywall, and interiors: 3 to 8 weeks
• Exterior finishes and systems startup: 2 to 6 weeks
• Final finish, punch list, and C/O: 1 to 4 weeks
• Overall typical range: 5 to 10 months from lot purchase to certificate of occupancy

Key inspection milestones usually include footing and slab, underground utilities or septic, framing, rough mechanicals and electrical, insulation, and a final inspection before the C/O.

See NAHB for typical build timelines and drivers

Step 6: Oversight and quality control

You are the project’s owner, so set expectations early and stay organized. Ask for a written schedule, regular progress photos, and updates tied to inspections and draws. Keep all selections, change orders, and receipts in one place.

Some buyers also hire an independent owner’s representative to add oversight. An owner’s rep can help review contracts, coordinate inspections, track schedules and budgets, manage change orders, and verify lien waivers. This role is optional but helpful if you are new to construction or building from out of area.

Quick Citrus Springs checklists

Use these as you compare lots and builders. Save them for your file.

Before you buy a lot

• Verify zoning, setbacks, and allowable uses with county planning.
• Pull FEMA flood maps and ask about an elevation certificate if needed.
• Order a boundary and topographic survey.
• Request soils and septic site evaluations through the health department.
• Confirm water, sewer, and power availability and get tap fee estimates.
• Obtain CC&Rs and an HOA contact, plus architectural review timelines if applicable.
• Check nearby permit history for recurring site issues.
• Note access conditions, drainage patterns, and future road plans.

Before you sign a builder contract

• Verify contractor licensing and insurance and request local references.
• Confirm inclusions and exclusions in writing, including site work and finishes.
• Set a clear change order process and approval method.
• Tie draw payments to passed inspections with required lien waivers.
• Get a written warranty with coverage periods and response timelines.

During construction

• Verify the foundation matches stamped engineering before pours.
• Confirm underground utilities and septic inspections before backfill.
• Schedule framing and pre-drywall checks to review structure and rough-ins.
• Track rough mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and insulation inspections.
• Complete a final punch list and collect manuals, warranties, and final lien releases.

Local resources

These agencies provide the official answers you need for permits, zoning, flood maps, septic, and licensing.

• Citrus County Government departments and permits hub: Citrus County Government
• Flood zone maps and elevation guidance: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Septic and onsite sewage info: Florida Department of Health Onsite Sewage Program
• Contractor licensing: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Florida Building Code resources: Florida Building Commission
• USDA loan eligibility maps: USDA Property Eligibility
• Typical construction timelines and cost drivers: National Association of Home Builders

Your next step

If you want customization, code-level safety, and an efficient layout for your lifestyle, building in Citrus Springs can be a great fit. The key is doing the right checks up front and setting clear expectations with your builder. When you are ready to compare lots, review plans, or run the numbers against resale options, our neighborhood team is happy to help you weigh the tradeoffs and find the right fit.

Have questions about land, new construction options, or resale comparisons in Citrus County? Connect with the local team at Sugarmill Woods to start your plan.

FAQs

How long does a new home build take in Citrus Springs?

• Most single-family builds run 5 to 10 months from lot purchase to certificate of occupancy, depending on permitting, site conditions, labor, and materials.

Will building cost more than buying a resale home?

• It can. Site work, impact or tap fees, and utility runs add to the base price. New homes may lower maintenance and energy costs over time. Totals depend on your lot and choices.

What inspections are required during construction?

• Expect county inspections at footing and slab, underground utilities or septic, framing, rough mechanicals and electrical, insulation, and a final inspection before the C/O.

Do I need a septic system in Citrus Springs?

• Many parcels use septic. Get a soils and site evaluation through the health department early to confirm feasibility, system type, and setbacks.

How do construction loans work for a new build?

• Lenders fund in draws during construction and require budgets, draw schedules, and inspections. The loan often converts to a permanent mortgage at completion.

Are there hurricane or flood requirements I should plan for?

• Yes. New homes must meet current Florida wind-resistance standards, and flood zone rules can affect elevation and insurance. Check FEMA maps and talk with your builder early.