The St. Joe Company Announces New Partnership with National Homebuilder PulteGroup
The St. Joe Company has announced a new builder partnership with PulteGroup, Inc., one of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States. The agreement marks an important step in expanding residential development in Northwest Florida and reflects the region’s continued growth and increasing demand for new housing communities.
The collaboration includes the execution of a contract for the development of homesites that will be built by PulteGroup. Under the agreement, the homesites will be located within two gated residential communities planned along Highway 388, east of State Road 79, near the Watersound West Bay Center. These communities will form part of a broader master-planned development area known as the Pigeon Creek Detailed Specific Area Plan. The plan received official approval from Bay County authorities in 2025 and outlines long-term residential and mixed-use development in the region.
The new partnership reflects St. Joe’s ongoing strategy to collaborate with leading homebuilders as part of its residential development program. By working with nationally recognized builders, the company aims to introduce high-quality homes and diverse community offerings to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population in Northwest Florida.
Jorge Gonzalez, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of The St. Joe Company, highlighted the importance of the partnership and what it represents for the region. According to Gonzalez, the company is proud to establish a relationship with a respected national builder whose reputation has been built over several decades. He noted that attracting a builder of PulteGroup’s scale and experience demonstrates the strong momentum currently being experienced in Northwest Florida’s housing market.
Gonzalez also emphasized that the partnership supports St. Joe’s long-term development strategy, particularly along the State Road 79 corridor. The corridor has become a focal point for residential growth and infrastructure investment in recent years. As more people relocate to the region and demand for housing increases, St. Joe continues to expand its network of builder partners to support new communities and residential opportunities.
The CEO further explained that interest from homebuilders in the region continues to grow. St. Joe regularly receives inquiries from builders interested in joining the company’s builder program and participating in upcoming residential developments. Establishing a relationship with PulteGroup reinforces the attractiveness of the Northwest Florida market and signals confidence from major national builders in the region’s long-term prospects.
Founded more than 75 years ago, PulteGroup has established itself as a leading homebuilder in the United States. Over the course of its history, the company has delivered more than 850,000 homes to buyers nationwide. Today, PulteGroup operates in 26 states and across 47 markets, offering a wide range of housing products designed to meet the needs of diverse buyer groups.
Through its portfolio of well-known brands, the company serves first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, and active adult communities. Its home designs and community concepts are built around consumer insights, allowing the company to offer flexible housing options that align with modern lifestyles and evolving buyer preferences.
Although PulteGroup already maintains a strong presence in several regions of Florida—including Northeast, Central, and South Florida—the new partnership with St. Joe marks the company’s first entry into Northwest Florida. This move represents a strategic expansion of PulteGroup’s operations within the state, allowing it to serve a new and rapidly growing market.
Justin Cook, President of PulteGroup’s Northeast Florida Division, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to bring the company’s homebuilding expertise to the region. Cook noted that the new communities planned in Bay County provide an exceptional setting for residential living, combining natural surroundings with convenient access to local amenities.
The location of the developments offers proximity to some of Northwest Florida’s most notable attractions, including beaches, state parks, shopping destinations, and entertainment venues. Residents will also benefit from access to a growing regional airport and expanding infrastructure, making the area increasingly attractive to both new residents and businesses.
Cook added that the planned communities align well with PulteGroup’s consumer-focused design approach. The company aims to deliver homes that combine quality craftsmanship, thoughtful layouts, and innovative features designed to enhance everyday living.
The agreement between St. Joe and PulteGroup covers the development of 1,326 homesites within the two planned communities. In addition to these initial sites, the contract includes options that could increase the total number of homesites to as many as 2,653 as development plans progress.
Specific brand designations within PulteGroup’s portfolio will be determined as the project moves forward. These designations will be selected to align with the overall vision of the communities and the expected demand from homebuyers in the region.
Construction activity is not expected to begin immediately. According to current plans, development of the first phase of homesites is anticipated to start in 2027. This timeline will allow both companies to finalize community planning, infrastructure development, and other preparations required for large-scale residential projects.
The announcement also highlights the growing importance of the State Road 79 corridor as a development hub in Northwest Florida. The area has experienced rapid growth in recent years, attracting investment across multiple sectors including residential housing, commercial real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.
New residential communities such as those planned through the St. Joe and PulteGroup partnership are expected to play a key role in accommodating the region’s expanding population. As more people move to Northwest Florida for its quality of life, economic opportunities, and natural beauty, housing development continues to accelerate.
By partnering with major homebuilders and planning new communities strategically, St. Joe aims to support sustainable growth while enhancing the region’s residential landscape. The addition of PulteGroup to the company’s builder network further strengthens its development pipeline and reinforces the long-term potential of Northwest Florida as one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.
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