How the 2025 Labor Shortage is Reshaping Fence Installation Timelines Across Orange County, Florida

The construction industry across America is grappling with an unprecedented labor shortage, and Orange County, Florida is experiencing the full impact of this crisis. The residential contractor employment landscape faces an unprecedented crisis as 2025 brings a record-breaking 32% labor shortage across the industry. This alarming deficit represents the most severe skilled trade shortages in modern construction history, significantly outpacing previous years’ workforce gaps. For homeowners and businesses seeking fencing solutions, understanding these challenges is crucial for planning realistic project timelines and budgets.

The Scale of the Crisis in 2025

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) predicted the industry needed 439,000 more workers in 2025 alone. This massive shortage is particularly acute in Florida, where Florida has the third largest number of construction workers in the country, but most of those jobs are unfilled. The situation has been further complicated by recent hurricane damage, as “The hurricanes that we felt last year in this state did a lot of damage, and that also added to the workforce needs,” Daugherty said.

The impact on project timelines has been severe. This workforce deficit has already extended project timelines significantly, pushing completion times from 7 to nearly 11 months while reducing housing starts by 18%. Housing starts have consequently declined by 18% nationwide, with average project completion times extending from 7 months to nearly 11 months.

Central Florida’s Unique Challenges

Orange County and the broader Central Florida region face specific challenges that compound the national labor shortage. The construction management firm, Hoar Construction, says the issue is that there is a shortage in skilled labor. Project Executive at Hoar Construction, Brandon Smith, adds that a lot of the older generations, which includes skilled and experienced staff, are starting to retire out, leading to a need for younger talent.

The aging workforce problem is particularly pronounced, with Over 20% of construction workers are over 55, nearing retirement. Less than 3% of young people consider construction careers. This demographic shift creates a perfect storm where experienced workers are leaving faster than new ones can be trained.

For fence contractors specifically, challenges like labor shortages and fluctuating material costs have hindered profit. The fence construction industry, which has seen steady growth with industry revenue has been climbing at a CAGR of 3.8% over the past five years to total an estimated $24.7 billion in 2025, is now facing significant headwinds due to workforce constraints.

Direct Impact on Fence Installation Projects

The labor shortage is directly affecting fence installation timelines in several ways. Forty-five percent of respondents report experiencing project delays due to shortages of their own, or subcontractors’ workers. Overall, 78 percent of firms report experiencing at least one project that has been delayed during the past twelve months.

Many contractors are being forced to make difficult choices. Jaffe agreed with Sellick that some builders are being forced to hire workers who are less skilled and thus, less efficient. That, he said, increases the construction time and price. This reality means that even when projects move forward, they may take longer and cost more than originally estimated.

The economic impact is substantial. Mike Jaffe, director of operations for the Palm Bay-based East-Central Florida division of Fort Myers-based Christopher Alan Homes, said supply-chain issues, combined with labor shortages, can increase the price of a new home by as much as 20%. That makes what previously was a $300,000 home cost $360,000, and what previously was a $500,000 home cost $600,000. While this example refers to home construction, similar cost pressures affect all construction sectors, including fencing.

What This Means for Property Owners

For Orange County residents and business owners planning fence installations, the labor shortage translates to several practical considerations:

• Extended Wait Times: It’s not uncommon to wait weeks just to get on a contractor’s schedule, and even longer to finish the job.
• Higher Costs: With supply so limited, rates have climbed steeply for skilled trades. Homeowners now pay top dollar for basic repair and remodel services.
• Quality Concerns: As timelines shrink and teams become stretched thin, the construction worker shortage impacts quality. Rushing leads to less care and detail-oriented precision.

Finding Reliable Fence Contractors

In this challenging environment, choosing the right contractor becomes even more critical. When searching for a reliable fence contractor orange county,FL, it’s essential to work with established companies that have weathered previous industry challenges and maintained quality standards.

Companies like Mossy Oak Fence, which can trace its roots back to 1992, when we started as a residential fence installers in the Metro Atlanta market, bring decades of experience to navigate current challenges. Mossy Oak Fence is a full-service fence design and installation contractor located in Central Florida. Their commitment to provide our clients with the best possible products and services you can find in our industry. Personally, we strive to use our God-given talents to exemplify honesty, character and integrity in every aspect of our business becomes particularly valuable during times of industry stress.

Industry Response and Adaptation

The construction industry is actively working to address the labor shortage through various initiatives. Simonson noted that the construction industry is taking steps to address workforce shortages. Seven out of eight firms raised base pay for workers as much or more than they did a year earlier.

Wage increases have been significant, with average hourly earnings in construction rose around 4% year-over-year. According to AGC data, field craft professionals now earn about $36.54 per hour on average, which is roughly an 18% premium over the typical private-sector wage (~$30.84).

Technology is also playing a role in addressing efficiency challenges. New construction techniques like prefabrication and modular systems can expedite projects. These advancements reduce schedules and overall costs for customers.

Looking Ahead: Planning for Success

While the labor shortage presents significant challenges, the construction worker shortage is unlikely to be resolved quickly, industry leaders emphasize that it is a solvable problem. By investing in workforce development, embracing technology, and fostering environments where workers feel valued and protected, companies can begin to stabilize their labor pipelines.

For property owners in Orange County planning fence installations, the key is early planning and realistic expectations. Working with established contractors who maintain strong workforce relationships and have proven track records of completing projects even during challenging times will be essential for successful outcomes.

The labor shortage of 2025 represents a significant challenge for the fence construction industry, but it also highlights the importance of choosing experienced, reliable contractors who can navigate these difficulties while maintaining quality standards. As the industry adapts and evolves, those who plan ahead and work with the right partners will find success despite the current constraints.