Neal Communities

Neal Communities' first property, Whitney Beach is in Longboat Key, Florida

Founded in 1970, Neal Communities’ first residence was a 960-square-foot unit in the Whitney Beach condominium complex on northern Longboat Key, successfully sold around $23,900.[1] By 1982, Neal Communities saw explosive growth, beginning construction in 14 new communities while Pat Neal served in the Florida Senate. The same year, the company hit a milestone of creating their 3,000^th home at the Perico Bay Club.[1]

In 1990, Neal Communities began development on a master-planned community in University Park. This 1,200-home community received numerous accolades, including Best Design in America, Best Development in the region and Best Community in the Southeast.[1] In 1998, Neal Communities expanded into the Lakewood Ranch area, beginning development for homes at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

Beginning in 2002, Neal Communities opened the University Place and Woodlands Park communities. The same year, the company celebrated another milestone by breaking ground on its 6,000^th home and moved its headquarters to Lakewood Ranch.[1] In 2005, Neal Communities began work on a new community, Central Park at Lakewood Ranch. The company also unveiled its new Design Gallery,[4] a location where homeowners customize the design of their selected home. Partner company Waterscapes Pools & Spas[5] also opened its doors.

Grand Palm is known for being a nature-focused Neal community with easy access to downtown Venice, Florida

2010 saw Neal Communities expand into Venice with its latest community, Grand Palm. This new community was the first project approved under the requirements of the Sarasota 2050 plan. This 1,199-home master-planned community opened its doors in 2012.[6] The same year, Allegiant Title Professionals was founded. This Neal company specializes in title services for Neal homebuyers, sellers and leaders in need of closing services and title insurance.

Neal Communities continued its expansion in 2013 by starting development for communities in the Fort Myers/Naples area.[7] This year also marked successful completion of Neal Communities’ 9,000^th home. Neal Communities broke its sales record in 2018, selling 1,177 homes to new homeowners.[1]

As of 2022, Neal communities has built over 18,000 homes for homeowners.[8]

In 2012, Neal Communities was recognized as one of “America’s Best Builders” by Builder Magazine.[9]

The company was named “Builder of The Year” by Professional Builder Magazine in 2015.[10]

From 2013 to 2019 Neal Communities was awarded Green Builder of The Year by the FGBC (Florida Green Building Coaltion) for its commitment to building homes to green standards and certifying the most homes in Florida.[11]

In 2017, Neal Communities hosted the "My Favorite Home" contest at Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School

Advocates for education and the arts, Neal Communities began hosting the “My Favorite Home” contest in 1998.[12] This program has Neal partnering with various elementary schools each year, encouraging students to draw their own homes by using a variety of mediums per grade level. Partnered schools also receive a donation to fund their art education programs.

To help provide young children with the resources needed for success, Neal Communities donated $1 million to The Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County.[13]

Since 2016, Neal Communities has been a sponsor of the annual Big Backpack event in Fort Myers, providing children with a free backpack, supplies and other services they need to start the school year. The company contributed $109,000 to this event over the years.[14]

The company has served as a sponsor for the Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting Meals on Wheel PLUS of Manatee as well as the Food Bank of Manatee since 2011.[15] These nonprofit organizations provide residents in need with healthy food and other necessities. The company has donated over $16,000 to this annual event.[15]