First Florida - Corporate Overview

We have the experience, the people, the financial strength and the track record of success in affordable housing and market-rate housing markets to consistently outperform our competitors. Talk to our clients and you will find that we bring projects in on budget and on time. We build HUD 221(d)(3) and (d)(4), Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

We keep operating costs low.

Because we understand the financial demands on our clients, our corporate culture is built around a commitment to control our operating costs. In the last five years, we have built six million square feet of apartments with an office staff of only twelve people. As a result of our low overhead, we have the ability to spend on compensation and benefits, which reduces staff turnover and fosters a culture of teamwork, communication and interaction among staff.

Our top management is accessible.

The lack of management layers at First Florida means issues that need solutions go straight to top management with no frustrating bureaucracy. We maintain a scale of operations that enables our company principals to be involved in all aspects of our client relationships. We personally negotiate, estimate, subcontract and inspect each construction project. This allows for tighter controls and better interaction with clients and subcontractors. It also allows us to complete projects of a higher quality with fewer problems along the way.

“I would like you and the team at First Florida to know what a pleasure it is working with your organization. Your ability to organize many multi-family projects at one time with minimal change orders, paperwork, and "go backs" is unsurpassed in the industry. When we contract with First Florida we know what we are getting into and are not surprised by the additional and annoying fees that are so typically passed down to the subcontractor in our industry. When we need to communicate problems that arise during construction there has always been a very quick resolution. Whether it's a field problem that is handled by superintendents or needs the attention of an executive of the company we are able to get the answers needed to get the job done quickly and correctly. Thanks for your business and the fantastic working relationship we have established over many years.”

Brad Belcher, Vice President
Horizon Tile

Our people are the best. We are fast and efficient.

At First Florida, we believe that our people are our most important asset. A stringent screening and hiring process helps us to consistently hire the best people in the industry. And we keep them. We invest our profits in our talented staff and as a result, we have one of the highest employee retention rates anywhere. That translates to speed and efficiency in the building process and consistency in the people you deal with at First Florida.

Our finances are among the strongest in the industry.

Many local general contractors continue to suffer from huge accounts receivable problems caused by the fallout in the condominium market. But the stability of the Affordable Housing market has contributed to a bottom line at First Florida that is healthier than ever. This results in a strong cash flow position and the ability to maintain a solid record of prompt payment to suppliers and subcontractors. We are proud to work with some of the best subcontractors in Florida and we work hard to have them enjoy working with us. Our strong financial position also assures that we have the bonding capacity to build the jobs we want to build.

“L&R Structural Corp. has had the pleasure to work with First Florida Building Corp. for more than twelve years on a number of projects. It has been a privilege to work directly with the President, Bob Miller, and his entire staff of Project Managers, Superintendents and office and field personnel.

"As a company, First Florida Building Corp. has been one of the top general contracting companies that we have dealt with. Everything from the contract negotiations, payment of requisitions, work schedule, change orders, to final payment and close-out, is always handled with the utmost professionalism and thoroughness. Personally, I consider Bob Miller one of the most honest and ethical businessmen.

"Based on our experience, we believe that any company would be proud to do business with First Florida."

Carlos Marquez, President
L & R Structural Corporation

We pioneered Green Buildings for Multi-Family Housing in Florida.

We built the first LEED ™ certified affordable housing project in Miami-Dade County and we are committed to leading the industry in green building innovation. Buildings have a vast impact on the natural environment, human health and the economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. We believe that the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project. In addition to the environment and social benefits of green building, economic benefits include reduced operating costs and optimized life-cycle performance. By participating in design-build and value engineering pre-construction meetings, we aim to maximize our buildings’ sustainability.

We know Florida.

We have been building in the state of Florida since we were founded in Miami in 1963. Over the past ten years alone, we have built rental apartments for the Affordable Housing market in 15 Florida counties. We are particularly proud of our ability to produce excellent results for our clients in both metropolitan areas and small counties where these types of projects are often most needed.

We provide design consultation and conceptual pricing at no charge.

As a courtesy to our clients, we do not charge for services such as conceptual pricing and consulting with architects on project design.

We give back to our community.

Bob Miller, the President of First Florida, is the Chairman of Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade, a non-profit organization that restores homes for low-income, disabled and elderly homeowners through Miami-Dade County at no cost to the homeowners. Working together with other local contractors, First Florida has helped over a hundred families receive repairs that include handicap access, new roofs, plumbing and electrical repairs. We donate a substantial amount of staff time each year to helping improve the lives and homes of people in need.

“Having an organization like Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade means the world to me. Before their help, my house was in shambles. My kids were cutting themselves on broken tile in my floor and I had holes in my walls. I had been in and out of the hospital because of my disability and was unable to find the resources to fix my home. I prayed for help and when it came, it was such a blessing for me and my family. It is such an awesome program and I will forever be grateful for the help and support I have received.”

Angela Butler

Corporate Overview

Multi-family housing is our business.