School and Institutional Construction in Florida
We help educational institutions create functional, safe, and future-ready learning environments. With a focus on precision, planning, and long-term value, our team delivers facilities that support academic success.
Expert Facility Development for Education Providers
GK Development Group builds educational facilities for public school districts, private schools, and childcare operators throughout Florida. Dennis Gunter brings 40 years of construction experience to school projects, understanding that educational construction involves strict safety requirements, complex code compliance, and coordination around academic calendars.
Whether you own a hotel in Tampa, operate a resort in Palm Beach County, or are building a restaurant in Orlando, GK Development Group provides the construction management and general contracting expertise that hospitality projects require.
Educational Facility Services
GK Development Group provides comprehensive construction services for educational institutions:
Elementary and Middle Schools
New school construction, classroom additions, and campus expansions for public and private K-8 schools throughout Florida.
Gymnasiums and Athletic Facilities
Multi-purpose gymnasiums, athletic facilities, and physical education spaces that serve students and community programs.
Childcare and Early Learning Centers
Childcare facilities, preschools, and early learning centers built to state licensing requirements and age-appropriate design standards.
Administrative and Support Buildings
District offices, administrative buildings, media centers, and support facilities for educational institutions.
Renovations and Modernization
Classroom renovations, technology upgrades, and facility modernization projects that improve learning environments in existing buildings.
Understanding School Construction Requirements
Educational construction involves specialized requirements that demand experienced contractors:
Safety During Construction
Construction on occupied school campuses requires strict safety protocols to protect students, faculty, and visitors. GK Development Group implements construction safety plans that isolate work areas and maintain secure campus boundaries.
Academic Calendar Coordination
School construction schedules must align with academic calendars. GK Development Group plans construction to maximize progress during summer months and breaks while minimizing disruption during the school year.
Code Compliance
Educational facilities must meet Florida Building Code requirements for educational occupancy, fire safety, accessibility, and specialized systems. GK Development Group ensures compliance through design coordination and inspection management.
State and Local Requirements
Florida school construction may involve Florida Department of Education requirements, SREF (State Requirements for Educational Facilities) compliance, and local school board standards. GK Development Group navigates these requirements based on experience with Florida educational construction.
School Construction Process
GK Development Group guides educational projects through a structured process:
Pre-Construction Planning
We work with school administrators and boards during design development to provide budget guidance, constructability reviews, and schedule planning that accounts for academic calendar constraints.
Permitting and Approvals
School construction requires building permits and may require state agency reviews. GK Development Group manages the permitting process and coordinates with building departments and educational oversight agencies.
Construction and Safety Management
During construction, we implement safety protocols appropriate for occupied campus environments. Administrators receive regular updates, and construction activities are scheduled to minimize disruption to educational programs.
Occupancy and Closeout
GK Development Group coordinates final inspections, fire marshal approval, and certificate of occupancy to ensure facilities are ready for students and staff on schedule.
Florida School Construction Service Areas
GK Development Group serves educational institutions throughout Florida:
- Gulf Coast
Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Dunedin, Sarasota, Bradenton, Naples, Fort Myers, Pinellas County Schools, Hillsborough County Schools
- Southeast Florida
Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County Schools, Broward County Schools
- Central Florida
Orlando, Orange County Schools, Osceola County Schools, Lakeland, Polk County Schools
- North Florida
Jacksonville, Duval County Schools, Gainesville, Tallahassee
Frequently Asked Questions About School Construction in Florida
What special codes apply to school construction in Florida?
Florida school construction must comply with the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and may be subject to State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) for public schools. Accessibility requirements, fire safety systems, and specialized ventilation requirements also apply. GK Development Group ensures code compliance through design coordination and inspection management.
Can schools remain open during construction?
Yes. GK Development Group specializes in construction on occupied campuses. We implement safety plans that isolate construction areas, maintain secure campus perimeters, and schedule disruptive activities during non-school hours when possible.
How do you handle security during school construction?
Construction security on school campuses includes fencing and barriers to isolate work areas, controlled contractor access points, background screening for workers as required by the school district, and coordination with school administration on security protocols.
How long does school construction typically take?
School construction timelines vary by project scope. A gymnasium addition might take 8-12 months, while a new elementary school could require 14-20 months. GK Development Group develops schedules that maximize summer construction and plan around academic calendars.
Does GK Development Group work with public school districts?
Yes. GK Development Group has experience with both public school districts and private schools. We understand the procurement processes, board approvals, and oversight requirements that apply to public educational construction.