Short answer: Yes, wood construction isn’t illegal, but it requires special engineering and ongoing
maintenance to hold up against humidity, termites, and hurricane exposure — which is why concrete
remains the practical default.
Why it matters: This question usually comes from buyers wondering if concrete is a regulatory
requirement. It isn’t — it’s a performance decision the climate makes for you.
What to check:
● If you want a wood-framed element, ask what treatment and engineering it requires here
specifically
● Confirm any wood components (roofing, decking, accents) are rated for tropical/coastal
exposure
● Weigh the added maintenance burden against the design benefit you’re after
Bottom line: You can build with wood here — you just need to go in knowing it demands more
engineering and upkeep than concrete does in this climate.
