D.R. Horton vs ICI Homes

Purchase agreement comparison

Overview

D.R. Horton and ICI Homes both build in Florida, where buyers may compare the nation's largest homebuilder with Florida's largest privately-held builder. Both compete across multiple Florida markets from Jacksonville to Tampa.

Both builders use standardized purchase agreements containing clauses affecting buyer rights. This comparison examines documented contract patterns and key differences based on publicly available information.

The presence of a contract clause does not mean it appears in every agreement. Terms may vary by state, community, and transaction.

At a Glance

D.R. HortonICI Homes
Market PositionLargest homebuilder in the United States by volumeFlorida's largest privately-held homebuilder
TickerNYSE: DHIPrivate
HeadquartersArlington, TexasDaytona Beach, Florida
Affiliated LenderDHI MortgageNone identified
Documented Clauses118
Documented Cases83

Contract Clause Comparison

The following comparison shows documented contract patterns for each builder. A check mark indicates the clause type has been documented; it does not mean it appears in every contract.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include implied warranty of habitability waiver language in their documented contract patterns. Florida's statutory framework under Chapter 558 governs construction defect claims and may affect the enforceability of such waivers.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include mandatory binding arbitration language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include class action lawsuit waiver language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include deposit forfeiture / earnest money trap language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include daily closing penalty language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include independent inspection restriction language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include material substitution without consent language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
ICI Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and ICI Homes include restrictive limited warranty language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

Legal History Comparison

D.R. Horton has 8 documented cases and investigations; ICI Homes has 3. D.R. Horton's larger scale and public status provide more visibility into its litigation history.

D.R. Horton

  • Smith v. D.R. Horton (SC Supreme Court, 2016) — multiple contract provisions found unconscionable
  • Two active payment suppression lawsuits (Robinson, Santiago — 2025)
  • $16.1M construction defect settlement in South Carolina
  • Hunterbrook Media investigation into lending practices

ICI Homes

  • Construction defect claims in Florida markets
  • Warranty dispute litigation under Florida Chapter 558
  • Consumer complaints regarding contract terms

D.R. Horton has a more extensive documented litigation history, consistent with its much larger national scale. ICI Homes, operating exclusively in Florida, faces litigation governed by Florida-specific construction law. Buyers should review the full builder profiles for detailed case information.

States Where Both Builders Operate

Florida

Key Differences

Market Position

D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume, closing 84,863 homes in FY2024 across 33 states. ICI Homes is Florida's largest privately-held homebuilder with approximately 1,000-1,500 annual closings exclusively in Florida.

Documented Contract Patterns

D.R. Horton has 11 documented clause types; ICI Homes has 8. D.R. Horton has a broader set of documented contract patterns, though this may partly reflect more extensive public documentation due to its scale.

Geographic Overlap

D.R. Horton operates in 33 states; ICI Homes operates exclusively in Florida. Their competition is limited to the Florida market, where both builders have active communities.

What Buyers Should Consider

Both contracts require careful review.

Whether you are buying from D.R. Horton or ICI Homes, the purchase agreement contains clauses that may limit your rights. Both builders use standardized contracts that favor the builder.

Check your state's specific protections.

Both builders compete in Florida, where Chapter 558 governs construction defect claims. Florida's Right to Repair Act and other consumer protection laws affect the enforceability of contract provisions.

Do not assume one builder's contract is inherently safer.

Both builders use similar clause types. The differences are in specific language and implementation. An independent contract review can identify the specific risks in whichever agreement you are considering.

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This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.