Michael W. Forness is a design-build landscaping specialist whose career is characterized by technical discipline and a strong connection to the coastal environment he serves. Also known informally as “Mike” or “Michael Forness”, the New Smyrna Beach-based landscape contractor focuses primarily on high-end residential landscaping, where he has more than two decades of hands-on experience.
Mike Forness earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Central Florida before pursuing a career in landscaping and residential construction. In 2005, he earned a certified state building contractor license through the Florida State Construction Licensing Board, adding to the practical knowledge he had already gained through years of field experience. His career has consistently reflected a combination of organization, project coordination, and hands-on involvement.
In 2001, he founded Coastal Landscapes of Volusia, a company focused on residential landscaping projects throughout New Smyrna Beach and nearby coastal communities. Since establishing the Business, he has worked with homeowners seeking outdoor environments designed to fit both their properties and the surrounding coastal setting. His projects often involve waterfront and oceanfront homes where environmental factors such as drainage, soil composition, and exposure to coastal weather must be carefully considered throughout the planning process.
Michael W. Forness has remained committed to a design-build approach that integrates planning, engineering, scheduling, and construction into a single, coordinated system. By overseeing projects from the early design phase through completion, he maintains direct involvement in client communication, site management, scheduling, and project coordination. This level of oversight has helped him deliver organized and consistent results across a wide range of residential projects.
His landscaping work frequently includes irrigation systems, hardscape features, custom outdoor layouts, and plant selection suited to Florida’s coastal climate. Rather than treating landscaping as a separate finishing detail, Michael Forness views outdoor spaces as an important extension of the home. This perspective has guided his work throughout his career and continues to shape his approach to residential design projects today.
Working in coastal Florida also requires practical knowledge of changing weather conditions, exposure to salt air, and moisture-related challenges. Through years of experience, he has developed methods focused on balancing appearance, durability, and functionality in outdoor spaces. In the market for Michael Forness New Smyrna, his steady approach to project management and landscape planning has become an important part of his professional reputation.
In addition to field operations, he manages many of the business responsibilities required to run his company. Estimating costs, organizing schedules, coordinating resources, and maintaining communication with homeowners are all important aspects of his daily work. His business education has supported his ability to balance operational management with the demands of residential landscaping and construction projects.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys activities connected to Florida’s coastal lifestyle, especially offshore fishing and surfing along the east coast. Family also remains an important part of his life. His wife contributes to the company as the office manager and marketing director, supporting both daily operations and long-term business planning.
Together, they have three daughters pursuing their own educational and career goals. One is continuing her studies in nursing, another is preparing for a career in accounting, and their youngest daughter remains active in academics and competitive soccer while attending high school.
He has also remained strongly involved in the local community by supporting youth sports and school athletic programs. Through sponsorships and continued local participation, Michael Forness New Smyrna remains committed to both the New Smyrna Beach community and the coastal environment that has shaped his professional career.
