Modular homes in Florida are transforming homeownership and the experience of living in the Sunshine State.
They offer a quick and affordable alternative to the costly and lengthy traditional home-building process, while allowing for easy customization.
The Basics of Modular Homes in Florida
Modular home manufacturers construct modules in a factory-controlled environment, and builders transport the modules to your site for installation. Modular home construction follows similar quality and building code standards as stick-built homes.
In Florida, modular home designs, construction, and inspections follow the Florida Building Code (FBC). They must sit on a permanent foundation.
Choices for modular home foundations include poured footers, stem walls, piers, and engineered slabs.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) requires that a licensed modular contractor build a foundation specifically for your home. It violates Florida Statutes to hire a mobile home builder to install your modular home.
The Florida Statutes consider modular homes installed on a permanent foundation as real property. This gives modular homeowners better access to financing and other facilities such as home insurance.
As a final point, you should greatly consider your location and land resilience when buying a modular home in Florida. Florida experiences severe storms and flooding events. Make sure your home is built to defend against natural disasters.
Types of Modular Homes You Can Buy in Florida
Florida’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty allow for a wide range of modular home styles for homebuyers. You can choose anywhere from sleek contemporary modular designs overlooking the Gulf Coast to charming cottages amidst the lush greenery of Central Florida.
With so much choice, homebuyers in Florida still have some favorites.
Here are some of the most common modular home styles:
Ranch-style Modular Homes
Ranch modular homes are typically one story high with open floor plans and low-pitched roofs. Most ranch home floor plans come in L or U shapes.
Modular ranch homes can have many rooms depending on their size while maintaining their open plans. They also feature sliding glass doors and large open windows ideal for natural lighting.
Contemporary Modular Homes
Modern contemporary modular homes resemble what one would consider cutting-edge stick-built homes.
They feature sleek designs, open spaces, and large windows. Contemporary modular home designs offer stylish exterior appearances, unique shapes, and highly progressive aesthetics.
Coastal Modular Homes
Coastal-style modular homes are popular in Florida, offering relaxed beach vibes with bright colors, large windows, and expansive outdoor spaces.
Mediterranean Modular Homes
Inspired by European architecture, they are easily recognizable from their stucco exteriors, palladium-style windows, arched doorways, and low-pitched tile roofs. Mediterranean-style modular homes are often more than one story high with symmetrical features.
Be sure to read our specific article breaking down the topic of modular homes here.
Where Can You Buy a Modular Home in Florida?
You should learn as much as you can about modular home construction to make informed decisions when buying a modular home.
You need to know everything from what a modular home is to finding reputable home builders, retailers, communities, and more.
Here are some of the big players in the modular home industry in Florida:
(TinyRoam has no affiliation or sponsorships with any of the below modular home builders)
Jacobsen Homes
Jacobsen Homes is one of the largest and oldest modular home manufacturers in Safety Harbor. They are known for fine designs and craftsmanship and locals trust them as modular home manufacturers.
Jacobsen Homes is a Local, family-owned, and -operated company that has served the people of Florida since 1959. They have the knowledge and experience to build your next mobile home.
Clayton Homes
Clayton Homes is a national builder that carries a wide selection of affordable modular homes in various styles and offers good deals for budget-conscious buyers.
Clayton Homes is headquartered in Maynardville, Tennessee, and offers customizations that include name-brand appliances, custom cabinets, and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Palm Harbor Homes
Palm Harbor Homes focuses on innovative designs, superior durability, and energy efficiency. They are known for their attention to detail, customer service, and modular homes built to last.
They are located in Plant City and sell their modular homes throughout the state through a select group of manufactured and modular home retailers.
SteelHomes Modular
SteelHomes has revolutionized construction with its innovative Light Gauge Steel (LGS) structures. They are known for efficiency, speed, and cutting-edge technology in the modular home industry.
SteelHomes is also big on safety, community engagement, and sustainability. This sets them apart as builders committed to technological advancements and responsible practices.
They are ideal modular home manufacturers for environmentally-conscious modular home customers.
Homes of Merit
Homes of Merit is a regional manufacturer of modular homes in Lake City, Florida. They have built and sold modular homes since 1973, making them one of the state’s largest and most reputable builders.
They employ unparalleled craftsmanship to turn your dreams into reality with a vast selection of floor plans and designs.
Homes of Merit sells their homes through a network of selected retailers and not directly to homeowners.
Green Dwellings
Green dwellings has ushered in a new era of crafting energy-efficient and smart modular homes from recycled and renewable materials. They offer stunning contemporary designs constructed with a patented “spray rock” wall system made of rust-proof galvanized steel and 280 MPH wind-rated concrete.
Their eco-friendly constructions are also hurricane-proof and well-suited to Florida weather. Green Dwellings is located in Palm Beach and offers various floor plans of beachfront properties.
Tips for choosing Modular Home Builders in Florida
Choosing the right builder for your modular home is an important step in your journey to homeownership.
Take your time to research and match your needs and preferences with a suitable builder.
- Experience: choose a builder with a proven track record and experience building modular homes.
- Reputation: research online for what previous customers say about the builder and review customer ratings.
- Customer service: choose a contractor who is available to answer questions and address your concerns throughout the process.
- Warranties: inquire about warranties on different components of your home and the project as a whole.
- Design Options: choose a builder offering various floor plans, designs, and customization options matching your needs and preferences.
- Budget: request quotes from several reputable builders to ensure you get value for your money.
One of the most important tips for buying in Florida will be your homes’ resilience to weather. Florida experiences some severe weather events.
Make sure your home builder is constructing their homes with storm and flood defense at the top of the priority list.
Where Can You Put Your Modular Home in Florida: Modular Home Communities
While most areas in Florida allow modular homes, homeowners must follow local zoning laws and HOA rules and regulations.
Many vibrant modular home communities in Florida offer amenities suited to various lifestyles and budgets.
From luxurious communities sporting golf courses to family-friendly communities offering playgrounds and dog parks.
Here are examples of family-friendly communities:
(TinyRoam has no affiliation with any of the below communities)
Cypress Lakes
Cypress Lakes in Lee County is one of the best communities in Florida. It offers residents an urban-suburban mixed feel with numerous amenities, including restaurants, parks, a pool, and a fitness center!
Cypress Lakes offers a mix of manufactured and modular homes. As a bonus tip, the community boasts above-average public schools.
Bear Creek
This community offers spacious modular homes in Ormond Beach with access to tennis courts, a pool, and a private beach club.
In a community like this, availability of space to put your own modular home may be limited, however, it’s common to purchase a modular home that’s already placed in the community.
Plantation Oaks
This community is located along the Space Coast shoreline, with residents enjoying beach views every morning. The community has access to major retail and entertainment providers including the new Titus Landing.
One of the best aspects of a community is their proximity to the beach. After all, living in Florida is all about accessibility to the beautiful beaches.
Plantation Oaks is also within driving distance of Daytona Beach, Orlando, and Melbourne, giving it access to larger cities with more facilities. The community prides itself in offering a community lifestyle where families can access a pool, playground, and dog park.
Conclusion
Modular homes offer a blend of affordability, quick construction, customization, and resilience to Florida weather. They are revolutionizing homeownership and living in the Sunshine State with vibrant communities that offer amenities to your preferences. You can choose your next modular home from one of the many manufacturers across the state.
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