Tiny House Living in Florida: Rules and Regulations

Introduction

The tiny house movement has been gaining popularity across the United States, and Florida is no exception. With its warm climate and diverse landscapes, Florida is an attractive destination for tiny house enthusiasts. However, navigating the rules and regulations for parking and living in a tiny house in Florida can be complex. This article provides a detailed guide to help you understand the legal landscape for tiny houses in the Sunshine State.

Rules and Regulations in Florida

In Florida, tiny houses must comply with both state and local building codes. The primary building code is the Florida Building Code (FBC), which incorporates the International Residential Code (IRC). These codes set standards for safety, habitability, and construction. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are often classified as recreational vehicles (RVs) and must meet RV Industry Association (RVIA) standards.

Local zoning laws play a crucial role in determining where you can park and live in a tiny house. These laws vary significantly between counties and municipalities. Some areas may have specific ordinances that allow tiny houses, while others may have restrictions based on minimum square footage, lot size, and other factors. It is essential to check with your local zoning office to understand the specific requirements in your area.

For tiny houses on wheels, you will need to register your home with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and comply with RV regulations. If you plan to place your tiny house on a permanent foundation, you will need to obtain the necessary building permits and undergo inspections to ensure compliance with the FBC and IRC.

House Types in Florida

Florida recognizes several types of housing, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Tiny houses can fit into different categories depending on their construction and usage. For example, a tiny house on a permanent foundation may be classified as a single-family home, while a tiny house on wheels might be considered an RV or mobile home.

ADUs are secondary housing units on a single-family residential lot, and Florida does recognize them. A tiny house can be considered an ADU if it meets the local zoning requirements and building codes for such units. This can be a viable option for those looking to place a tiny house on a property with an existing primary residence.

Counties in Florida that Allow Tiny Houses

Several counties in Florida have specific regulations that permit tiny houses. Here are a few:

Orange County: Allows tiny houses on wheels in designated areas and requires compliance with local building codes.
Osceola County: Permits tiny houses as ADUs, provided they meet the county's zoning and building requirements.
St. Petersburg: Allows tiny houses in certain residential zones with specific size and placement restrictions.
Sarasota County: Permits tiny houses in rural areas and as ADUs in urban settings, subject to zoning laws.

Tiny House Communities in Florida

We know of 6 tiny house communities in Florida. Here is short description of each of them.

Accepting Tiny Homes at WhimCycle Trail RV Park

While you are at the most visited Florida State Park, The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway in your back yard, we invite you to immerse yourself in nature, while you surround yourself in the wilderness of hiking, biking, equestrian and multi-use trails. You will have a special privilege to access this park directly from your site via Whimcycle Trail. In addition, all within 1 mile you wi...

Learn more about Accepting Tiny Homes at WhimCycle Trail RV Park here

Tiny home on wheels or foundation Lots for sale or rent

Beautiful tiny home and cottage community in florida on the space coast. See the rockets, enjoy the beach, kayak the river and socialize in three historic districts all within minutes of our wonderful community. We have 35 acres with wooded walking trails, 80 home sites, dog park, lake and lots of fruit and veggie trees and gardens. Annual rentals only but you may also own your property and buil...

Learn more about Tiny home on wheels or foundation Lots for sale or rent here

Gulf Coast Tiny House Parking Pensacola Florida Alabama Line

We live on one acre, with half of it open, clear land in a small, safe town right outside of Pensacola, Florida. It is also down the road from the Beach Express to Orange Beach and Gulfshores, Alabama. At this time it is suitable for tiny houses that are self contained. We can offer short term water and electricity. The electricity will run most things, but trips the breaker if two heavy items ...

Learn more about Gulf Coast Tiny House Parking Pensacola Florida Alabama Line here

Circle Pond Tiny Home Community

Circle Pond is a private tiny home community under development in South Hillsborough County, Florida. With a focus on nature, accessibility and tiny living this community is situated on nearly five acres centered around a two acre lake. This well appointed property offers clients options for long term tiny living and a beautiful natural setting while still providing accessibility to all your commo...

Learn more about Circle Pond Tiny Home Community here

Gracious Tiny House Park, Lake Okeechobee, Florida

We love tiny houses in Florida. It's just so hard to find parking for them! So we are developing a tiny house community right here in south-central Florida at Lake Okeechobee. Gracious Tiny House Park has both waterfront sites and interior spots available for long term legal Tiny House parking in Florida! Family owned, growing our Florida tiny house community to promote moral & ethical accounta...

Learn more about Gracious Tiny House Park, Lake Okeechobee, Florida here

Orlando Lake Front at College Park

Orlando Lakefront at College Park is a growing tiny house community (THC). We are a revitalized 1950's RV park that welcomes tiny housers to park legally and enjoy the tiny life. We offer a solution to one of the key obstacles to living tiny: "Where do I park my tiny house?" At Orlando Lakefront, you can legally park your tiny house on wheels among neighboring tiny housers, while enjoying full ...

Learn more about Orlando Lake Front at College Park here

A Sample of Tiny Houses For Sale in Florida

We know of 6 tiny houses in Florida. Here is a sampling of them.

Gorgeous Tiny Home Community at Escape Tamp Bay

Enjoy a unique living experience in this EOne XL Tall Tiny Home with exceptional height. No need to locate land, this tiny home community offers a low monthly lease and includes water, garbage, sewer, landscaping maintenance, security gated access with guest parking. Two community gathering centers with outdoor patio seating and a community pool with a clubhouse. NO HOA!! Every detail has been car...

Learn more about this Gorgeous Tiny Home Community at Escape Tamp Bay for sale.

18ft Tiny house cabin on wheels!

itsallaboutefficiency.com Check the video tour out today! Introducing a remarkable opportunity to elevate your lifestyle with this exquisitely crafted tiny house, a true embodiment of modern luxury and functionality. Step inside to discover a haven of sophistication, featuring a mini-split system that ensures optimal climate control year-round. The elegantly appointed bathroom boasts a spa...

Learn more about this 18ft Tiny house cabin on wheels! for sale.

Eco Tiny

NOAH certified. LEED Certified Platinum. Build with 90% reclaimed materials including beautiful reclaimed maple gym flooring and reclaimed pine flooring on the ceilings. On-Demand Propane water heater. Solar Panels. All plumbing is WaterSense certified including the RV toilet. Equipped with an EnergyStar apartment size refrigerator. Panasonic In-take/Out-take fan in kitchen to provide great air fl...

Learn more about this Eco Tiny for sale.

Eco-Friendly, Custom built Tiny House in ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village

"The Most Beautiful Tiny Houses In The World" - Forbes Magazine Located in Escape Tampa Bay Village, a new concept in 21st century living that is affordable, beautiful and environmentally sensitive. This beautiful ESCAPE Traveler XLS, with its wider design, natural light, and a ceiling that is a little over 11 feet high, brings you a sense of openness and spaciousness that is truly remarkab...

Learn more about this Eco-Friendly, Custom built Tiny House in ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village for sale.

Tiny Home Log Cabin

WhimCycle Trail has a collection of unique tiny home log cabins in an incredible location that offers a perfect combination of privacy and easy access to the most visited State Park in Florida, The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Immerse yourself in nature, while you surround yourself in the wilderness of hiking, biking, equestrian and multi use trails. This is a new concept in Centra...

Learn more about this Tiny Home Log Cabin for sale.

Conclusion

Living in a tiny house in Florida is an exciting possibility, but it requires careful navigation of local building codes and zoning laws. By understanding the regulations and working with local authorities, you can find a suitable place to park and live in your tiny home. For more information on tiny houses in Florida, visit the Tiny Home Builders Marketplace.