Modular homes in Florida must follow the Florida Building Code (FBC), not HUD Code like mobile homes. They require state and local approvals, wind and flood compliance, energy certifications, and site-specific inspections to meet legal and safety standards. What You Need to Know Before Building a Modular Home in Florida If you’re building a modular home in Florida, the most important thing to know is this: modular homes follow state and local building codes, just like site-built homes.  Mobile homes, on the other hand, are regulated under federal HUD Code, which doesn’t meet Florida’s stricter safety standards. To build a modular home legally in Florida, you’ll need to meet all applicable Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements and local permitting processes.  That includes: HVHZ wind resistance in coastal zones Flood zone elevation (per FEMA and FBC) Site-built foundation inspections Energy efficiency standards Engineering stamps and plan approvals Fire safety and mechanical code compliance Local permits for delivery and crane lifts Unlike mobile homes, modular homes must pass local inspections and meet zoning, utility, and insurance rules, or face delays, fines, or occupancy issues.  This guide shows you how to build right and avoid costly setbacks. Modular Homes vs Mobile Homes: What’s

Modular homes are usually insured with standard HO-3 homeowners policies, just like site-built homes, because they meet local building codes and are installed on permanent foundations. How Insurance for Modular Homes Works, At a Glance Insurance for modular homes is more straightforward than many expect.  These homes meet state and local building codes, which means they’re treated the same as traditional houses by most insurance companies.  You can expect an HO-3 policy, which covers the structure, your belongings, liability, and loss-of-use, just like any single-family home. What you need to know: Modular homes must be permanently affixed to qualify for standard coverage. Builder’s risk coverage is essential during delivery and assembly. Flood insurance is not included and must be purchased separately. Document upgrades like solar, metal roofing, or impact glass to avoid undercoverage. Homes built with ICF or wind-rated features may qualify for premium discounts. A well-documented, properly classified modular home won’t just be easier to insure, it’ll be easier to live in with peace of mind. Later in this guide, we’ll also break down common pitfalls, cost factors, and how to make your policy work smarter for Florida’s storm-prone conditions. Why Modular Homes Are Treated Like Traditional Houses by

A buildable Florida lot must be in the right zone, have proper elevation, access to utilities, and no hidden setbacks or environmental restrictions. If it checks all these boxes, it’s likely a solid pick. In Florida, one bad assumption can derail your entire project. Between FEMA flood zones, protected wildlife, tight setbacks, and unmarked easements, the fine print matters.  You need to know what you’re really buying, not just what’s in the listing. Before you make an offer, make sure the lot: Isn’t in a restricted flood zone without elevation Has clear zoning for what you plan to build Isn’t limited by HOA or deed restrictions Has access to utilities (or can be connected) Doesn’t have protected species or wetlands Has a recent survey and no legal access issues Think of it like this: A solid home starts with smart dirt. If your lot fails the basics, everything after becomes more expensive, more stressful, and more uncertain. The smartest way to avoid mistakes is to know what to look for early.  The rest of this guide walks you through that process in plain terms, so you can build with clarity and confidence. Why Your Lot Choice Matters More Than You

Modular home warranties typically cover 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, and 10-year structural components, but often exclude cosmetic flaws, moisture, storm damage, and anything caused by improper maintenance or unapproved repairs. What Modular Home Warranties Don’t Cover (But You Need to Know) Modular home warranties aren’t blanket guarantees; they’re layered policies with clear limits.  Most follow a 1-2-10 format: one year for workmanship, two years for systems like plumbing and HVAC, and ten years for structural integrity.  That sounds solid, but the exclusions matter just as much. Here’s what’s usually not covered: Cosmetic flaws like drywall cracks and seam gaps Flood and hurricane damage Mold or moisture issues from poor sealing DIY or unapproved upgrades Damage from improper maintenance Warranties also vary depending on who’s responsible: manufacturer, builder, or third-party.  One may cover the modules, another the setup, and that can lead to gaps when filing a claim. Even delays are common, especially when warranty and insurance companies pass the blame. You don’t want to find these things out after the home is built.  Keep reading to learn exactly what to ask before signing anything, how to protect your investment, and how to spot the red flags others miss. Why You

The best time to build a home in Florida is fall and winter, when cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer storms allow smoother progress, faster permits, and greater contractor availability compared to spring or summer. Seasonal Guide to Building a Florida Home Without Delays Florida’s climate directly impacts construction, making timing essential.  Fall and winter, from October to February, are the most favorable with drier weather, fewer delays, and faster permits.  Spring, from March to May, offers steady conditions but higher costs due to rising demand.  Summer, June to September, brings the greatest challenges, with daily storms, humidity, and hurricane risks that often cause delays and material damage. Key factors to consider before building: Fall and winter deliver the most predictable progress. Spring works but costs more due to higher demand. Summer increases risks from weather and scheduling conflicts. Planning 6–12 months in advance ensures access to top contractors. Seasonal timing is only part of the equation.  How you plan and what construction methods you choose will decide your success, so keep reading to discover strategies that protect your investment from Florida’s toughest conditions. Why Florida Weather Makes or Breaks Your Build When it comes to building a home in

Modular homes are built in factory sections and assembled on-site in days, not months. They offer speed, durability, and custom design while meeting the same building codes as traditional homes. Why Modular Homes Are a Smarter Way to Build in Florida Modular homes are built in factory sections and set on-site in a day, offering a faster, cleaner, and more precise path to a strong, code-compliant custom home.  Here’s what makes modular homes stand out: Factory-built in controlled conditions for better quality and tighter insulation Faster timelines with fewer weather delays or subcontractor issues Customizable floor plans and finishes, including multi-story options Stronger framing to handle transport and storms Can be built on concrete slabs, crawlspaces, or pilings for flood zones Easy to prep for solar panels, battery storage, or expansion Comparable financing and resale value to traditional homes Modular building isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a smarter strategy for homeowners who want more control, fewer delays, and peace of mind in storm-prone areas. And if you’re serious about building in Florida, especially post-hurricane, there are key steps and details you won’t want to miss. What Modular Homes Are and Why They’re a Good Investment Modular homes are built in

Modular homes are permanent, code-compliant houses built in factories and set on real foundations, while trailers (manufactured homes) are movable structures built on steel chassis and classified as personal property unless retitled. Modular vs Trailer Homes: What You Need to Know First Not all factory-built homes are created equal.  Many people confuse modular homes with trailers or manufactured homes, but they’re built to different standards, serve different needs, and perform very differently over time. Here’s what you need to know right up front: Modular homes are built to local building codes (IRC), just like traditional homes. Manufactured homes (trailers) follow HUD code, designed more for mobility than long-term performance. Modulars are placed on permanent foundations and qualify as real estate. Trailers usually sit on piers or blocks, and unless retitled, they depreciate like vehicles. Modular homes appreciate, are easier to finance and insure, and can be customized like any site-built home. Maintenance is simpler with modular due to use of standard parts, unlike many trailers with non-standard components. In hurricane zones, modular homes can be engineered to withstand up to 180 mph winds, most trailers can’t come close. Whether you’re looking to build a long-term home or avoid costly insurance

Fort Myers Beach, FL. A landmark 10-acre beachfront property on Fort Myers Beach has just sold for $52 million, the largest post-Hurricane Ian land deal to date, sending shockwaves through the Southwest Florida real estate market and resetting the bar for local property values. To most, it’s a record-breaking transaction. But for those of us who live and build here, it’s something more. It’s a moment. A shift. A signal that the future of Fort Myers Beach has officially begun. “The Big Dogs Are Coming to Play” There’s no other way to put it: the big dogs are coming to play. I’ve been saying that a lot lately, not to be dramatic, but because it’s exactly what’s happening. This sale wasn’t a fluke.  It was a full-on vote of confidence from major players who see what we see: a beach town not in decline, but on the edge of transformation. Seagate Development Group, the buyer, is a well-respected firm with deep roots in Southwest Florida.  They’ve built luxury communities in Naples, Fort Myers, and even Boca Grande. When they moved fast to grab this 10-acre parcel, developers and investors across the region took notice. They understand what locals are now

Zip Wall Systems integrate sheathing, moisture protection, and air control into one product. They speed up installation, provide structural strength, improve energy efficiency, and balance moisture management, making them a reliable option for modern, durable, and cost-effective homes. Key Advantages That Make This Integrated Wall System Stand Out By merging sheathing, housewrap, and air barriers into one integrated layer, this system streamlines construction while enhancing strength, efficiency, and protection for both builders and homeowners. Faster builds with two-step installation: attach panels, tape seams. Quicker dry-in, so interior work starts sooner. Structural strength, rated for seismic and high-wind zones. Built-in weather protection that won’t tear like housewrap. Energy savings from tight air sealing and reduced HVAC costs. Balanced moisture control that resists water but lets vapor escape. Warranty protection with a 180-day exposure guarantee. By tackling air, water, and structural needs at once, Zip offers both builders and homeowners confidence that projects will run smoother and homes will stand stronger. While the system delivers speed and reliability, it also comes with details every homeowner and builder should know.  From climate-specific advice to smart upgrades, exploring further will show you how to make the most of Zip Wall Systems. Understanding the Role

The FEMA 50% Rule requires that if repair or improvement costs exceed half of a building’s market value, the entire structure must meet current floodplain regulations, often including elevation, flood vents, or other code upgrades. FEMA 50% Rule: Triggers, Exemptions, and What Homeowners Must Know The FEMA 50% Rule requires flood-zone buildings with repairs or remodels over half their market value to meet current flood safety codes, impacting costs, timelines, and insurance. Here’s what you need to know at a glance: Trigger points: Major storm damage or planned remodels exceeding 50% of a building’s value Enforcement: Local officials review costs and values during permit applications Exemptions: Properties outside flood zones or certain non-residential buildings with alternate compliance methods Impact: Required upgrades like elevation or floodproofing, higher upfront costs, but long-term safety and insurance benefits Buyers should confirm if a property is flagged for substantial damage, and homeowners must know what counts toward the 50% threshold to avoid surprises.  The rule is challenging but offers a chance to rebuild safer. Understanding the FEMA 50% Rule: What It Is and Who It Affects The FEMA 50% rule says that if the cost to repair or improve a building equals or exceeds 50%