Living in a tiny home has become a significant alternative for those who want a simpler and more affordable lifestyle.

In Florida, tiny home communities have started to emerge. It attracts those seeking an unconventional accommodation experience. Plus, tiny homes can embrace a more sustainable way of living. However, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine if living in a tiny home is the right decision.

This is why I will break down the advantages and disadvantages of living in a tiny home in Florida. I will highlight crucial factors that may influence your decision.

Let’s Weigh the Benefits of Living in a Tiny Home in the Sunshine State

When you are living in Florida, a tiny home can give you some exceptional benefits that are unavailable in a conventional home. Let’s see those benefits…

More Affordable to Live

This positivity about living in a tiny home in Florida is controversial. It depends on how you are investing in it. You spend all your cash on high-end materials to build your tiny house. Still, it should be affordable since they are tiny. According to Spruce, it will typically cost $60,000 to build a tiny home, which is applicable to Florida as well. 

On top of that, they have lower maintenance and construction costs. They also consume less energy. This will result in lower utility bills, reducing overall expenses. So, individuals can think of living in a tiny house in Florida to save money.  

Great Mobility

A unique thing about living in a tiny home is its portability. Tiny houses are becoming a trend now, especially among digital nomads. They have great scope to visit various locations with their tiny houses. In Florida, this experience can be pleasing since there are many interesting places to visit. Therefore, a tiny house can add more benefits to visiting places that are not possible if you live in a big house. 

For instance, you can live near beautiful Miami Beach in your tiny home. Then, you can move around to the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales with your kids. You can also visit Boca Raton, which has recently become a tourist attraction for its terrific museums, beautiful parks, and art galleries. However, I suggest reading the neighborhood guide before traveling to Boca Raton.  

They are Eco-Friendly

Environmental advocates suggest tiny houses generate a smaller eco-footprint. Tiny homes become environmentally friendly mainly for 2 reasons. First, they need fewer resources to build. Second, they consume less energy. 

Moreover, tiny homes often incorporate sustainable features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances. For example, a person named Dave Herrle lives with his wife in a treehouse that cost him only $4,000 to build. They use it as a second home to remain close to nature. This indicates that living in a tiny home can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Easy to Build 

It is not only easy but also quick to build a tiny home. Since tiny homes require fewer resources for construction, it is easy for anyone to understand why they are easy to build. Their smaller size also makes them faster to construct than traditional homes. Furthermore, there are prefabricated designs for tiny houses, which can take a few weeks to build. 

Many tiny home enthusiasts choose to build their own homes (just like I gave an example in the previous point). This can be both a rewarding and economical experience. Moreover, the simplicity of the design and construction process allows for further customization, which I will discuss next. 

Easy to Customize

Whether you are hiring a contractor or going through a DIY (Do It Yourself) process, tiny homes give you the option to tailor space according to your specific needs and preferences. From a modern trailer to a rustic cottage, you can transform a tiny house into whatever your heart desires.

It becomes easier to customize the interior layout, design elements, and storage spaces of a tiny house because of its smaller square footage. You can either optimize the space to maximize functionality or create a cozy living environment. For instance, if you have a two-story tiny home, you can make a bedroom on the ground floor for guests. Otherwise, you can convert a space into your personal office. 

So, What are the Downsides of Living in a Tiny Home in Florida

Tiny-house living does have some disadvantages. These apply not only in Florida but also anywhere in the world. The following are some of the disadvantages you may face while living in a tiny home:

Less Resale Value

Unlike large conventional homes, the value of tiny homes tends to decline over time. Additionally, tiny homes have lower resale values compared to larger and more traditional ones. As a result, most tiny homeowners face a loss when they sell. 

Not everyone may be interested in buying and living in a small place. Therefore, the market for tiny homes is limited. Even if you make some expensive modifications before selling, it will not justify the resale value. Therefore, tiny houses should not be considered as a long-term investment.

Can be Crowded

As long as it is about living by yourself, a tiny home can be the perfect option. This is particularly true in Florida since you can travel to many places with your home. However, the space may not be enough when your family is considerably large with several members. 

If you reside in a tiny home community, you will be in close proximity to your neighbors. This will reduce privacy, and noise may come from neighboring homes. Overall, your living space can feel crowded. So, you should consider your comfort level before moving into a tiny home community.   

Less Personal Space

In Florida, everything seems bigger. Hence, it may not be easy if you move into a tiny home. It will become more challenging when there are other people living with you. This will not only reduce your personal space but also theirs. 

Apart from reduced personal space, you will have less storage space in a tiny home. You may need to discover creative solutions to organize your belongings. Additionally, shared amenities in a tiny home community may not be utilized. This will further reduce your personal space. 

Illegal in Some Places

Before building or shifting into a tiny home, be sure to check if there are any zoning laws or local codes. Some municipal building standards don’t permit building a home with a small structure. Therefore, you need to investigate if it is legal to build a small home in your region. 

Luckily, Florida is very tolerant of small houses; there are no statewide laws or legal requirements. In fact, the following counties in Florida are more welcoming to tiny homes:

• Orange
• Sarasota
• Osceola
• Petersburg

With that said, there is a minimum square footage rule enforced by the following Florida counties:

• Levy
• Dixie
• Hamilton

If you have come this far, then you can understand that living in a tiny home in the Sunshine State offers some benefits and drawbacks. You should equally consider both before moving into a small home. Regardless of your priorities and preferences, you must consider the legal restrictions in the area where you are going to stay. You can determine if living in a tiny home community in Florida is the right choice after weighing the above pros and cons.

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