Florida Shipping Container Home Laws: Ultimate Guide

Shipping container homes in Florida have become popular, and with that Florida shipping container home laws were adapted. The popularity of container homes is largely because of the large population concerned about preserving the environment.

It is an excellent idea to reuse readily available materials to build a container home. This is the new trend for many people currently, with many people getting great ideas for home improvement projects using shipping containers.

With the rise in adoption of the new trend, as always, there are rules concerning what is legal and what isn’t about using shipping containers for building materials or living space.

So today, we take a deep dive in Florida shipping container home laws and regulations, so you know what is required of you before you build your dream container house.

Table of Contents

Are Container Homes Allowed in Florida?

Yes, Shipping container homes are allowed in Florida by the state government. If you meet the building code requirements and zoning regulations when constructing a shipping container home in Florida, then the state allows you to build one.

Are Shipping Container Homes Legal in Florida?

Shipping container homes are not a form of illegal housing in Florida. The state does not consider using storage containers as homes to be against building codes or zoning laws. Therefore, shipping container homes are legal in the state of Florida so long as you follow the Florida shipping container home laws.

However, if you want to build a shipping container home, you must contact a qualified contractor who will adhere to the rules of the State of Florida.

Do Container Homes Need Permits?

To answer this question, you must know which state regulations apply to building container homes where you are. Some states require permits for construction, while others are less strict about permitting requirements.

A permit helps protect home value. Before someone sells a house, prospective buyers will want to learn about any improvements or repairs that past owners made.

Insurance companies might be reluctant to insure a shipping container home unless city authorities permit it. They will assume that fraud is taking place if this isn’t the case. This is because there are safety risks that come with using an unapproved structure as a residence.

In order to receive a permit, one must follow guidelines that ensure public safety. By following these guidelines, the homeowners show that their shipping container home will not be dangerous to themselves or society.

A permit can be granted to build a shipping container home in areas where the safety codes are enforced. Therefore, having a permit for your container indicates that it is safe for you and those around you.

Zonal Laws in Florida

Before buying any land, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the Florida shipping container home laws. Avoiding being restricted from implementing your vision because of inconsistent rules between municipalities is always a good idea.

You should be able to find support online for this standard by looking at “HUD Regulations on Manufactured Home Constructio.” It is is designed specifically for homes built in factories but will probably still apply here.

In the state of Florida, the state department divides up the land. This determines its use and formulates differing agricultural, residential, and commercial objectives. They may split the subdivision into different sections from R-1 to R-5.

The smaller zone is the determinant of what type of houses are built there. Shipping containers have been deemed noncompliant in areas designated R-5, R-7, and R-15. Be sure to double-check where you fall under as a shipping container homeowner, emphasizing zoning requirements within the realms of R2/1/RM zones.

The R-1 designation applies to single-unit residential buildings, and the R-2 code is for two-unit homes without including duplexes or more than two residential apartments.

The RM zoning code regulates many types of units which are either detached or attached; thus, they can apply it several times in a given area. Even though zoning changes are a lot of paperwork, switching to another type of zoning can take place through rezoning.

Some homeowners may not be open to this because they fear that their property values will go down if they no longer consider the neighborhood desirable for one reason or another. Knowing the zoning laws of an area will help you understand any restrictions placed you will have to deal with.

A Closer Look at Permits in Florida

So after looking at the Florida shipping container home laws, the question that will come to your mind is, Can you build a container home in Florida? Well, here are some tips on the subject that you should take into account.

Building permits ensure that new construction meets the building code and receives approval before proceeding. Some codes dictate how a home is constructed, down to its basic details. It must be proven that all building codes and other laws have been met before the government issue the permit.
The applicant must coordinate with the local authorities to ensure that they know his plans and understand how they will benefit the neighborhood. He must then prove that he has followed all building codes and other rules in order to obtain a permit.

Before gaining a permit to build a shipping container home, the applicant must provide all that the law requires of him and pay all the fees. He must also adhere to the codes established by his community before getting permission
Shipping containers are not allowed in residential areas zoned R-5, R-7, or R-15.

How to Apply For Shipping Container Homes Permit in Florida

First, we need to understand what a permit is before we further discuss its nitty-gritty. A permit is an official permission to do, use, own, and build a house.

And so, according to Florida shipping container home laws, Florida State accepts shipping container homes, but you need a plumbing, electrical, and building permit to install one on your property.

This requires three separate permits from the state, you cannot simply start without obtaining them first. However, the most important one to start with is the building itself.

Remember that applying for a permit is quick and easy, but the approval process may take months. To get your license, you should have a clear plan for the type of shipping container home you would like to build, adhering to building codes and zoning regulations, then submit it to the Building Department for approval.

When you have paid the necessary costs and received approval for your building plan, you will receive the green light to start the process of transporting the shipping container on your land.

You can hire any container home builder to construct the house for you at this level.

Benefits of Shipping Container Homes

Cheap

They are typically cheaper to build than conventional homes because they require fewer materials and workers, which means they are less expensive than traditional homes.

You can build container homes in a climate that is favorable for such work, saving you energy bills! Remember, you can buy a container home from as low as $10,000.

Fast to Construct

Unlike traditional houses that require much time and labor to build, you can put up containers within a month with the right materials. While the design phase of a prefab home may be more complex than that of a conventional one, it still takes less time to complete.

Uniqueness

The containers give you the freedom to craft unique designs, as Florida’s houses have similar construction techniques, and a home with a distinctive design can cost an arm and leg!

Shipping Containers are Customizable

Shipping container homes are easy to modify. Because they can be combined with other containers, sizing isn’t a problem, and you don’t have to build one large enough for all your furniture immediately. You can start small and add more living space if needed.

Due to their interlocking ability, shipping containers can have many functions and advantages. Only your imagination sets the limit regarding container design and use.

Durability

Steel is a strong, durable material that resists harsh weather and lasts longer than other materials. Importantly, shipping containers are made out of Corten steel. This is what makes the shipping containers strong enough to weather the test of time.

Shipping Container Homes are Portable

You can move your container home anywhere you want! If you’re planning on living in one place for a long time, this might not be super important to you.

But if you’re trying to save money while traveling around the world or want to travel a lot, this is definitely an advantage. You can easily transport your entire home to different locations and set up shop wherever you feel like it!

Conclusion

Sometimes, getting a shipping container home permit in Florida may seem too much effort. But the benefits outweigh the costs when you consider it carefully.

You may have to wait several weeks before the necessary payments are applied and sorted out. Well, those are Florida shipping container home laws for you. You don’t need to worry, it will be worth your while!

Shipping container homes are important because they keep homeowners safe from incurring extra costs and wasting money and serve as proof of their home’s integrity. The pros cannot be overemphasized!