Are you hoping to build your dream home in the wonderful, sunny state of Florida? Or do you already own a home, and are considering building an additional home on your property in order to rent out?

Either way, there are a few unique Florida construction laws to be aware of, before you start making plans. These laws can dictate what you can and cannot build, and what you can do with the house once it’s built.

If you want to save yourself a lot of time and money, it’s important to know the laws regarding house construction in Florida, before doing anything else.

So what are these building regulations in Florida that you need to be aware of? Keep reading to learn the laws as well as how to build a house in Florida this year.

Basic Florida Construction Laws

Are you looking to construct a new home? Buying a vacant lot is only one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to home building in Florida.

Florida law then requires you to hire a licensed and certified contractor. They must be certified with the state of Florida, and registered in the particular city or county that you are building in. 

If you consult with a contractor, make sure to check the legality of their license on your own. You can look up registered Florida contractors here, to ensure they have the license they claim. 

A contract also needs to be drawn up between you, the contractor, and any other interested parties. There is a list of required information that is necessary to be in writing before construction commences. 

Earn Income With Your Property

If you already own a home, you may be wondering how you can use your property to generate income. Rather than renting out your living space, which is inconvenient, you can construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your lot. These are the same as mother-in-law suites or guest houses.

While each county and city will have different requirements, many cities encourage homeowners to construct ADUs as a solution to the affordable house crisis in many of Florida’s metro areas.

Typically, the maximum size of ADUs has to be 1,000 sq ft or less, and there needs to be at least one off-street parking space available. In some areas, you can live in the smaller ADU and rent out the larger, original home if desired. 

Tips for Building; Don’t Start From Scratch

Want to make your home, or even business construction process more affordable, faster, and easier? Instead of designing and building a structure completely from scratch, consider modular buildings.

These can be either temporary or permanent structures. The reason they are more affordable and faster to construct is that much of the construction takes place at a factory. Then, the final assembly and finishing happen on site.

It’s the perfect option for those looking for a functional, well-designed building on a budget. 

Stay in the Know

There’s a lot more to Florida construction laws when it comes to the home building process. You should consult with multiple contractors, as well as your city’s planning department for local-specific regulations.

Construction regulations in Florida are always changing, and those working for your local planning department will always have the most updated laws and information.

Looking for more tips like this? Head over to our blog now to continue reading.