On your own land: check five things before you buy the lot
- Zoning. Counties limit where manufactured homes may go. Call the county zoning office or send us the parcel number.
- Legal, buildable lot. Some counties, like Hillsborough, test whether a parcel is a legal lot of record. Recently split land can fail.
- Flood zone. Look up the lot on FEMA’s map or your county’s flood tool. In high-risk zones the home must be elevated to at least base flood elevation and anchored; many counties add a foot.
- Septic. Florida’s septic program moved to the Department of Environmental Protection in 2021, but in most counties you still apply through the county health department. Lots near springs may need a nitrogen-reducing system.
- Water. No city water means a well, permitted through your water management district and drilled by a Florida-licensed well contractor.
We do a site check before quoting and list all of this in writing.
In a park: Florida’s Mobile Home Act protects you
- Parks with 26 or more lots must give you a prospectus before you sign the lot rental agreement or move in, whichever comes first. You can void the agreement within 15 days after receiving it.
- The prospectus must include a flood disclosure.
- Lot rent increases, service cuts and rule changes need at least 90 days’ written notice showing the current rent, the dollar increase and the effective date.
- Homeowners can form a committee of up to five to meet with the park about an increase, and can ask for mediation.
- If the park changes its land use, it must give at least 6 months’ notice.
Which costs less?
Land costs more up front but has no lot rent and can be financed with the home as real property. A park costs less to start but adds monthly lot rent that can rise. We can price both for you.
Sources: 44 CFR 60.3 · DEP onsite sewage · SWFWMD well permits · s. 723.011 · s. 723.037 · s. 723.061. Checked October 2026. This is general information, not insurance, legal or financial advice.