Built for Florida
Wind zones, anchoring and building codes, explained simply.
Florida homes face heat, humidity and hurricanes. Here's how new manufactured and modular homes are built and installed for Florida — in plain English.
HUD wind zones
Every new manufactured home is built to the federal HUD code for a specific wind zone. Florida counties are in Wind Zone II or Wind Zone III. A home must be built for the zone where it will be placed.
| County | HUD wind zone |
|---|---|
| Pinellas | Zone III |
| Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough, Polk, Sumter, Marion | Zone II |
HUD's wind standards were strengthened in 1994, after Hurricane Andrew. Homes built since then are designed for much higher wind loads than older mobile homes.
Anchoring and tie-downs
How a home is installed matters as much as how it's built. In Florida, homes must be installed by a state-licensed installer, following state installation rules for piers, anchors and straps. Every full install is handled by our preferred state-licensed installer.
Every set-up gets a state installation decal next to the home’s HUD label, showing the installer’s name, license number and install date, and the county inspects the blocking and tie-downs before skirting goes on.
HUD code vs. modular
| Manufactured (HUD code) | Modular | |
|---|---|---|
| Building code | Federal HUD code | Florida Building Code (same as site-built) |
| Chassis | Permanent steel chassis | No permanent chassis |
| Foundation | Piers and anchors | Permanent foundation |
| Where allowed | Zoned areas that allow manufactured homes | Often allowed where site-built homes are |
| Typical cost | Lower | Usually higher |
See our modular homes (Homes of Merit Community series) or all homes.
Energy and comfort
Many of our series include Low-E windows, R-38 roof insulation and insulated ducts — check each home's series page for exact specs.
Ready to see your price?
Tell us the home you like and your county. We'll send a written quote.