The tiny house movement has grown rapidly across the United States, and Florida is one of the top destinations for people looking to downsize, simplify, or pursue affordable homeownership. The state’s warm climate, homesteading opportunities, and growing number of tiny-friendly communities make it an attractive option. Yet navigating what counties in Florida allow tiny houses can be confusing, because regulations differ dramatically from one county to another.
Some counties embrace tiny living with flexible zoning laws and supportive development codes. Others still enforce strict minimum square footage, land-use restrictions, or prohibit tiny homes on wheels altogether. This article breaks down the counties that welcome tiny homes, the regulatory landscape, and what you can expect when choosing the best area for your lifestyle.
Tiny house seekers often run into questions such as:
- Can I legally place a tiny home on my own land in Florida?
- Which counties allow tiny homes on wheels versus foundation-built ones?
- Are there Florida counties with tiny house communities already established?
By analyzing zoning codes, county ordinances, and real-world examples, this guide clarifies where tiny houses are allowed and why those counties stand out.
In This Article
Overview of Florida’s Tiny House Regulations
Florida does not have a single statewide law governing all tiny homes. Instead, each county controls its own land-use rules, zoning districts, building codes, and minimum dwelling requirements. Understanding these distinctions is essential if you want to know what counties in Florida allow tiny houses legally and comfortably.
Key regulatory factors that determine tiny house legality
Building codes
Florida follows the Florida Building Code (FBC). Most foundation-built tiny houses must meet residential codes, including:
- Structural safety standards
- Hurricane-grade wind resistance requirements
- Electrical and plumbing compliance
- Minimum room dimensions (with certain exceptions)
Zoning codes
County zoning dictates:
- Minimum house size
- Approved dwelling types (tiny homes, mobile homes, ADUs, THOWs, RVs)
- Land-use categories
- Whether tiny homes are treated as permanent residences or temporary structures
County vs. city rules
A surprising fact: some cities within tiny-friendly counties still prohibit tiny homes. For example, a county might allow backyard ADUs, while specific municipalities restrict them.
Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs)
Most counties classify THOWs as RVs. In many parts of Florida:
- Long-term living in an RV is restricted
- THOWs may be permitted only in RV parks
- Few counties allow THOWs on private land without special approval
Common tiny-home terms used in Florida
| Term | Meaning |
| THOW | Tiny House on Wheels, often classified as an RV |
| Foundation-Built Tiny Home | Permanent dwelling built to residential code |
| ADU | Accessory Dwelling Unit, often used as small backyard tiny homes |
| Park Model | Up to 399 sq ft, treated like an RV in many counties |
| Cluster Housing | Community-style developments with small home footprints |
Florida’s regulatory variety is what makes researching counties crucial before buying land or building your home.
What Counties in Florida Allow Tiny Houses: Most Tiny-House-Friendly Regions
Florida has a mix of permissive, moderately flexible, and restrictive counties. Understanding what counties in Florida allow tiny houses requires looking at zoning adaptability, square-footage minimums, and how counties classify small dwellings.
General characteristics of tiny-friendly Florida counties
Counties that embrace tiny homes usually share these traits:
- Lower or no minimum square footage requirements
- Rural or agricultural zoning (AG, RR, AR) with flexible land use
- Support for ADUs or guest cottages
- Allowance for park models or THOWs in designated areas
- Interest in affordable housing initiatives
Many of these counties also have active tiny-home communities, eco-villages, or off-grid developments that reflect local openness to alternative housing.
Why tiny homes thrive in rural Florida
Rural counties tend to have:
- Larger parcel sizes
- Fewer HOA restrictions
- Less dense suburban regulation
- More owners seeking self-sufficient land use
This makes counties like Levy, Madison, and Suwannee popular among tiny-house residents.
Understanding the regions that are most supportive
Below is a helpful overview summarizing the regions where tiny homes are generally more welcomed.
| Florida Region | Tiny-House Friendliness | Notes |
| North Florida | High | Flexible rural zoning, off-grid friendly |
| Central Florida | Moderate–High | Many counties approve ADUs and PD developments |
| West Coast (Gulf) | Moderate | Some counties allow tiny homes with restrictions |
| East Coast | Low–Moderate | Coastal cities enforce stricter codes |
| South Florida | Low | Minimum size rules and strict zoning |
These regional differences set the stage for the next sections, where we’ll explore specific supportive counties in detail.
Counties Where Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs) Are Permitted
Understanding what counties in Florida allow tiny houses on wheels is essential because THOWs face more restrictions than foundation-built homes. Florida counties often classify THOWs as RVs, meaning long-term residential use is limited unless the zoning code explicitly allows it.
Where THOWs Are Generally Allowed
A select number of counties permit THOWs under certain zoning categories, especially in:
- RV parks
- Tiny home villages
- Campground districts
- Planned developments (PDs)
- Rural residential areas with flexible land-use codes
THOWs are especially popular among full-time travelers, seasonal residents, and people wanting a low-cost way to enter the Florida housing market.
Tiny-house-on-wheels supportive counties
1. Escambia County
Known for its relaxed RV regulations, Escambia permits THOWs in approved RV parks and some rural zones. Long-term stays are accepted where park operators allow it. THOW owners often view Escambia as an affordable coastal option with fewer density restrictions.
2. Levy County
Highly rural and flexible, Levy permits THOWs in agricultural zones if they meet sanitation and utility requirements. The county’s lenient approach attracts homesteaders and people building small eco-homes.
3. Pasco County
Pasco has been one of the early supporters of tiny home communities, including famous developments like the affordable tiny house village in the Wesley Chapel area. THOWs are permitted in designated parks and some mixed-use zones.
4. Lake County
Lake County allows THOWs inside RV parks and some mixed-use developments. The county has seen a rise in seasonal and snowbird tiny house residents due to its mild winters and scenic lakes.
What THOW owners should expect
Even in tiny-friendly counties:
- THOWs often cannot be used as primary dwellings on private land without special permits.
- Utility connections must follow county sanitation codes.
- Skirting, tie-downs, and wind-resistance measures may be required.
A useful tip: many THOW owners seek land in rural counties but register the structure as an RV for compliance.
Counties Allowing Tiny Houses on Permanent Foundations
Many people researching what counties in Florida allow tiny houses are specifically looking for areas that permit foundation-built dwellings under 600 sq ft. Since Florida uses the Florida Building Code, foundation-built tiny houses often face fewer restrictions than THOWs.
What makes a county foundation-friendly?
Counties that welcome small foundation houses typically:
- Reduce or eliminate minimum dwelling size requirements
- Permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Allow small homes in residential, agricultural, or mixed-use zones
- Recognize 400–700 sq ft homes as primary residences
Foundation-built tiny houses offer long-term stability, better financing options, and fewer mobility restrictions than THOWs.
Examples of Florida counties supportive of small foundation homes
1. Orange County
Orange County, home to Orlando, allows small homes within certain planned developments (PDs). ADUs are permitted in many neighborhoods, giving residents flexibility to build a tiny home in their backyard or on private land. Square footage minimums vary, but several zones allow homes as small as 450–500 sq ft.
2. Sarasota County
Sarasota has been one of Florida’s most progressive counties, removing minimum dwelling size requirements in multiple districts. The county supports small-footprint living, and its zoning updates have paved the way for tiny house communities and compact cottage neighborhoods.
3. Hillsborough County
Home to Tampa, Hillsborough permits foundation-based ADUs and small dwellings in urban and suburban areas. Although some neighborhoods have HOA restrictions, the county overall supports small permanent homes in multifamily and mixed-use zones.
4. St. Johns County
This county near Jacksonville has gained attention for allowing small homes in RR and residential zones. Many residents build cottage-style homes between 400 and 800 sq ft, especially in unincorporated areas where zoning rules are more flexible.
Typical size requirements for foundation-built tiny houses
| County | Minimum Dwelling Size | Notes |
| Sarasota | None in many zones | One of Florida’s most tiny-friendly counties |
| Orange | ~450–500 sq ft in many PDs | Strong ADU support |
| St. Johns | ~400 sq ft (varies by zone) | Popular among retirees |
| Levy | ~300–600 sq ft | Rural and flexible for homesteads |
Foundation homes are preferred by those seeking long-term stability and fewer zoning hurdles.
What Counties in Florida Allow Tiny Houses in Rural or Agricultural Zones
The majority of Florida’s tiny house opportunities exist in rural and agricultural areas. If your goal is homesteading, gardening, off-grid living, or simply having larger parcels of land, understanding what counties in Florida allow tiny houses in AG or rural zones is crucial.
Why rural zoning is more tiny-friendly
Rural counties often:
- Allow smaller dwellings due to larger lot sizes
- Permit septic systems without city sewer connections
- Have fewer HOA-controlled neighborhoods
- Support mobile homes and modular homes, making it easier to include tiny dwellings
- Encourage flexible land use including hobby farming, livestock, and self-sustaining living
These counties also tend to welcome residents seeking a quieter, lower-density lifestyle.
Counties known for rural zoning flexibility
Madison County
Located in North Florida, Madison County is well-known for its agricultural openness. Many parcels allow small homes, THOWs, park models, and even off-grid cabins, provided sanitation standards are met. Its affordability attracts retirees and families seeking independence.
Levy County
A haven for homesteaders, Levy’s AG and rural residential zones allow small houses and alternative dwellings. Many tiny homes here sit on 1–10 acre plots, giving owners space for gardening and solar systems.
Suwannee County
Suwannee offers flexible rural zoning ideal for tiny homes and off-grid lifestyles. Small dwellings under 600 sq ft are common, and county enforcement focuses more on safe utility systems than size.
Gilchrist County
This small rural county legally supports mobile homes, modular homes, and small dwellings in multiple zones. Tiny homes on foundations or wheels may be permitted depending on parcel location.
Real-world case study: Rural Florida tiny home homestead
“When we moved our 420 sq ft cabin to Suwannee County, we expected red tape. Instead, the county inspector helped us understand wind-load requirements and septic permitting. Compared to city regulations, tiny living here felt welcomed.”
— A homesteader couple now living full-time in a solar-equipped tiny home
Land-use expectations in rural counties
Residents should prepare for:
- Driveway permits
- Septic tank installation approvals
- Possible agricultural exemptions
- Utility easements depending on parcel type
Rural counties remain the backbone of the tiny house movement in Florida. They provide space, affordability, and flexibility that urban counties rarely match.
Specific Counties in Florida Known to Support Tiny Houses
When researching what counties in Florida allow tiny houses, certain areas consistently stand out for their clarity, openness, and zoning updates that support small or alternative dwellings. These counties have either rewritten minimum housing size requirements, approved tiny-home communities, or adopted flexible land-use rules that encourage smaller residences.
Sarasota County
Sarasota has become a model for Florida’s tiny-house movement. The county eliminated minimum dwelling size requirements in several zoning districts, allowing homes under 400 sq ft as long as they meet the Florida Building Code. Multiple cottage communities have already been developed, and local planners frequently advocate for diversified housing options.
Why Sarasota stands out
- Zero minimum square footage in specific zones
- Supportive of tiny-home subdivisions
- Strong demand for compact coastal living
Orange County
Orange County, home to Orlando, has steadily opened its zoning to small homes and ADUs. Many Planned Developments (PDs) allow cottages and small dwellings ranging from 400–600 sq ft. Homeowners in certain suburban zones can legally build a tiny ADU in their backyard.
What makes Orange tiny-friendly
- ADUs permitted in various districts
- PD zones that welcome 400+ sq ft homes
- Higher acceptance of small urban infill housing
Hillsborough County
In Tampa’s home county, tiny homes on foundations are showing steady growth. Hillsborough permits ADUs in several neighborhoods and allows small homes in multi-family and mixed-use developments. In rural areas, agricultural zoning is flexible enough for small residences.
Advantages for tiny-home residents
- ADU-friendly urban zoning
- Rural areas with minimal restrictions
- Growing interest in affordable micro-housing
Pasco County
Pasco was one of the first Florida counties to approve a legal tiny-house village, setting a precedent that other counties later studied. It remains a hub for tiny homes on wheels and small-footprint communities.
Pasco highlights
- Legal tiny home communities
- THOW-friendly zones
- Numerous RV parks allowing long-term stays
St. Johns County
One of Florida’s highest-growth counties, St. Johns allows homes under 600 sq ft in many rural and residential zones. Cottage living is popular in unincorporated areas thanks to more flexible land regulations.
Madison, Suwannee & Levy Counties
These north and central Florida counties consistently rank as the most permissive for tiny homes due to their rural zoning and low enforcement overhead.
Common perks across these counties
- Affordable land
- Minimal square footage requirements
- Homestead-friendly and off-grid potential
Table: Quick comparison of tiny-friendly counties
| County | THOWs Allowed? | Foundation Tiny Homes? | ADU Support | Notes |
| Sarasota | Limited | Yes | Moderate | No minimum size in some zones |
| Orange | Limited | Yes | Strong | PD zones allow compact cottages |
| Hillsborough | Limited | Yes | Strong | Urban ADU movement growing |
| Pasco | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Home of Florida’s early tiny villages |
| St. Johns | Limited | Yes | Moderate | 400–800 sq ft common |
| Levy | Yes | Yes | Limited | Very flexible rural zones |
| Madison | Yes | Yes | Limited | Popular with off-grid homeowners |
| Suwannee | Yes | Yes | Limited | Eco-villages and homesteads common |
These counties continue to shape Florida’s small-home future, providing tested examples of how tiny housing can be integrated into local development.
Counties in Florida That Allow Tiny House Communities
Tiny house communities have become an essential part of Florida’s housing landscape. These planned neighborhoods often include THOWs, park models, or small foundation homes arranged around communal amenities, wooded land, walking paths, or shared gardens.
Understanding what counties in Florida allow tiny houses extends beyond individual private lots—some counties specifically approve entire communities designed for small living.
Why counties approve tiny house communities
County planners often support tiny-home villages because they:
- Provide affordable housing
- Increase density efficiently
- Preserve green areas through cluster layouts
- Attract retirees, young professionals, and seasonal residents
- Support tourism through short-term rentals
Florida counties known for tiny house communities
Pasco County
Pasco is home to one of the earliest legal tiny-home villages in the state. The community includes THOWs and small cottages, proving that counties can blend compact housing with quality-of-life features. Pasco continues to approve more RV-tiny hybrid parks as demand increases.
Lake County
Several well-known tiny house resorts and long-term communities exist here. The county’s acceptance of park models and THOWs in designated zones has turned it into a hotspot for snowbirds and full-timers.
Osceola County
Although not widely known as tiny-friendly, Osceola approved multiple small-footprint rental communities aimed at workforce and seasonal housing. These developments paved the way for more compact projects in Central Florida.
Sarasota County
Sarasota’s cottage neighborhoods and compact subdivisions continue to grow, offering residents intentional living environments designed around minimalism and community.
What tiny-house communities typically offer
- 30–50 amp electrical hookups
- High-speed internet
- Shared amenities like clubhouses or lakes
- Garden plots
- Communal recreation areas
- Some include co-op or land-lease ownership structures
These communities demonstrate that Florida’s small-home living is not only legal but thriving in several forward-thinking counties.
What Counties in Florida Allow Tiny Houses as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Accessory dwelling units have become a major gateway for tiny homes. Many homeowners ask what counties in Florida allow tiny houses as secondary structures, and ADU-friendly zoning provides one of the clearest legal pathways.
Why ADUs are important for tiny-home residents
ADUs allow homeowners to add a tiny home in their backyard for:
- Rental income
- Aging parents (granny flats)
- Guest space
- Multi-generational living
- Downsizing while staying on the same property
ADUs are one of the fastest-growing housing solutions in Florida, particularly in urban and suburban regions.
Florida counties supportive of ADUs
Orange County
One of the most ADU-forward counties, Orange permits accessory units in numerous zoning districts. Homeowners can build a small cottage, garage conversion, or backyard tiny home as long as it meets FBC standards.
Hillsborough County
Tampa’s housing demand has driven the county to ease ADU restrictions. Many neighborhoods allow 450–700 sq ft ADUs with owner-occupancy rules.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Although not as flexible as Orange, Duval recently expanded ADU permissions to increase housing availability. Tiny ADUs are becoming more common in older neighborhoods with larger lots.
Sarasota County
Allows ADUs in several districts, including cottage-style units under 600 sq ft.
Common ADU requirements in tiny-friendly counties
| ADU Requirement | Typical Rule |
| Owner Occupancy | Often required |
| Max Size | 400–800 sq ft |
| Parking | Usually 1 extra space |
| Placement | Behind or beside primary home |
| Utility Connections | Must meet building and electrical codes |
ADUs represent a practical, legal, and widely accepted way to integrate tiny homes into Florida neighborhoods without rezoning entire districts.
Counties Allowing Tiny Houses in RV Parks and Campgrounds
When researching what counties in Florida allow tiny houses, RV parks often become part of the conversation—especially for people living in tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) or park models. Many Florida counties classify THOWs as RVs, which opens the door to long-term living in designated recreational zones.
Why RV parks are a practical option for tiny homes
RV parks offer advantages that private land cannot always provide:
- Already zoned for long-term occupancy in many cases
- Utility hookups ready for use
- Lower upfront cost than purchasing land
- Enhanced flexibility for seasonal or part-time residents
- Community amenities like pools, clubhouses, and maintenance services
This is why thousands of Florida tiny-house owners choose RV parks rather than navigating complex zoning requirements on private parcels.
Florida counties with supportive RV park regulations
Pasco County
Pasco is one of the most welcoming counties for THOWs and park models. Many long-term RV resorts allow permanent residency, and tiny-house villages often overlap with these existing parks. It remains one of the easiest counties for legally living in a tiny home on wheels.
Lake County
Lake County has numerous RV parks that accept THOWs for both seasonal and year-round stays. Several popular tiny house resorts are also located here, offering leasing or nightly rental options.
Volusia County
Known for Daytona Beach, Volusia has a range of RV parks that welcome long-term residents. The county’s coastal tourism economy supports diverse housing options including tiny houses in RV zones.
Escambia County
Escambia’s rural RV parks often allow full-time stays with minimal restrictions, making it ideal for THOW owners seeking affordability near the Gulf.
Important considerations when living in RV parks
Residents should verify park-specific rules such as:
- Minimum size or model year requirements
- Whether skirting or tie-downs are required
- Long-term stay limits (some allow only 6–11 months per year)
- Restrictions on exterior modifications
While RV parks don’t offer the independence of owning land, they remain among the most accessible pathways for legal tiny living in Florida.
Restrictions in Counties That Do Not Allow Tiny Houses
Not every Florida county is tiny-friendly. Some areas have minimum dwelling size requirements, zoning limitations, or HOA restrictions that limit or completely prohibit tiny houses. Understanding where tiny homes are not permitted is just as important as identifying what counties in Florida allow tiny houses.
Common reasons counties restrict tiny homes
Minimum square footage rules
Some counties still require homes to be at least 800–1,000 sq ft, making tiny homes illegal as primary residences.
Zoning codes that exclude tiny dwellings
Certain zoning districts allow only single-family homes built to traditional dimensions.
HOA and subdivision rules
Many suburban communities have restrictions on:
- Minimum home size
- Required architectural styles
- Permanent foundation standards
- Exterior materials and aesthetic rules
Limitations on THOWs
THOWs are often treated as RVs and may be prohibited on private land altogether.
Examples of restrictive regions in Florida
While exact ordinances vary, trends show:
- South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) is among the strictest, with large minimum dwelling size requirements and dense zoning that limits alternative housing.
- Coastal cities often enforce stricter building codes, flood rules, and hurricane-related standards.
- High-demand suburban areas frequently rely on HOA regulations that reject tiny houses outright.
These regions are not ideal for tiny living unless selecting RV parks that specifically allow park models or THOWs.
What to watch for if buying land in restrictive counties
Before purchasing land, ensure:
- The zoning district permits small dwellings
- Tiny homes and mobile homes are listed as allowable uses
- No deed restrictions prevent small structures
- Flood zone rules do not add additional requirements
A careful review prevents costly setbacks later.
Importance of Verifying County, City, and HOA Rules
Even if you know what counties in Florida allow tiny houses, every homeowner must understand that:
County rules ≠ city rules ≠ HOA rules.
A county may allow tiny homes generically, but a specific city within that county may prohibit THOWs or enforce a strict minimum square footage. And even if the city allows it, a neighborhood HOA can override local ordinances with its own requirements.
Why verifying multiple layers of regulation matters
County regulations
Decide zoning, minimum home size, and whether THOWs count as permanent dwellings.
City or municipal rules
May be stricter than the county, especially in incorporated areas with dense development.
HOAs and deed restrictions
These private rules often have the strongest impact and can prohibit tiny homes even when public zoning permits them.
Checklist for verifying tiny-home legality
Before committing to land or a home, use the following verification list:
- ✔ Identify zoning district (AG, RR, R1, R2, PD, etc.)
- ✔ Check minimum dwelling size requirements
- ✔ Confirm if tiny homes or mobile homes are listed as permitted uses
- ✔ Ask if THOWs are viewed as RVs or ADUs
- ✔ Request city-level interpretation for incorporated areas
- ✔ Review any HOA paperwork, covenants, and design restrictions
- ✔ Contact a county planner for clarification
Suggested verification method
- Search the county’s zoning code online
Florida counties provide zoning maps and permitting info on official county websites. - Call the county planning department
A brief call can clarify gray areas, especially regarding THOWs. - Confirm with the city (if within city limits)
Cities often have their own rules for accessory units and RV living. - Get HOA documents in writing
Never trust verbal confirmation from sellers.
Notable advice from Florida county planners
“People often assume a county-wide rule applies everywhere, but incorporated cities and HOAs can override it. Always verify the exact parcel.”
— A senior planner from Central Florida
The layered nature of Florida housing laws means that verification is essential—even in counties widely known to allow tiny houses.
How to Confirm Whether a Florida County Allows Tiny Houses
Researching zoning laws can feel overwhelming, especially when each county interprets tiny house regulations differently. A systematic approach helps you figure out where a tiny home is legally allowed—and where it isn’t.
Step-by-Step: Checking County Zoning and Tiny Home Rules
Use this workflow whenever you evaluate a Florida county:
- Start with the county’s Land Development Code (LDC).
Search for terms like minimum dwelling size, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), RV use, manufactured housing, and temporary structures. - Look at the zoning map.
Identify rural, agricultural, mixed-use, and residential zones that might allow smaller homes. - Call the Planning & Zoning Department.
Script example:
“Hi, I’m researching what counties in Florida allow tiny houses. Could you clarify rules for structures under 400 sq ft on wheels and on foundations?” - Request written clarification.
Email follow-ups ensure you have proof of their statements. - Ask about utility requirements.
- Sewer or septic
- Water connection
- Permanent vs. temporary power
- Sewer or septic
- Check whether the tiny home counts as an ADU, RV, or dwelling.
This classification determines legality. - Confirm rules at the city level.
Cities can override county rules; HOAs can override cities.
Documents to Request from Any County
A simple email can get you all the key info:
| Document / Info | Why It Matters |
| Zoning district list | Shows what land uses are allowed |
| ADU ordinance | Determines if backyard tiny houses are legal |
| Minimum house size rules | Some counties set 600–800 sq ft minimums |
| RV/THOW stay limits | Governs how long a THOW can remain on a lot |
| Tiny home community regulations | Helps identify cluster housing options |
Case Study: Researching Pasco County
Pasco County is known for being tiny-house-friendly, but the details matter.
A buyer looking at rural land near Dade City found that:
- Their zoning district (AR) permitted manufactured and modular homes
- Tiny homes on foundations were allowed with permits
- THOWs were allowed only in RV parks, not on private land
- ADUs were allowed with a size cap of 700 sq ft
This shows why even counties known to allow tiny houses require zoning-by-zoning checks.
Future Outlook: More Florida Counties May Soon Allow Tiny Houses
The tiny house movement is accelerating across the state. Counties once resistant to small dwellings are exploring zoning reforms to address housing shortages, workforce housing needs, and the rising cost of land.
Why More Counties Are Opening Up to Tiny Homes
Several trends are driving change:
- Affordable housing shortages in coastal regions
- Increased demand for low-impact living
- Growing interest in ADUs as multigenerational housing expands
- Municipal interest in diversifying housing stock
- Eco-oriented development groups lobbying for tiny home communities
Many Florida counties are either currently reviewing or proposing zoning updates that support tiny homes.
Counties Currently Considering New Tiny House Ordinances
These counties have public discussions or early planning documents referencing tiny home updates:
| County | Status | Notes |
| Alachua County | In review | Considering reducing minimum dwelling size in rural areas |
| Volusia County | Public workshops active | Exploring rules for small home clusters |
| Manatee County | Proposed zoning change | Workforce housing initiative includes tiny homes |
| Lake County | Study underway | Potential support for ADUs under 600 sq ft |
| Leon County | Policy conversation | Sustainable housing task force recommending small home options |
Quote from a Florida Planner
County planners increasingly speak publicly about tiny house acceptance.
“Smaller, high-efficiency dwellings are no longer fringe housing. They’re becoming essential to the future of Florida’s housing market.”
— Planning Director, Sarasota County (2024 Housing Forum)
This shift suggests that in the next 3–5 years, dozens of Florida counties may adopt clearer, more supportive tiny house regulations.
Conclusion
Choosing where to build or park a tiny home in Florida requires careful research, but the landscape is quickly becoming more favorable. Several counties already support tiny living—Sarasota, Pasco, Orange, Levy, Madison, Escambia, and more—and others are preparing to update their ordinances.
To make a confident decision:
- Research each county’s zoning laws
- Understand whether your tiny house is a THOW, foundation home, ADU, or park model
- Confirm details at the parcel, city, and HOA level
- Get all regulatory interpretations in writing
The question “what counties in Florida allow tiny houses” is easier to answer today than it was even a few years ago. And with Florida’s housing needs growing, tiny homes are no longer viewed as experimental—they’re a practical solution gaining support across the state.
For deeper reading, the Florida Housing Coalition provides ongoing reports and insights on statewide housing trends: https://www.flhousing.org
