🏗️ How to Tell If a Florida Lot Is Actually Buildable
(A simple guide for real people — not developers)
So you found the perfect piece of Florida land online.
It’s cheap. It’s sunny. It looks like a dream.
But… can you actually build on it?
Here’s the truth: not every Florida lot is ready for your house plans. and that’s okay. Once you know a few zoning basics, it’s easy to tell what’s allowed and what’s not.
🧭 Step 1: Know Your Zoning Code
Every Florida parcel has a zoning designation, a few letters and numbers that decide what you can build.
Think of them like “rules of the road” for your dirt.
If your lot is in North Port or Sarasota County (RSF-1 or RSF-2):
You can build a site-built or modular home.
You can’t place a mobile home or live in an RV full-time (only short-term during active construction).
If your lot is in Putnam County and zoned R-1:
You can build a single-family or modular home.
You can’t place a mobile home- the county won’t issue a setup permit for that.
If your lot is in Putnam County and zoned R-2:
You can build or place a mobile, modular, or site-built home.
You can’t camp or live in an RV long-term (temporary use only while you’re building).
If your lot is in Highlands County (R-1A):
You can build a site-built or modular home.
You can’t put a mobile home here- those are only allowed in designated mobile-home zones or parks.
If your lot is zoned Agricultural or AC-10:
You can live, farm, garden, or run small rural businesses.
You can’t use it for heavy industry or unpermitted RV living.
If your lot is in Washington County (Chipley area):
You can build or place a manufactured home (HUD-approved, 1976 or newer).
You can’t live in an RV year-round- short stays or while building are fine.
👉 Pro tip: Always confirm zoning with the county before buying. they’ll tell you exactly what’s allowed on that parcel (and it’s usually a friendly two-minute call).
🛠️ Step 2: Check for Access & Utilities
Even if zoning is right, your lot needs:
Legal road access (paved or dirt, but not landlocked)
Power nearby (check for poles or lines)
Well & septic potential (most rural areas use these)
If it’s missing one, don’t panic. call the county. Sometimes utilities are just a few feet away.
🌴 Step 3: Keep It Simple
The fastest way to confirm buildability?
Call the county’s Planning & Zoning Department with your parcel number.
They’ll tell you exactly what’s allowed. no guessing, no realtor jargon.
If you’re working with us at Paradise Parcels, we’ll help you do that homework before you buy.
💬 Final Word
“Buildable” doesn’t mean fancy. It just means possible.
And when you understand your zoning, you’re one step closer to making that empty lot your own.