🏡 Washington County FL Zoning: RV Rules, Mobile Homes & Building Setbacks

🏠 What Kind of Homes Are Allowed?

Most residential land in unincorporated Washington County falls under Single-Family Residential, usually tied to the Low Density Residential Future Land Use.

✅ Allowed:

• Site-built homes

• Modular homes (Florida Building Code)

• Mobile/manufactured homes (HUD-compliant)

You do not need to be in a “mobile home park” — mobile homes are allowed on most single-family residential parcels. Just make sure it meets the state’s code and county installation standards.

📖 Source: Washington County Comp Plan – FLU

🚐 Can I Live in an RV or Camper?

❌ Not full-time. Washington County prohibits permanent RV living on residential property.

✅ You can:

• Park/store an RV

• Use an RV temporarily during home construction (with permit)

• Live in an RV for up to 60 days with a Temporary Use Permit (TUP)

Want to live in an RV while building? You’ll need:

• A building permit for your home

• A septic system installed

• Approval for RV hookup (TUP good for 6–12 months)

📖 Source: Temporary RV Use Permit – County Policy

📏 What Are the Setback and Lot Size Rules?

Typical residential setbacks in unincorporated Washington County:

• Front: 25 ft

• Sides: 10 ft

• Rear: 10 ft

If the lot borders a lake or wetland:

• Lakefront setback: 50 ft

• Wetland buffer: 100 ft

Lot size minimum is generally 1 acre, but some older platted lots are grandfathered.

📖 Source: Washington Co Site Plan Requirements

💧 Do I Need Septic or City Water?

Most areas are rural. Expect:

• ✅ Private well

• ✅ Septic system

• ❌ No county water/sewer outside city limits

Your building permit requires Health Dept. approval of your septic plan. A licensed installer will usually handle this.

🐓 Can I Have Animals or a Home Business?

• ✔️ Chickens, goats, and other animals are generally allowed — especially on 1+ acre lots

• ❌ Commercial livestock or large-scale ag may need a different zoning

• ✔️ Home-based businesses are allowed if:

  • No customers come to the site

  • No signs or outside storage

  • No nuisance to neighbors

Think bookkeeping or Etsy shop? You’re good. Auto shop or retail store? That’s a no.

📞 Who To Contact for Zoning Questions?

Washington County Planning Department
📍 1331 South Blvd, Chipley, FL
📞 (850) 415-5093
📧 Call for zoning verification and permits
🔗 washingtonfl.com

🗓️ Info accurate to the best of my knowledge and current as of 5/12/25. Always confirm with the county before building — zoning rules do change.