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Santa Rosa County, FL Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tiny home rules in Santa Rosa County, FL, covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds, determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.

Key Facts

Tiny home definition
Under 400 sq ft, permanent foundation
On wheels
Treated as an RV
Guest cottage?
RV/mobile home does not qualify
Foundation home
Must meet Florida Building Code
Source
LDC definitions; 5.02.06

Summary

The Santa Rosa County LDC defines a tiny home as a single-family residential structure under 400 sq ft on a permanent foundation. A tiny home on wheels is treated as a recreational vehicle (RV), not a permanent dwelling, so it follows RV rules rather than housing standards.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Rosa County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Tiny Home – A single family residential structure under 400 sq. ft. built on a permanent foundation. Tiny Home on Wheels – A tiny house constructed on wheels and legally registered as a recreational vehicle (RV).

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under the LDC definitions, a 'Tiny Home' is a single-family residential structure under 400 square feet built on a permanent foundation, while a 'Tiny Home on Wheels' is a tiny house built on wheels and legally registered as a recreational vehicle (RV). Because a wheeled tiny home is an RV, it cannot serve as a permanent dwelling in most residential districts and is not a guest cottage (LDC 5.02.06 states no mobile home or RV counts as a guest cottage). A foundation-built tiny home is a single-family dwelling that must meet the Florida Building Code, the zoning district's setbacks and density, and standard permitting. Cities within the county set their own tiny-home rules.

Violations & Fines

Occupying an RV/wheeled tiny home as a dwelling outside an approved RV park, or placing a tiny home without meeting building-code and zoning standards, violates the LDC and is subject to code-enforcement action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live full-time in a tiny home on wheels?
A wheeled tiny home is legally an RV in the LDC and generally cannot be used as a permanent dwelling on a residential lot; RV living is limited to approved RV parks or short stays. Confirm with Development Services.
Is a foundation tiny home allowed?
A tiny home under 400 sq ft on a permanent foundation is a single-family dwelling and can be allowed where the zoning district permits single-family use, provided it meets setbacks, density, and the Florida Building Code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Rosa County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsGarage ConversionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Santa Rosa County rules

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