Florida Statewide Rule

Florida Building Code Governs Tiny Homes Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Florida (2026)

Key Facts

Authority: FS 553.73 / FBC Appendix Q
Threshold: Under 400 sq ft
On wheels: Treated as RV
Local zoning: Still applies
Construction code: Uniform statewide

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Florida Senate

Summary

Florida Statute 553.73 makes the Florida Building Code the single, uniform construction standard for all permanent dwellings statewide, including tiny homes, preempting cities from setting different structural, fire, or life-safety construction requirements.

(6) The initial adoption of, and any subsequent update or amendment to, the Florida Building Code by the commission is deemed adopted for use statewide without adoptions by local government. For a building permit for which an application is submitted prior to the effective date of the Florida Building Code, the state minimum building code in effect in the permitting jurisdiction on the date of the application governs the permitted work for the life of the permit and any extension granted to the permit.

Source: Florida SenateView official code

Full Breakdown

Under FS 553.73, every permanent residential structure in Florida, including tiny homes built on foundations, must comply with the Florida Building Code, Residential. Appendix Q of the FBC adopts the International Residential Code tiny-house provisions for dwellings under 400 square feet. Park-model RVs and tiny homes on wheels are regulated as recreational vehicles under FS 320 and FS 513 instead. While zoning, minimum dwelling size, and lot rules remain local, the construction code is statewide; no city may approve or deny a tiny home based on alternative construction standards.

Violations & Penalties

Building without code compliance triggers stop-work orders, daily fines, and removal under local code enforcement boards using statewide FBC standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Florida city ban tiny homes outright?

Cities cannot reject a tiny home for failing to meet a non-FBC construction standard, but they can use zoning, minimum dwelling size, and density rules to limit where tiny homes are allowed.

Is a tiny home on wheels treated the same as one on a foundation?

No. Wheeled tiny homes are regulated as park-model RVs under FS 320 and FS 513, while foundation-built tiny homes follow the Florida Building Code Appendix Q.

Sources

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