A Letter from FMHA Executive Director Jim Ayotte
Let me be the first to welcome you to the third issue of our Florida PorchViews magazine.
When we first launched Florida PorchViews in 2022, our goal was to create an entertaining, yet informative magazine for everyone to discover the benefits of manufactured housing. Since then, we’ve covered a wide range of topics - from the community lifestyle, to current interior design trends, to the benefits of manufactured home retirement living in the Sunshine State.
Now that we’re publishing our third issue, we’re excited to keep the manufactured housing conversation going by expanding our breadth of topics even further.
This is all part of our larger mission at FMHA: to grow your knowledge about manufactured housing in Florida. In this issue of Florida PorchViews, you’ll find a wide range of articles covering amenities in resort-style communities, building a customized manufactured home, and so much more.
Our hope is that by reading this issue of Florida PorchViews, you’ll enrich yourself with the knowledge that Florida is one of the best states to own and maintain a manufactured homewhether you’ve lived here your whole life or are thinking about relocating here.
From everyone at FMHA, thank you for reading Florida PorchViews - we hope you enjoy your manufactured housing journey!
Sincerely,
Jim Ayotte Executive Director, FMHA
- if you haven’t already, head over to MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com.
There, you can explore even more resources for buying a manufactured home from an FMHA member, as well as explore the Florida lifestyle in even greater detail.
1 • ISSUE 3 • 2024
ON THE WEB PorchViews.com/florida
FMHA STAFF
James R. Ayotte, CAE Executive Director
Beth Loftus Director of Administration
Laura Frandsen Marketing/Communications Coordinator
Lisa Cashulette, MBA, PMP, DASM Project Manager Workforce Development
PRODUCTION
Design & Production by MHVillage.com
DISCLAIMER
Although every effort was made to ensure that the information in this issue was correct at the time of publication, Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA), its members, agencies and affiliates do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Opinions expressed are those of the author or persons quoted and not necessarily those of FMHA or its members.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright ©2024 Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA). All rights reserved. Reproduction of PorchViews™ content other contributor content, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written authorization from FMHA. PorchViews™ is a trademark of MHVillage, Inc. and was used with permission by FMHA.
Florida PorchViews™ is published by
With MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com, you can fine-tune your search for mobile homes in the Sunshine State. Whether you’re looking for a retirement home in a luxurious community or a place to settle down with your family, FMHA offers many different ways to search for mobile homes exactly how you want to.
BROWSE HOME PLANS
If you’re looking for a new manufactured home in Florida, you can browse through different home plans on FMHA’s website. Just click on the Browse tab, followed by Home Plans
Here, you can get an in-depth look at the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and even virtual tours of various new manufactured home options available to you.
You can also filter your home plan search based on other criteria, such as city, number of sections, stories, and more! This is perfect if, say, you know you want a double-wide manufactured home plan available near Tallahassee, Florida that is at least 1,500 square feet and has at least two bedrooms.
Your Location Distance
Beds Baths
BROWSE BY MANUFACTURER
You can also browse new homes for sale by manufacturer. There are a wide variety of homebuilders that design floor plans specifically for Florida, and you can use the Browse tab on MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com to look at home designs for sale from them all. By clicking on a specific manufacturer, you can view more information about them, as well as view FMHA member retailers that sell that brand of homes near you.
Narrow
Down Search!Your
BROWSE COMMUNITIES
BROWSE HOMES FOR COMMUNITIES
From the Explore tab, you can also click on Homes for Communities to take a look at homes for sale in nearby communities. You can browse two types of manufactured homes this way:
• Community homes to order, where you can browse built-to-order home plans to find the perfect new home for you or your family to be sited in a community
Homes in Communities, which are already in a community and can be bought either new or pre-owned.
Click on the Explore tab followed by Communities to browse FMHA member communities with homes for sale in Florida!
Here, you can filter your search to include communities that have the amenities you desire the most. For example, if you’re looking specifically for communities with on-site swimming pools, you can adjust your search to only include those results!
Once you’ve found a community you like, you can contact them directly from this search results page for more information, or click on the More Info button on their search result to visit their page on FMHA’s website.
Of course, you can also filter your search based on location and all-ages vs. age-restricted communities, making your community search tailored to everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Choose the Right Home for You!
AMENITIES
in Resort-Style Communities
Resort-style manufactured home communities are in abundance in the great state of Florida. And, they have SO much to offer for residents when it comes to amenities.
If you’re looking for either an all-ages community or a retirement community to call home, then this guide on all of the hot amenities in resort-style communities is for you!
SWIMMING POOLS
SAUNAS
Similar to swimming pools, saunas are an extremely popular amenity at many resort-style communities purely for the relaxation benefits they offer. Some even have a sauna right near the pool!
If you need to sweat off some steam after a long day at work, or just want to kick back and relax, then living in a resort-style community with a sauna is the way to go.
ATHLETIC COURTS
Swimming pools are perhaps one of the most popular amenities you can find in a resortstyle community. Even in states like Florida, where waterfront views and beach access are seemingly everywhere, swimming pools provide endless fun for kids and adults alike. Some resort-style communities even have high-end pools with fixtures such as water slides for residents to enjoy. In fact, Florida is easily the most popular state for these waterpark-style pools.
Pickleball is all the rage right now across America, and Florida is no exception. In many resort-style communities across the state, you can gather up your friends, family, or neighbors for a friendly game of pickleball, shuffleboard, basketball, or many other sports. Other sports that you may find in resort-style communities include tennis, squash, horseshoes and other games that are played with rackets in an outdoor setting.
GOLF COURSES
Did somebody say ‘fore’? Some manufactured home communities have 9- or even 18-hole golf courses right on the premises! This is PERFECT for retirees who want to enjoy a day on the links without leaving the comfort of their community.
It’s also common to find resort-style communities with a golf course just a few miles away, too! For golfers of any skill level, these are a great way to keep your swing fresh and, hopefully, your score low.
WALKING TRAILS
Though walking trails aren’t exclusive to resort-style communities, they’re an amenity that many desire for a number of reasons.
For some, particularly residents who live in Florida, walking trails are a perfect way to enjoy the yearround warm weather and maintain an active lifestyle. If a resort-style community allows for pets, they can be a great way to take the dog out for a walk while saying hi to the neighbors, too.
ON-SITE DINING
Did you know that some resort-style communities feature on-site dining options?
On-site dining is slowly becoming more popular, especially in retirement communities. Some communities will offer either a restaurant on-site, or offer food for sale in a common gathering area food-court style, such as inside a community’s clubhouse or main lobby.
This amenity offers a great benefit for residents who want to enjoy a meal outside of the home without venturing too far for a restaurant. While it might not be as common as a swimming pool, it’s still a hot amenity in resort-style communities that’s growing in prominence. Are you ready to start your search for the perfect Florida resort-style community? Head to
to get started. Simply click on the Explore tab to begin your search - which you can even filter by available amenities!
Building a in Florida
What is a Customized Manufactured Home?
A customized manufactured home is exactly what it sounds like: a factory-built home that’s tailored to your specific needs and desires. Many manufacturers and retailers offer customizable floor plans for you to choose from when ordering a new manufactured home. These offer endless options for decor, layout, and size to match your style, giving you a new home exactly how you want it.
Through an FMHA-member retailer or manufacturer, you have plenty of options at your disposal for ordering the customized manufactured home of your dreams. But, why should you consider ordering a customized manufactured home? Here are just a few of the biggest benefits:
DURABILITY
All manufactured homes are built to a strict safety and quality code set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development known as the “HUD Code.” No matter the conditions outside, you can rest assured knowing your customized manufactured home is safe and secure.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Today’s manufactured homes produce less waste and have a lower carbon footprint than site-built homes. And, customized factory-built homes are no different. This makes them an eco-friendly choice for any homeowner to-be through the use of innovations like smart thermostats and more energy-conscious manufacturing methods.
CUSTOMIZATION
This is probably the biggest benefit in that it’s literally where the customizable part of customized manufactured homes comes in. If you want marble countertops, you’ve got them. Want the most energy-efficient appliances? They’re yours. Want to choose the layout of your master bedroom, including the location of the master bathroom? You’ve got the power to do just that.
Manufactured homes are easy to personalize and offer the latest in customization options and energy-saving options.
AFFORDABILITY
Like all manufactured homes, customizable homes offer increased cost savings compared to site-built homes. While the exact amount you’ll save is dependent on a variety of factors such as the location and size of your new home, you can expect to pay up to $30 less per square foot for your home compared to a site-built home.
SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION
Manufactured homes, including customized ones, are built faster than sitebuilt homes thanks to construction in an indoor, climate-controlled environment, where weather delays aren’t a factor and unforeseen construction delays are far less common.
How Do I Start Building My Customized Manufactured Home?
Ready to start building the home of your dreams? At FMHA, we’re here to help. Head to MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com and click on the Discover tab to begin exploring the custom-built home process and learn more about how to get started.
It’s no secret that Florida is one of the most popular states for manufactured home communities, if not THE most popular. No matter where you go in the Sunshine State, you’re sure to find a community - also known as a mobile home park.
7 BEST CITIES in Florida
FOR MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES
From the shores of the panhandle to the coves of the Keys, here are 7 great cities in Florida for those looking to start living the community lifestyle.
PENSACOLA
If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home in the Florida panhandle, then Pensacola and its 165 communities should absolutely be on your list. Known as “America’s first European settlement,” it’s easy to see why it’s a “first choice” for anyone looking to call Florida their home. Here, you can walk miles of sandy beaches, explore the nightlife of downtown Pensacola, or simply settle down and soak up the year-round sunshine.
PANAMA CITY
Another popular panhandle destination for manufactured homeowners is Panama City! Here, you have 137 communities to choose from in this waterfront paradise overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re looking to take in the sun, then the beautiful beaches of Panama City are for you. Or, if you’re looking for a bustling downtown scene, Panama City is a great fit for that, too!
MIAMI
One of the hottest vacation spots in Florida, Miami is also a major hub for manufactured home livingparticularly when it comes to its communities. There’s so much to do nearby, from checking out Little Havana to spending time on South Beach. If you’re looking for something close to downtown or in a nearby suburb, Miami and its dozens of manufactured home communities will have you covered.
PALM BEACH
This scenic city just off of the Atlantic Coast will be the perfect home for you with its variety of manufactured home communities!
For those who have dreamed of living on the water, Palm Beach is for you. With plenty of beaches and nearby attractions for kids and adults alike, such as Palm Beach Zoo and a wide variety of golf courses, this city should absolutely be on your list if you’re looking for a Florida community to call home.
JACKSONVILLE
The most populous city in Florida, Jacksonville is also one of the most popular areas in Florida for manufactured home communities, as it has 126 of them. It goes without saying that this popular Florida hotspot has lots to offer in the way of entertainment, waterfront views by the lake and the ocean, and a ton of options for parks and nature trails. Jacksonville also is home to a thriving arts community— shown by popular destinations such as the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art, the Riverside Arts Market, and the historic Florida Theatre.
ST. AUGUSTINE
Moving further up the Atlantic Coast, St. Augustine has nearly five dozen manufactured home communities for you to check out. The oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States has proven it really is one of the best cities in the state for community living, thanks to the sheer variety of amenities and types of communities available to you here. This means that if you’re either getting ready to retire or just want to find a new home for you and your family, St. Augustine will welcome you with open arms.
Oh, and did we mention the nearby state parks? St. Augustine features five amazing state parks within 30 minutes of its downtown area—each uniquely showcasing local history, nature preservation, and a love of all things outdoors.
FORT LAUDERDALE
Here’s another beachfront city for those looking for a manufactured home with a view! Fort Lauderdale and its 50+ manufactured home communities are perfect for those looking for a home in southern Florida right near the Everglades or the Florida Keys. There’s so much to do nearby! From beachfronts to nearby nature attractions to the popular riverwalk, not to mention the bustling downtown and entertainment scene, there’s no shortage of excitement in and near Fort Lauderdale.
Thinking about buying a mobile home in one of these cities? Start your search today at MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com the Explore tab followed by Communities, you can search for mobile home parks in or near the hottest community hubs in Florida, or anywhere else in the state you desire!
NEW SHOULD YOU BUY PRE-OWNED? OR
As you begin your manufactured home buying journey, you’ll often see homes referred to as either “new” or “pre-owned.” The differences between the two can be staggering, so it’s important to know them before you begin looking at homes. This way, you’ll know whether a new or pre-owned manufactured home is best for you at this stage in your life.
BENEFITS OF BUYING A NEW MANUFACTURED HOME
Here’s a quick rundown:
When you buy a manufactured home brand-new, you’re most often buying it straight off of the manufacturer lot. You’re the first person to ever live in that home after it’s been sited on its plot of land!
By buying a manufactured home brand new, you’re ensuring that you have brand-new everything, from flooring to walls to your roof. Having a fully brand-new home also means that you may have less maintenance from the
outset; newer home finishes means things are more likely to last longer before needing repair.
Additionally, as long as a mobile home park has space for your home, you have a wide variety of choices when choosing where to site your home.
You can also enjoy greater customization options for your new home! From the design, to the floor layout, to the finishes of your countertops, you can handpick numerous aspects of your new mobile home.
BENEFITS OF BUYING A PRE-OWNED MANUFACTUREDHOME
One of the most notable advantages of buying a pre-owned manufactured home is the cost-savings. Overall, you can expect to save several thousands of dollars when you buy a pre-owned factory-built versus a new one. Of course, this also depends on a variety of other factors, too.
When you buy a pre-owned mobile home, you buy the whole package ready to go. It’s often in an established
community and may have more mature trees and landscaping compared to a brand new home on a brand new site.
Your new pre-owned home purchase will almost always include the land the home sits on, as well as any amenities or utilities offered from the community your home is in, if it’s in one. You may also benefit from spending less money on a down payment compared to a new home.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
We mentioned earlier that cost can be a benefit for buying a pre-owned manufactured home. It’s important to reiterate that the cost difference between a new and pre-owned can be significant. Do your market research to get an idea of what both types of homes cost in your desired area of living.
Also, keep in mind that the processes for buying a new or pre-owned home are quite different from each other.
When buying a new factory-built home, there’s work involved when securing permits for having your home sited, as well as more paperwork if you’re customizing your new home.
When buying a pre-owned home, however, you may find a more involved process if you’re securing financing, having the home inspected, or performing maintenance on the home before you move in.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR
The reality is that there is no one right answer when it comes to whether you should buy a new or pre-owned manufactured home in Florida. Ultimately, this decision should be about you. Your budget, your desires, and your market are all going to influence whether you should buy a new or pre-owned manufactured home.
Regardless of your decision, FMHA is here to help. Simply head to
Florida is home to some of the best public golf courses in the entire world!
It’s just one of many reasons why retirees flock to the Sunshine State, in addition to being a popular destination for manufactured homeowners.
If you’re a manufactured homeowner in the state and are wondering where you can play a round of golf with your neighbors, then this guide on eight of Florida’s best public and semi-private golf courses is for you!
BIG CYPRESS GOLF CLUB
Lakeland
This nationally recognized golf facility in Lakeland has it all! From its pair of unique, challenging golf courses to a handy mobile app perfect for booking and managing tee times on the go, Big Cypress Golf Club is one of the hottest golf facilities in all of Florida for manufactured homeowners in the Lakeland area. They even have on-site dining for those looking for a bite after playing the back nine! 1 2 3 4
CANDLER HILLS GOLF CLUB
Ocala
Whether you’re looking for picturesque scenery while you swing or a worldclass golfing experience for all skill levels, Candler Hills Golf Club is the place to go if you’re in north central Florida. A restaurant, bar, and pro shop are on site–perfect for those who either want to kick back with a bite to eat or enjoy a drink after a day on the course.
If you’re not a member of the club, no problem! Candler Hills welcomes guest golfers in addition to seasoned members.
SANDRIDGE GOLF CLUB
Vero Beach
Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach caters to golfers of all skill levels. Looking for a challenge? The Lakes, one of Sandridge Golf Club’s courses, is one of the toughest golf courses in all of Florida. Or, if you’re looking for a more classical game of golf without the intimidation of a challenging set of holes, The Dunes at Sandridge is for you! For over 30 years, both golf courses have attracted golfers around the world - not to mention residents of Vero Beach!
OLD CORKSCREW GOLF CLUB
Estero
This top-rated golf course in southwest Florida boasts the Nicklaus Signature Design, the only course in the region to do so. This Par 72 course has a top-tier layout, unique challenges for all players, and is impeccably maintained. Its practice facilities and on-site classes offer plenty of growth for newer players, too–especially those who decide to become future members of the club!
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5 ROYAL ST. CLOUD GOLF LINKS
St. Cloud
Royal St. Cloud Golf Links is one of the premier Orlando-area golf courses. Its three nine-hole courses offer variety and challenges for both novice and expert players, and its outstanding on-site amenities draw golfers from all over Florida. While the club does offer a membership, its tee-time fees are the same for both members and non-members!
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SOUTHWOOD GOLF CLUB
Tallahassee
This one's for those living in northern Florida. Southwood Golf Club in Tallahassee, which was designed from the ground up by PGA Tour veteran Fred Couples and architect Gene Bates, is an upscale public golf course that draws golfers from all over the country. Its on-site features includes TopTracer, a state-of-the-art training tool that embraces technology to help you hone your shot.
WATERLEFE GOLF & RIVER CLUB
Bradenton
Riverside golfing has never looked this good! Waterlefe Golf & River Club offers several holes along its course that border the Manatee River, making for a beautiful yet challenging game. This award-winning facility is home to beautiful natural preserves and wildlife, giving you the perfect getaway if you own a manufactured home in the Bradenton area.
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HIGHLANDS RIDGE GOLF CLUB
Avon Park
If you’re looking for a scenic round of golf with some of the best views in Florida, then Highlands Ridge Golf Club in Avon Park is for you! Nestled in a lush, vibrant landscape, this facility’s two golf courses offer a variety of views and difficulty levels for any golfer out there. If you’re a manufactured homeowner in Central Florida and want to get a round of golf in, then Highlands Ridge is an award-winning facility that must be played.
What Are the Advantages of Community Living?
Many manufactured home residents live in a community - a collection of manufactured homes situated near each other that benefit from amenities and other shared features.
If you’re on the fence about whether living in a manufactured home community is right for you, here’s a quick guide to some of the benefits!
Why Should I Live in a Community?
By far the biggest upside to living in a community are the amenities you can make use of as a community resident.
While no two communities are alike in terms of the amenities they offer, some of the most popular ones you’ll find at communities across the state include:
Pools and jacuzzis
Lounges and clubhouses
Walking trails and dog parks
Playgrounds
Lakefront or ocean views
Athletic courts for pickleball, shuffleboard, and other fun sports
What’s Covered in Community Living?
You may also benefit from the following if you’re a community resident:
PAID UTILITIES
By paying lot rent, you may have some of your monthly utility bills covered by the community. Two of the most common utilities covered by lot rent include water and sewer. If you’re unsure of what utilities are included in your lot rent, it may be a good idea to ask the community manager or owner.
MAINTENANCE/UPKEEP
Mobile home parks undergo maintenance and repairs just like any home or other residential development. For example, they may do work to update the playground or other gathering areas, or repave sidewalks or roads.
Your lot rent payments help fund these maintenance and repair projects to help keep your community in good condition.
Additionally, many communities have areas that need lawn and landscaping needs. Since a resident wouldn’t be expected to keep up with these tasks, lot rent helps ensure community features like these are taken care of in a timely fashion.
How to Contact a Community
If you’re interested in living in a Florida manufactured home community, look no further. FMHA makes it incredibly easy to contact FMHA-affiliated communities that members and residents might be interested in. Simply head over to MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com and click on the Explore” tab to get started.
GuideManufactured Home Retailers
When you’re looking into manufactured homes in the state of Florida, you’ll often find many people talking about the different retailers throughout the Sunshine State.
For the uninitiated, a retailer is a place that sells manufactured homes. They coordinate with a manufacturing facility, assist you with the design and features of your home, and can help with many other aspects of the manufactured home buying process. If you’re buying a home to place on private land, you’ll often go through a retailer.
So, the big question on your mind is - how do I get started with buying a Florida manufactured home from a retailer?
The first step to buying a Florida manufactured home from a retailer is finding one. Thankfully,
On MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com, you can visit the Discover tab to find retailers near you in the state of Florida. These retailers, also known as sales centers, can start you on the right path of becoming a manufactured homeowner.
This step-by-step guide is here to help:
DISCUSSING YOUR NEEDS
You’ll likely meet with a representative at a retailer or sales center to talk about what you’re looking for in a manufactured home purchase. Here, you’ll get a sense from any given retailer on other factors, such as their available stock.
A retailer will help walk you through:
How many bedrooms and bathrooms are right for you and your family
What kinds of models most appeal to you and your family
• What kinds of financing you might want to consider (not all, but some retailers can connect you with financing options)
• What kinds of customizable floor plans are available for your manufactured home
And more!
With all of these factors in mind, the next step in the process might be the most fun - actually choosing
CLOSING
If you’re shopping with an FMHA retailer, you’re most likely going to shop for brand new manufactured homes. So, you’ll want to pick a home that has as many of your “must-have” items as possible, whether it’s a spacious kitchen or the latest in modern appliances. This is not the
Once you’ve purchased your manufactured home, you’ll start the closing process!
You may work closely with the retailer on several important things as you close on your new home. This may include financing, the appraisal process, and any transfer of ownership documents involved if you’re buying a home from another FMHA member.
There are hundreds of FMHApartnered retailers in the state of Florida, giving you thousands of homes to choose from as you go about the buying process.
By following this guide to buying a manufactured home through a retailer, you’ll set yourself up for success and live the factory-built home lifestyle of your dreams!