Florida PorchViews Magazine - Issue 1

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The Magazine of the Florida Manufactured Housing Association • PorchViews.com/florida

Florida’s TOP

MANUFACTURED HOUSING DESTINATIONS

Exploring Manufactured & Modular Homes in Florida Own Your Smart Florida Living Experience with the FMHA Website

™ VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 1 • 2022

ON THE WEB porchviews.com/florida

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FMHA STAFF

Executive Director Greeting What Makes Manufactured Housing Great?

What’s in a Home?

Weighing Your Priorities What’s Manufactured Home Living Like in Florida

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

Florida’s Top Manufactured Housing Destinations Florida: The Top Region to Buy and Own a Manufactured Home Exploring Manufactured & Modular Homes in Florida 3 Manufactured Housing Design Trends Gaining Popularity in Florida Resort-Style Manufactured Home Living that You’ll Only Find in Florida Building a Custom Modular Home in Florida Moving to Florida? 4 Tips to Finance Your New Manufactured Home Own Your Smart Florida Living Experience with the FMHA Website Meet the Manufacturers

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 ©2022 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

in partnership with

FLORI DA IS HOM E TO

MORE THAN 3,500 MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES

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hen I joined the Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA) fifteen years ago, I came here with an explicit purpose: to grow the public’s knowledge about manufactured housing in the Sunshine State. Today, FMHA continues to spread the message on how affordable, wellbuilt, and safe manufactured homes are with an increasingly large base of both new and existing homeowners.

Manufactured housing is truly something special in the state of Florida.

We have more than 3,500 FMHAaffiliated manufactured home communities, with more being built every day to accommodate booming demand. We also have nine home building plants throughout Florida, giving us a greater capacity to build more homes than many other states -- and build them more efficiently and economically, too.

With year-round warm weather and affordable, quality homes, it’s easy to see why Florida is a landmark destination for manufactured homeowners. As the state’s industry

association, FMHA is continuously working to spread this message.

A refrain I often use is, “seeing is believing”. I’ve visited the home building plants and watched professionals build each home to the highest standard, using rigid quality control procedures. I’ve seen the savings to homeowners by purchasing building materials in bulk and eliminating unnecessary waste. Through the launch of this online magazine, Florida PorchViews™, you will learn more about the value of factory-built homes and make you a believer, too.

Our new website MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com. is another valuable FMHA tool developed for you. Our website provides videos, links to our communities, 3-D floor plans, and more so you can further experience just what a manufactured home in Florida has to offer.

On behalf of everyone at FMHA, thank you for taking the time to read our magazine and experience the beauty, comfort, and affordability of the Florida manufactured home lifestyle.

Jim Ayotte has been Executive Director of the Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA) since 2006 he has spent most of his association management career in the manufactured housing industry and has held executive management positions at the Manufactured Housing Institute and the Ohio and New England Manufactured Housing Associations.

When you see just what manufactured homes in Florida have to offer, you’ll believe in our mission, too. That is our expectation with Florida PorchViews™.

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WHAT MAKES

MANUFACTURED HOMES

Great?

MANUFACTURED HOMES ARE HELD TO STRICT FEDERAL BUILDING GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY AND PROVIDE A HEIGHTENED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THEIR RESIDENTS.

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When you break down the benefits of owning and living in a manufactured home, it becomes clear why they’re so popular.

Here are four main factors why manufactured homes are an ideal choice for homeowners everywhere in Florida:

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AFFORDABILITY Affordability is one of the key factors why manufactured housing is so popular.

The average price of a new manufactured home in Florida in 2021 was $101,139 (excluding land), according to Datacomp, while the average price of a single-family home is $348,000 as of August 2021, according to Statista.

Even after adding the cost of land

and improvements, the price of a manufactured home is substantially less than the cost of a conventional single-family home.

A lower home price means lower monthly house payments. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year in mortgage costs with a manufactured home, allowing you to spend more on things that matter most to you and your family.

SAFETY There’s often a misconception that manufactured homes aren’t as safe as site-built homes, or that they’re built with cheaper materials and with less care throughout the building process.

The reality is that manufactured homes are held to rigorous building and installation standards enforced at both the federal and state level. This makes them the most regulated, and qualitytested form of housing in America.

Manufactured homes are built with the same materials as site-built homes.

The factory construction process is more precise and efficient than building a home on site. This enhances the quality of home construction while saving time and money.

All manufactured homes built since 1976 must comply with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards – universally known as “HUD code.” This federal, preemptive building code is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In Florida, manufactured home construction, sales, and installation are overseen by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This federalstate partnership is important to ensure quality construction, consumer safety, and satisfaction.

This federal HUD building code has stringent requirements for wind safety, fire resistance, and structural integrity.

Today’s manufactured homes perform on par with site-built homes, and in some respects better. For example, in some geographic areas of Florida, wind requirements for manufactured homes exceed the wind requirements for site-built homes. Manufactured homes also receive high marks for fire safety.

Florida also has some of the most stringent home installation requirements in the United States. Each manufactured home is installed using state installation standards, and each home installation is inspected by the local government ensuring compliance.

Today, over 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes* and Florida is one of the largest markets for this increasingly popular source of affordable housing. *

Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) 2020

Over 50,000 manufactured homes were inspected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in the aftermath of five hurricanes in 2004 and 2005.

The regulatory agency wrote, “None of the post-1994 homes were destroyed, and only minor damage was reported.”

The U.S. government arrived at the same conclusion. Modern manufactured homes in Florida have been battle-tested and are built hurricane-strong.

EFFICIENCY Manufactured homes are constructed efficiently from the beginning of the process until completion.

It begins with the efficient purchase of building materials. Building materials are purchased in bulk and stored under a roof to protect them from the elements.

The bulk purchase of building materials reduces costs and is passed to homebuyers in the form of lower home prices.

The factory construction process is the industry’s biggest advantage. An assembly line approach to home building delivers a well-choreographed process where materials are properly staged, precisely measured, and skillfully assembled. While the process maximizes efficiency, the people make the difference. Factory builders are craftsmen who take pride in their work and hone their skills daily. The industry also benefits from low employee turnover, enforcing greater efficiency and quality home construction.

Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory and shipped to the homesite, therefore the building process is less likely to be impeded by weather conditions.

But what about after the home is

delivered? Manufactured homes can be incredibly energy-efficient, from the insulation in the walls, ceilings, and floors to energy-efficient appliances.

Manufactured homes also can carry lower maintenance and utility bills, depending on the size of your home.

QUALITY AND LUXURY Manufactured homes may be different from site-built homes in several ways, but quality and luxury aren’t one of them.

Thanks to a wide selection of models, styles, and sizes available from multiple builders of manufactured homes, it’s incredibly easy to find homes for sale that compliment your style and meet your budget. Manufactured homes offer high-end features and furnishings at affordable prices.

However, the quality and luxury of manufactured homes aren’t just on the inside. Today’s homes have many residential features, like built-in porches, dormers, architectural roof shingles, and residential siding.

Manufactured homes offer highquality construction and weather resistance while serving up style in an assortment of colors and designs – from the roofline to the foundation surround.

If you live in a manufactured home community, you have access to amenities that make your living experience a luxurious one – from swimming pools to athletic courts.

Homeowners all over Florida take advantage of manufactured housing for these reasons and much more. If you’re looking to purchase your dream home on a budget or want to settle down in the Florida sunshine, give manufactured housing a shot.

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WHAT’S IN A HOME?

Weighing Your Priorities W hen shopping for a new home, what factors do you consider important?

Is it the price of a home, or where it’s located? Maybe it’s what’s around the home that you value – the amenities, the city life, or the privacy in your neighborhood.

If you’re considering purchasing a manufactured home, keep these factors in mind: PRICE Like any home, manufactured homes range in price. Fortunately, affordability is one of the most recognized benefits of owning a manufactured home. They are a great option for first-time homebuyers, retirees with a limited budget or someone wanting to get out from under a large mortgage payment.

That said, you’ll still want to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a home and stick to it. In some markets, it may be easier to stay under budget.

So, take some time to research your local market and get a sense for the selling price of manufactured homes in your area.

LOCATION Perhaps this one goes without saying, but where your house is located should be one of the biggest considerations, 6 • 2 0 2 2 P O R C H V I E WS ™

if not the biggest consideration in your manufactured home search.

Do you want to soak up the sun in the bright Florida climate? Or maybe spend some time in the different picturesque parts of the state near lush national parks or quiet lakefronts? Or what if the tourist life, near amusement parks and popular beaches, is more your speed?

Think about where you want to relocate, as well as the culture and available activities in that area, to make your manufactured homeownership dream a reality.

LAND VS. COMMUNITY Once you decide on your location the next step is to determine where you’d like to put your manufactured home. You can either own your home on your own land, or you can own your home while leasing the land in a manufactured home community. Both kinds of home ownership scenarios have immense benefits.

By owning a home on your own land, you have more options to customize your home, within local building codes and regulations, both inside and out.

In a community, you have the advantage of the community’s amenities and shared resources, such as a community center or shared athletic facilities.

It’s also a way to forge new connections and meet other residents living in your community.

SIZE As a rule, homes with more bedrooms and bathrooms will have more square footage. When it comes to manufactured homes, you’ll find yourself with the decision between a single-section home – most often 16’ x 80’ (approximately 1,280 square feet) – or a multi-section home with up to double the floor space.

This is one factor that many homebuyers rank as a top priority during their manufactured home search.

ACCESS TO CITY RESOURCES Not every manufactured homeowner will live near a bustling metropolitan center, but some may find it important to live reasonably close to some public services - such as a post office, bus stop, or a local park.

Think about the common services you rely on frequently and consider basing your home search around how far your travel time is to those services. If there’s a home you love that’s over 20 miles away from the resources you rely on, that should factor into whether or not you choose to buy that home.

This also extends to the school districts in your area. For families interested in manufactured housing, consider a home that’s in or near a highly rated school district. Seniors looking for easy access to healthcare and city activities should also consider their home location.

AVAILABLE AMENITIES For some manufactured homeowners, having amenities nearby is a must.

Waking up and knowing that you can go to the local dog park, or walk on the nearby trail, is a desirable aspect for many.

So, when you’re looking for your dream manufactured home, consider whether the many amenities offered by manufactured home communities are important to you, your family, and your lifestyle.

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d e r u t c a f anu M s ’ t a h W e k i L g n i v Home Li da? in Flori Here’s What Six Homeowners Had to Say: On Living an a Active Lifestyle in Manufactured y Home Communit

On the Variety of Options Availabled with Manufacture Housing

“It’s wonderful living here!

I love the lifestyle because of the balance — you can be active when you want to be, and it’s a very relaxing environment when you would rather chill out. Our community has a ton of nice amenities like a swimming pool, fitness center, and there’s always activities going on.”

“It’s quiet, peaceful, and living in a community means you have instant access to neighbors and social functions. For new homebuyers considering a move to Florida, there really are a TON of housing options. We were considering a few other homes before we bought this one a few years ago.”

Tim D. St. Petersburg, FL Community Resident

Joyce P. Lakeland , FL Community Resident

Residents all across the Sunshine State

have found a home with manufactured housing. From the affordability to being able to live in a home that’s high-quality and efficient, Florida’s manufactured home residents are waxing poetic when it comes to what they love about manufactured home living.

On Living in Year-Round Warm Weather “Being a snowbird, the weather here in Florida is greater during the winter for my health. I can be active year-round if I want to with other residents who are in the same situation. Outside of the weather, the social aspect of community living has helped me meet some great people.”

Patricia W. Bradeton, FL. Community Resident

On the Beauty of Manufactured Home Living

On Manufacturedy Housing’s Qualit and Efficiency

“Beautiful beaches and gorgeous weather. Living in a mobile home here is like having a single family house but with less maintenance and we have a community of friends.”

“Manufactured homes here are very economical. Great construction and many of the interiors and kitchens that I’ve seen lately are beautiful. It’s come a long way. You can get a modern, efficient home without having to pay extra for it.”

“The weather is consistently nice, and the neighbors are great, but I would have to say the thing I like most about living here is the low taxes.

This combined with owning a manufactured home makes it pretty affordable to live in paradise.”

Elliot R. Punta Gorda, FL Community Resident

Steven H. Melbourne, FL Community Resident

Edwin N. West Palm Beach, FL Community Resident

On Living Affordably in Florida

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LOCATION.

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ith thousands of manufactured homes for sale in the Sunshine State at any given point, it can be difficult to find where in Florida the best homes may be. However, it’s not just about the best homes – with all things real estate, it’s really about location, location, location. All of Florida’s nine regions have amazing local scenery and entertainment options while providing a comfortable, relaxing environment for manufactured home living.

DON’T BELIEVE US? Keep reading to see why all Florida’s main regions from the Panhandle to the Atlantic Coast - are prime for current and prospective manufactured homeowners. ( See map on page 15 )

LOCATION. LOCATION. FLORIDA’S TOP MANUFACTURED HOUSING DESTINATIONS 1 PANHANDLE

The Panhandle is in northwest Florida, stretching about 200 miles from Tallahassee to Pensacola. The Panhandle lies between Alabama on the north and west, Georgia on the north, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

The Panhandle is an eclectic mix of Old Florida and Gulf beaches. It is home to Florida’s capital Tallahassee, and the Emerald Coast, which is a 100 mile stretch of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green water between Panama City and Pensacola. A few places to check out in the Emerald Cost are Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Navarre.

Closer to Tallahassee are picturesque forests, hiking and biking trails, and lakes. Further south on the Gulf are historic Apalachicola and Port St. Joe. The Panhandle has an abundance of land and is a great place to site a manufactured home on your own land. There are several manufactured home communities in the region that cater to all-ages.

Areas around Panama City especially are experiencing high growth due to reasonable home and land prices and proximity to beautiful beaches.

2 NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA

North Central Florida includes the cities of Lake City, Gainesville, Ocala, and the surrounding areas. This area is known for its history and natural beauty.

Gainesville is the home of the University of Florida Gators and has a rural feel with a younger vibe. Ocala is officially named the “Horse Capital of the World.” These areas have crystal clear springs, endless walking trails, and plenty of history to explore. This part of Florida might be perfect for you if you’re looking for a laid-back, picturesque Florida lifestyle.

North Central Florida has several 55+ and all-age manufactured housing communities located in and around Gainesville and Ocala. This is an excellent area to create your perfect sanctuary with a manufactured home on your own land.

3 GREATER JACKSONVILLE METRO

(THE FIRST COAST) The First Coast, as the name suggests, was the first area of Florida colonized

by Europeans. The First Coast stretches from Palm Coast to the south to Fernandina Beach to the north and includes the City of Jacksonville. The First Coast

and the Jacksonville Metro area is one of Florida’s top destinations for working professionals and retirees. This area has it all – from the urban charm of Jacksonville to St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. This region boasts a fascinating blend of natural wonders, pristine Atlantic beaches, laid-back lifestyles and the amenities and services of a big city. Jacksonville International Airport makes this area super accessible for visitors and residents looking to visit family out of state. One of the greatest benefits of the Jacksonville area for manufactured homes is the affordability. The median price of a site-built home in Jacksonville is roughly $279,400, according to BestPlaces as of this writing. When it comes to manufactured homes, it’s easier than ever to find quality homes that fits your budget all while maintaining your current lifestyle, security, and peace of mind.

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1 4 NORTHWEST (NATURE COAST)

The area between Perry and Homosassa on the Gulf of Mexico is known as the Nature Coast. This area includes Cedar Key and Crystal River. The Nature Coast contains a unique combination of history, culture, and wildlife. This area is best known for gushing springs and seas of manatee floating in pristine waters. The Nature Coast is conducive to many types of water-based activities, especially kayaking and fishing.

With relatively inexpensive land prices, this is an excellent area to site a manufactured home on your own land. Areas around Crystal River and Homosassa are becoming retirement havens with a choice of manufactured home community living and private land available to site your new manufactured home.

5 TAMPA BAY

Tampa Bay is located on the west coast of Florida near the center of the state. This area includes the main cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.

The Tampa Bay area draws many residents from all walks of life – for work, for pleasure, and even for retirement.

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With that, it’s no surprise that this area is ripe with manufactured homeowners who take advantage of everything Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater has to offer.

This area is best known for its beautiful beaches, museums and cultural events and great restaurants. Residents have access to a variety of urban amenities, including excellent healthcare. No matter what your interests are, you will never run out of things to do in the Tampa Bay area, unless you just want to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

6 CENTRAL FLORIDA

Central Florida stretches along the I-4 corridor between Tampa to Orlando.

This region includes Lakeland, Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, and Orlando.

Central Florida is truly the manufactured home capital of the world, with hundreds of manufactured home communities and plenty of land available to build your perfect dream home. Manufactured home communities in this area run the gambit from age 55+ communities with every amenity imaginable to affordable all-age communities.

This area has it all, from arts and culture to nature and hiking. It is close to beaches (Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean) and close to many amusement parks around the Orlando area. This gives residents the best of both worlds between the luxurious, warm lifestyle in your home and the abundance of entertainment options around you.

7 SPACE COAST

Want to watch a satellite fly into outer space? Not every manufactured home in this region can be in viewing distance of the Kennedy Space Center, but all residents in Florida’s Space Coast can take advantage of a rich space exploration history while being a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic coast.

Whether you choose Rockledge or West Melbourne, with the Space Coast’s 72 miles of coastline you’ve got a great place for dog walkers, morning runners, and young and old alike.

You’ll find many manufactured homes in this area in age 55+ and all-ages communities. You’ll have your choice of amenities based on your lifestyle and budget.

8 LOWER GULF COAST

If a gulf coastline living experience is more of your thing, then the Lower Gulf Coast may be for you. This area stretches from Sarasota to Naples and beyond. The Lower Gulf Coast is a favorite vacation spot for Florida residents and visitors thanks to the subtropical climate, family-friendly beaches, and the calm surf. This is an area where outdoor activities – kayaking, swimming, sunning, shelling, fishing, boating, and playing tennis and golf dominate. There are also gardens, museums, quaint towns, and shopping to explore.

Florida’s Lower Gulf Coast is home to dozens of manufactured homes, putting

2 you right in the center of the action. Prefer a quieter locale?

No problem, you can find that, too. Here, and across the state, you can find many manufactured home communities that provide gated security and peace of mind with a tight-knit family of residents.

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9 LOWER ATLANTIC COAST

Southeast Florida radiates balmy temperatures, luxury, and Latin and Caribbean flavors. Cultural aficionado, beachcombers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find something to love in Southeast Florida. Explore museums, galleries, historic sites and more in this pocket of the state. This area extends from Jupiter on the Atlantic Coast all the way to Key West.

There is an abundance of manufactured home communities in this area, including age 55+ and all-age communities with swimming pools, clubhouses, and fitness centers. These communities are surprisingly affordable and offer safety and security. If you’re looking for more space, homesites are available for your new manufactured or modular home.

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WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE PANHANDLE OR THE BEACHES OF MIAMI FOR YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME LIFESTYLE, YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH ANYWHERE YOU CHOOSE IN THE GREAT STATE OF FLORIDA.

: Florida The Nation’s Top Region to Buy and Own a Manufactured Home

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anufactured housing has seen a boom in activity during the last decade, with new homeowners and retirees alike turning to the option in droves.

Nowhere is this trend more evident than in Florida, which is one of the top markets, if not the top market in the United States to buy and sell manufactured homes. This is for a variety of reasons, but before we get into those, it’s important to recognize that Florida is such a beneficial environment for both manufactured homebuyers and manufactured home owners. Whether you’re looking to buy or have owned your manufactured home for some time now, Florida is the place to be.

MORE OPTIONS Manufactured homeowners in Florida have perhaps more options for their manufactured homes than any other state. This is due to a strong variety of manufactured homes that can be bought on land, as well as mobile homes that can be bought as part of a manufactured home community or mobile home park.

Additionally, manufactured homeowners have a plethora of options at their disposal when it comes to the size of their manufactured home.

These include single-section homes,

which are most commonly 16 feet wide by 80 feet long, to double-sections and even triple-sections that offer more space for families looking to purchase a manufactured home.

Manufactured homeowners in Florida have perhaps more options for their homes than any other state.

MORE RESOURCES For those looking to purchase a manufactured home or mobile home in the state of Florida, you can take advantage of a wide variety of resources and tools at your disposal: Lenders, Dealers and Communities: Since Florida is one of the top states for manufactured housing, that also means Floridians have more options when

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searching for a lender to obtain financing or a dealer to purchase a home. Websites such as MHVillage offer filtered searches so Floridians can easily find dealers in their area. Not only that, but manufactured home communities will also sell to homebuyers, or may employ a dealer to sell on their behalf.

Browsing Homes: Prospective home-buyers in Florida can use multiple websites of their choosing to look for mobile homes in their area. Perhaps the most accessible for Florida homeowners-to-be is FMHA’s website, MyFloridaManufacturedHome. com. From the homepage, click on the “Browse” tab that appears when you scroll down the webpage, and select “Home Plans” to browse new manufactured homes for sale by FMHA members.

MORE ACTIVITY If you are in the manufactured housing market, Florida is the place to be. Why? Because even during the COVID-19 pandemic, manufactured home sales skyrocketed across the state, making the market ripe for new buyers and new sellers.

This has pushed industry activity to a high point that hasn’t been seen in quite a while – which, as a prospective homebuyer, means you can take advantage of historically low interest rates on loans in such a white-hot market, particularly

for manufactured homes in Florida.

In fact, according to Datacomp, as of this writing, more than 16,000 manufactured homes were sold in Florida in 2021.

MORE LIFESTYLE CHOICES For any manufactured homeowner living in the Sunshine State, there are practically limitless opportunities to explore your dream lifestyle.

Looking for the perfect Florida golf course? Many manufactured home communities in Florida are a mile away or less from its many golf courses, making any round of 18 holes more accessible than ever.

Need something more quaint, or scenic? Check out the unrivaled waterfront and lakefront views found all over the state, perfect for walking your dog or spending time with your loved ones.

It goes without saying that Florida is among the top states in the country for tourist attractions and entertainment.

MORE AFFORDABILITY Manufactured homes are, on average, much cheaper than site-built homes.

In fact, on average, new manufactured homes sold for $81,900 in 2021 per the Manufactured Housing Institute, across all mobile home types. That’s roughly one-fifth of what site-built homes sold for at $443,000, according to Statista.

The markedly lower cost for manufactured homes over a site-built home is just one reason why homebuyers new and old are flocking to this more affordable type of housing. In fact, according to MHI, 10% of all new single-family home starts were in manufactured homes.

No matter where in Florida you decide to call home, your dream lifestyle is waiting. With excellent entertainment options and miles of natural scenery for your favorite outdoor hobbies, there’s no better state than Florida to call home.

For more information and to look at manufactured homes for sale in Florida, you can visit MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com to view the newest listings and take a look at manufactured home communities near you.

It’s no secret that manufactured homes are increasingly becoming one of the most desired forms of housing for Floridians everywhere.

EXPLORING

Manufactured &inModular Homes

FLORIDA

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s more and more residents across the state look for the affordability that manufactured homes provide, the term “modular home” may appear in search results, or on pages that feature both manufactured and modular homes. What are the differences between these types of homes, and what similarities do they have?

While they do, in fact, have a lot in common, the differences are distinct and are important to keep in mind when shopping for either type of home.

THE SIMILARITIES Perhaps the most obvious similarity between a manufactured home and a modular home is that they are both factory-built to a manufacturer’s specifications, and both are transported from the factory to the installation site via truck. The two biggest advantages of factory-built manufactured and modular homes are: (1) building materials are purchased in bulk and stored under roof to protect them from the elements, and (2) the assembly line approach to home construction ensures the efficient flow of work, precise measurement of building materials, and skillful assembly by experienced craftsmen. Because of these factors both homes offer increased affordability for homeowners.

Manufactured homes, often referred to as mobile homes, are built to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code, which was enacted in 1976 as part of more strict safety standards. These are federal guidelines for all manufactured homes. Modular homes are built to a local or state-level standard that can vary between jurisdictions.

In the state of Florida, the Florida Building Code (FBC) dictates that modular homes must be designed and built to the Florida Building Code, like sitebuilt homes. To be FBC-compliant, a modular home must also be labeled with an insignia inside the electrical panel from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)- quite literally a seal of approval for the home.

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Both types of homes offer fantastic benefits and affordability for new and current homeowners, and both types of homes make the dream of homeownership a reality for Floridians everywhere.

When you’re searching for a manufactured home or modular home to call your own, look at the lead times to build each one, but typically they are about the same. Of course, it depends on the chosen manufacturer’s production schedule.

In any case, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association makes it easy to browse both manufactured and modular homes in all of Florida’s major markets.

By heading to MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com you can view both manufactured homes and modular homes for just about every major market in Florida.

Modular homes also have a noticeable difference over some manufactured homes when it comes to size. While both modular and manufacture homes are shipped in modules or sections modular homes may be built with varying architecture or even a second story, making them a bit more unique in their size and shape compared to manufactured homes. Because modular homes have more flexible designs, they are often larger than standard manufactured homes, with more square footage.

This, of course, introduces greater price fluctuation into the mix when you add onto the size of your home.

The Florida Building Code (FBC) dictates that modular homes must be designed and built on a permanent foundation, similar to site-built homes.

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MANUFACTURED HOUSING

DESIGN

TRENDS

GAINING POPULARIT Y IN FLORIDA Manufactured housing is booming in the state of Florida, and with the increasing interest in factory-built homes comes a new wave of trends that homebuyers follow and popularize.

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f you’re purchasing a manufactured home for the first time, or are looking to bring new life into your current manufactured home, here’s what other homeowners in the state are doing with their homes to spark some ideas.

STATE-OF-THE-ART APPLIANCES Manufactured homeowners are placing significantly more stock in homes that have appliances in the kitchen and bathroom that are sleek, modern, and offer increased style and efficiency. Think refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances that now offer “smart” functionalities, such as on-board displays and Wi-Fi capabilities .

Now homeowners are also looking for features beyond that. For instance, wall outlets with USB compatibility and smart assistant functionality have boomed in popularity this year. This

can even extend to the kitchen fixtures themselves. Islands with charging ports are becoming increasingly common.

The push to make kitchens more functional with smart technology, adding more plugs and ports, and even something as small as upgrading to smart TVs and smart speakers reflect a broader push towards wireless technology throughout a household.

This also reflects in technology that makes it easier to communicate with family and friends, with some of these appliances even including cameras for virtual video chats.

HARDWOOD FLOORING The shift away from carpet to hardwood flooring is in full swing.

With hardwood flooring, you can upgrade your living space so that it feels more luxurious and high-quality. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a house where hardwood runs through most, if not all, of your home, offering a comforting, yet elegant living space.

Not only is hard flooring better for the moist Florida environment, and less susceptible to stains or mold buildup, it offers an easier-to-clean, easier-to-maintain floor compared to carpet, particularly for your living room or entryway.

Even better is that hardwood flooring is far more durable than carpeting.

While hardwood flooring may be more expensive to install, running at double the cost, it will last far longer on average and lend more towards the resale value of your home, should you choose to sell it down the road.

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Outdoor entertainment space has never been more popular in the Sunshine State as it is right now. This, of course, can take many forms, but the basic idea is that having a dedicated space around your manufactured home makes for prime entertainment area for you and your guests.

For manufactured homes, this means homebuyers are looking specifically for these kinds of spaces when house hunting. And for manufactured homeowners, many are renovating their outdoor spaces to include dedicated entertaining space.

ADDING ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR SPACE PATIOS If wood isn’t your thing, then you’re in luck. Many manufactured homes have stone, concrete, or tile patios on the rear of the house to provide you with a paved outdoor space for entertaining to recreation. While they’re similar to decks, they’re usually not raised from the ground like your average wooden deck.

DECKS Decks are fairly common in any type of home, including manufactured homes.

Most commonly made out of wood, decks are an easy way to add a dedicated space for entertaining that’s raised from the ground, easily accessible from your back door if you have one, and gives you an area to enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine.

We are spending more time at home so larger homes are trending again, and having an outdoor space such as a deck or porch that is big enough to eat and entertain on is important. ~ Suzanne Felber - a leading manufactured home Lifestylist®

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PORCHES & SUNROOMS For the front of your manufactured home, consider adding some light furniture to make the space feel more welcoming. Some manufactured homeowners have turned to porches with awnings, or sunrooms that are enclosed altogether giving the home an all-season area for relaxing and entertaining.

These are only a few of the biggest manufactured housing trends that homeowners are seeing in 2022, but we anticipate that these trends, already in full bloom, will only continue to blossom in 2022 as manufactured homeowners look to make their spaces more relaxing, high-tech, and inviting.

Resort-Style

MANUFACTURED HOME LIVING that You’ll OnlyFind inFlorida

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lorida is home to some of the most luxurious resort-style community living you’ll find anywhere in the country. The year-round warm weather draws residents from all over the U.S., and the quality amenities that these communities offer is unmatched. In resort-style communities, the amenities and entertainment options are like what you find at a resort.

Swimming pools and spas, athletic courts, golf courses, clubhouses and group activities are just the beginning.

Still not sure that Florida resort style community living is for you? Here are just a few of the benefits they offer: WATERFRONT COMMUNITIES Do you desire a manufactured home community with a waterfront view? If so, then Florida delivers. Resort-style communities all over the state offer lake, river, and ocean views. Of course, more than just the view, you’ll have the opportunity for lots of aquatic activity – swimming, snorkeling, fishing or peaceful walks on the sand.

A full range of terrains, trails and waterways expand from Lake Kissimmee State Park down to the Everglades National Park. Nearly every day is a good day to go out for a trek with your loved ones, whether they’re on two feet or four.

Did you know there are over 1,100 golf courses in Florida? No matter where you live, a golf course is nearby, if not in your manufactured home community.

The same for tennis courts, fishing, biking, or taking in a professional baseball spring training game – all within driving distance.

OUTDOOR RECREATION Because of Florida’s year-round sunshine and warm weather, residents in resort-style manufactured home communities often have prime access to athletic courts and other facilities for an active lifestyle. Do you want to learn how to play pickleball? Find entertainment when the grandkids visit? Whatever the reason, staying fit is easy in Florida.

If nature is your thing, then explore Florida’s 175 state and 11 national parks.

NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS A number of amusement parks, especially near Orlando and Tampa, are just outside many manufactured home communities. From the most magical place on Earth to the amusement park celebrating famous pop-culture movies, there’ll be no shortage of options.

Tourism is one of Florida’s main industries and discovering all the hidden gems Florida has to offer is a wonderful way to spend your leisure time.

The best part of Florida’s resort-style communities is knowing that this high-quality, relaxation-focused lifestyle can be within your reach in an affordable manufactured home community. Visit MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com to find a resort-style community that’s right for you.

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Custom Building a

Value and theFeatures

The

With a custom-built modular home, the finer details are truly up to you.

COUNTERTOPS Want your countertops made from quartz, marble, or a different material altogether? A custom modular home build will have you covered.

FLOORING Wood flooring, vinyl flooring, tile flooring, and everything in between, building a custom modular home empowers you, the homebuyer, to pick the flooring throughout your house that best suits your style and your needs.

CLOSETS A custom modular home gives you, the homeowner the option to include extra storage space, attic space, or extra closets to your home.

BATHROOM DESIGN Your bathroom should be one of the coziest spaces in your modular home. Why not customize it to your liking, from the countertops to the bathtub and sink?

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES For homeowners that depend on ramps for entering and exiting their home, or even flooring for wheelchair access, custom modular homes offer many options to increase accessibility for your safety and comfort.

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MODULAR HOME IN FLORIDA

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ust because you want to buy a modular home in Florida doesn’t mean you have to settle for predefined home options from a catalog. As a homebuyer, you have the power to order a custom modular home that’s perfectly built for you and your needs.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a custom modular home so great, it’s important to remember the main differences between a modular home and a manufactured home.

Modular homes are built under more strict guidelines, based on state and local ordinances that regulate these kinds of homes. There are often size differences between the two types of homes, as modular homes can be built with varying architecture styles or even a second story, which is non-existent on manufactured homes.

THE PROCESS If you’re interested in building a custom modular home but feel daunted by what the process involves, rest easy: hiring a builder for your custom home project is simple.

The first step is to contact a builder that operates in the state of Florida (more on that later). Builders will then walk through your custom home plan, ironing out details big and small.

This can include your square footage, your floor plan, and even the smaller details down to countertop style and other finishings.

Of course, these are not the only facets of a modular home that you can customize. In fact, there are countless options for you to explore when designing the interior and exterior of your modular home. These custom homes all work off a custom floor plan that ensures your home is, truly, your home. Often, you will have a number of square footages to choose from, along with both interior and exterior finishes that give you as much power as possible when it comes to customizing your modular home.

With a custom modular home, you can even change up the layout of a room.

This option is perfect for homeowners who need a custom-built home office space for remote work, or parents who may want a bedroom custom-designed to be a nursery.

THE MANUFACTURERS In Florida, you’ll find a number of manufacturers that offer custom-built modular homes with many, if not all of the features listed above. Some manufacturers may offer a set of floor plans for you to choose from as a starting point and others may offer customization options for even the smallest details.

For the most in-depth catalog of manufacturers and builders that offer custom modular homes, you can visit MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com and click on the “Build a Home” tab.

Modular homes are booming in the state of Florida, and with the increasing interest in factory-built homes comes a new wave of trends that homebuyers follow and popularize.

Modular homes can be built with varying architecture styles or even a second story.

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Moving to Florida?

4 Tips to Finance Your New Manufactured Home

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Buying a manufactured home can be one of the biggest investments you’ ll make. If you’ ll be financing your new home purchase, here are a few helpful tips you’ll want to consider:

Preparing to Finance Your New Home

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efore you begin the process of financing your manufactured home purchase, you’ll want to determine how much you want to budget for your new home.

Your manufactured home budget should include the down payment on the home, moving expenses, closing costs, and any other expenses going towards the buying process. If you are buying a home in a community, also factor in lot rent, as that will most often be paid on a monthly basis.

Your budget may also be influenced by other factors, such as whether your new home will be permanent or seasonal, whether you’re buying an existing home or building a custom home on land, or whether you’ll be building your home in a subdivision.

If you’re buying private land and are purchasing it before your home, you may consider separate budgets for each.

From there, you will want to check your credit report and limit new credit lines prior to purchasing your home.

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Find Your Perfect Lender It’s one thing to find a lender that will get you a manufactured home loan.

It’s something else entirely to find the perfect lender that understands your needs, your financial snapshot, and your schedule to get the best loan possible.

If you don’t know what type of loan you want from the beginning of the process, there’s no need to stress. The right lender will pair you and your financial makeup with the right type of loan that is best suited for you.

Potential manufactured homebuyers can search for FMHA-members that loan on custom modular homes or manufactured homes by visiting the FMHA website at MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com. You may find that it helps to talk to several lenders and figure out which one is best for you. The right lender should be communicative, transparent, and proactive in getting you to the finish line.

The right lender will pair you with the right type of loan that’s best suited to your specific homebuying needs.

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Know Your Loans Those looking into purchasing a manufactured home may find that there are different types of manufactured home loans out there. The good news is that the manufactured home loan landscape is actually quite simple, with a few key types of loans to consider: CHATTEL LOANS These are by far the most common type of manufactured home loan.

When taking out a chattel loan for a manufactured home, the home is considered to be personal property, similar to a car loan. This makes chattel loans rather different from a standard mortgage because a chattel loan does not include the land that the home sits on. Chattel loans are very common in manufactured home communities, which lease the land for your home in exchange for a monthly lot rent that covers property taxes, garbage pickup, internet access, maintenance fees, infrastructure upgrades, and other benefits.

GOVERNMENT LOANS The U.S. government offers a few different types of loans that cover manufactured homes. If you’re a manufactured home shopper on a budget, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers loans that make manufactured housing more accessible and affordable.

These loans do come with stricter requirements than other types of loans, generally, and other governmental departments may offer loans with other requirements. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs along with the Federal Housing Administration will offer loans that require the home to be placed on a permanent foundation.

CONVENTIONAL LOANS Those purchasing a manufactured home can seek out a traditional mortgage if you also own the land.

These are known as “land-home mortgages” and are similar to what would be offered for a site-built home by providing financing for the home and the land in one package.

A good rule of thumb is to save 5% of the home’s asking price for your down payment, and another 5% for closing costs.

Budget Smart with a Smart Budget Often, potential homebuyers may ask the question: “How much should I save to pay for my closing costs?”

That’s a question that does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. When it comes to how much money you should save for your closing costs, this number will usually come down to the terms of the loan that you and your lender agree on.

A good rule of thumb is to save 5% of the home’s asking price for your down payment, and another 5% for closing costs. While your final out-of-pocket costs may not be as high, it will be better to over budget than to under budget.

Any extra money you have can be used for your first home payment or go towards moving expenses.

The manufactured home buying process should be as hassle-free as possible.

These tips for navigating the financial aspects of buying a manufactured home should make the process even smoother, getting you into your dream home faster than you can say...

“Welcome Home!”

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OWN YOUR SMART F LO RID A LIVING E X PERIENC E with the

FMHAWebsite

I

f you haven’t been to the FMHA website over at MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, fastest, and most rewarding ways to search for manufactured homes and modular homes in the state of Florida.

By serving the interests of both prospective homebuyers, the website offers users the chance to browse homes and communities that are FMHA-affiliated. Because these listings are exclusively curated by FMHA members, website visitors have peace of mind knowing that the homes and communities in FMHA’s directory are some of the best that the state of Florida has to offer.

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If you haven’t visited the FMHA website yet, here’s a quick rundown of its basic functionalities: FINDING HOMES One of the FMHA website’s main functionalities is allowing its users to find manufactured homes in the state of Florida.

From the homepage, you’ll click on the “Browse” tab that appears when you scroll down the webpage, and select “Home Plans” to navigate through new manufactured homes for sale by FMHA members. You can also select the “Explore” tab, then “Homes in Inventory,” which takes you to a search for pre-owned manufactured homes.

Users can search through hundreds of homes that are FMHA-affiliated at any given point, with homes available

in just about every major market across the state.

Alternatively, users can scroll through the website and browse featured manufactured homes for sale across the blue menu. From there, you can click on “Browse Homes” to take you to your FMHA manufactured home plan search.

FINDING COMMUNITIES If you’re a prospective homeowner looking for a relaxed lifestyle, with a support network around you to partake in hobbies or provide facilities to care for your pets, you may be interested in finding a manufactured home community to call home. Manufactured home communities provide its residents with affordable housing coupled with topof-the-line amenities and activities, all under the year-round Florida sun.

By serving the interests of both prospective homebuyers and FMHA members, the website offers users the chance to browse homes and communities that are FMHA-affiliated.

The best part? FMHA makes it easy to find communities for residents of all-ages, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a soon-to-be-retiree looking to relocate.

On the FMHA website, click on the “Explore” tab (at the top of the page when you scroll down) to browse FMHA’s directory of All-Ages and 55+ Communities in Florida.

There are a few differences between these two types of communities: ALL-AGES COMMUNITIES FMHA-affiliated All-Age Communities offer something for families at each stage of life. With the American Dream in mind, you can look for hundreds of manufactured home communities in Florida that welcome residents of all ages and offer your desired amenities, from parks and walking trails to fitness centers and sports facilities.

55+ COMMUNITIES Florida’s 55+ Communities, also referred to as Age-Restricted Communities, Retirement Communities, or Active-Adult Communities, can be found across the Sunshine State. These resort-style communities include a wide variety of lifestyle and housing options and make for the perfect place to settle down after retirement. And, 55+ communities include all of the same luxury amenities that you might find in an all-ages community, from pools and Jacuzzis to golf courses.

Each page will direct you to a locationbased search directory, where you can look for All-Ages and 55+ Communities in your city, county, or across the entire state. From there, you can hand-pick which community you seek more information from, whether it’s by visiting their website or giving them a call to schedule a tour.

FIND A MANUFACTURED HOME RETAILER If you own land and would like to buy a manufactured home site, the FMHA website can help you out there, too.

When you scroll down on the FMHA website, click on the green “Discover Retailers” button to view sales centers near you that can offer custom manufactured or modular homes.

Don’t own land yet? No problem. If you’re in the process of purchasing land for a future manufactured home, you can still work with a retailer in our network to make your dream home a reality.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FMHA AND MANUFACTURED HOMES If you’re new to manufactured housing, or want to know more about what makes manufactured housing an ideal choice for Florida homeowners, the FMHA website has resources for you to explore.

From the homepage, click on the red “Learn” button to explore the craftsmanship, amenities, and affordability that makes manufactured homes in Florida a quality choice for thousands of Floridians. You can also watch handy videos from Manufactured Homes 101 with helpful educational tools by clicking on the “Learn How” button further down the page.

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MEET THE

MANUFACTURERS

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lorida is home to a large number of manufacturers that not only handle the building of manufactured homes, but may sell them to homebuyers and communities.

If you’re in the market for purchasing a manufactured home, check out some of the state’s builders.

cappaerthousing.com Cappaert Manufactured Housing has been exceeding industry standards in production quality and product value since 1987. Cappaert has a multitude of plans to offer ranging from 600 sq. ft. to 2,280 sq. ft. and options to buy from retail sales centers covering seven southeastern states, including Florida.

claytonhomes.com Clayton Homes is proud to provide affordable manufactured and modular homes, apartments, commercial buildings, military barracks, and college dormitories to people all across America - especially in Florida.

Today, Clayton operates over 300 Home Centers and works with over 1,000 independent dealers in the US.

championhomes.com Champion Home Builders is a leader in the manufactured housing industry and one of the largest modular homebuilders in the state of Florida.

Champion offers many factory-built solutions, from single-family and multi-family homes to commercial and government buildings.

charioteagle.com Chariot Eagle is one of the top producers of manufactured park homes in the USA. Based in Ocala, FL, its plant location enables Chariot Eagle to keep manufactured housing affordable in the state of Florida.

deervalleyhb.com Deer Valley Homebuilders, launched in 2004, maintains the sole focus of building the highest quality manufactured and modular homes, with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Deer Valley primarily operates in the southeastern and central United States, with a number of dealers in Florida.

destinyhomebuilders.com Destiny Industries, with locations across Florida and the Southeastern United States, is strongly positioned to serve customers in a way that is invigorating and fresh, expanding the appeal of “affordable” housing to a cross-section of consumers.

fleetwoodhomes.com Fleetwood Homes has been building manufactured homes in weatherprotected factories across the country for over 55 years, using experienced construction teams to staff each local building facility.

franklinhomesusa.com Franklin Homes was founded in 1969 in Russellville, Alabama, on the principle of unsurpassed quality in materials and craftsmanship. Franklin has designed, engineered, built and installed thousands of homes in 14 states, including Florida, based on an unwavering commitment to quality.

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homes-of-merit.com Homes of Merit began building manufactured and modular homes in the state of Florida in 1973 and quickly became one of the best selling brands in the state. Now part of the Champion family of homebuilders, Homes of Merit have been building exclusively in the state of Florida for over 33 years.

liveoakmanufacturedhomes.com Live Oak Homes has been in business since 1972, offering customers homes with high-quality materials on rock-solid foundations - all for peace of mind.

skylinechampion.com Skyline Champion of Florida has been providing affordable homes in Florida for nearly 70 years. They carry a large variety of homes that will fit most every budget, from entry level to the higher side of the scale.

jachomes.com Jacobsen Homes is Florida’s largest builder of both manufactured homes and modular homes. Jacobsen Homes is one of the few manufacturers who build to HUD’s strictest codes: Wind Zone Three and Exposure “D”.

nobilityhomes.com Nobility Homes has provided housing for almost 56,000 families since 1967.

Nobility Homes can be found at 10 Prestige Home Center locations throughout Florida.

sunshinehomes-inc.com Sunshine Homes has been committed to building the highest quality manufactured and modular homes in the Southeast for over 50 years.

Their mission is to provide American families with the best factory-built home that money can buy.

legacyhousingusa.com Legacy Housing Corporation is the fourth largest producer of manufactured homes in the United States and a recognized leader and innovator in the manufactured housing industry. With current operations focused on the southwest and southeast of the United States, Legacy offers an array of products that help make quality housing affordable again.

palmharbor.com Palm Harbor Homes has specialized in building manufactured homes, modular homes and mobile homes “on your lot” for over 40 years. Palm Harbor Homes is also proud to offer manufactured home insurance as well as financing sources.

MyFloridaManufacturedHome.com (850) 907-9111

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The Magazine of the Florida Manufactured Housing Association • PorchViews.com/florida