Tampa Bay may be a vacation destination for tourists or a second home for snowbirds, but it is an area that is also attracting attention from would-be tiny house dwellers because of Florida polices and rules that are favorable to tiny home enthusiasts.

Minimum Size for Tiny Houses in Florida

Unlike some states that have no minimum square footages, Florida is very specific about just how small your new home can be. Some counties allow for small units that are just 375 square feet while others require your home to have a minimum of 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.

A tiny house in St. Petersburg, for example, must be no less than 375 square feet, and it cannot have more than 750 square feet. Orange County proposes similar specifications with a minimum square footage of 400. The key is to know the square footage requirements for each area.

In 2015 RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer was featured on the popular HGTV series Tiny House Hunters. She recalls the fun she had working with both the “hunters” and the HGTV crew. “Lots of long hours…” says Estelia. “I learned how much time and effort goes into a single shot of the program”.

The program, which aired for three years, was the first to feature tiny houses to a national audience.

Uses for a Tiny House

The options afforded by a tiny house have grown because of the impact and fallout of COVID-19.

Tiny house office

Perfect for those of us now working from home as a result of COVID-19, the self-employed and freelancers. Having a separate space to work can offer you the privacy and peace and quiet to keep you focused and can give you a clearer sense of separation between work and home life.

Tiny house studio or workshop

Great space for writers, artists or do-it-yourselfers. This hassle-free dedicated space eliminates paying rent each month – a bonus in itself.

Tiny house guest house

With social-distancing in mind, you can safely host family and friends.

Tiny house rental

You can reap financial rewards by using your tiny house as income property – a backyard rental, Airbnb, or an “apartment-to-go” for travelers. Regarding COVID-19 restrictions, it can also be used a place to quarantine. Keep in mind the legalities of renting and building codes in your area.

Tiny house schoolhouse

For parents who are homeschooling children either because of COVID-19 restrictions or by choice, it can often be hard to keep children and teens focused on the tasks at hand because of their home surroundings – toys, games, noise, etc. A tiny house classroom creates a quiet dedicated space for learning and studying.

Bottom Line: Although you may not want to live in a tiny house, you will find they offer so many other uses such as an add-on, mother-in-law suite, guest house, home office, studio, rental property, and so much more. If you are interested in knowing more about tiny house possibilities, call Estelia today.

St. Petersburg Communities

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one of them and are thinking of selling, call Estelia today!

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle