Owning a mobile home park in Florida offers a unique opportunity to generate steady, long-term income while providing affordable housing in a state where it’s in high demand. With tenants who are more likely to stay for years, thanks to the cost and effort of moving their homes, your turnover rates are lower, offering more predictable cash flow. Plus, the growing need for budget-friendly living creates expansion opportunities. However, to truly maximize these benefits, you must juggle the specific legal requirements that come with managing a mobile home park.
Legal Compliance is Non-Negotiable
Mobile home park owners operate under Chapter 723 of the Florida Statutes, a complex and unforgiving legal framework. First, park owners must register with the state and renew their licenses every year. The law also holds owners responsible for the park’s infrastructure—roads, utilities, and common areas must meet health and safety standards. If these steps are missed or ignored, the state has the authority to shut down the park.
One of the most significant differences between mobile home parks and other rental properties is rent regulation. Florida law requires that all tenants have written rental agreements and rent increases are heavily scrutinized. To raise rent, you must provide advance notice and be prepared for possible disputes.
Evictions Are Complicated
Evicting tenants from mobile home parks is not the same as dealing with a traditional rental property. In this setting, you often deal with both a tenant and their home—a home they might own. That makes the eviction process more complicated and potentially more expensive. Florida law only allows eviction for specific reasons, such as failure to pay rent, breaking park rules, or neglecting to maintain the mobile home to park standards.
The eviction process requires a minimum 90-day notice, giving tenants ample time to fight back. If a tenant contests the eviction, prepare for a lengthy legal battle. And even if the eviction is successful, you may have to deal with an abandoned mobile home. Removing it from your property involves more legal hoops and costs, including the possibility of having to foot the bill for relocation or demolition.
Enforcing and Amending Community Rules
Mobile home parks are small, tight-knit communities, and keeping the peace hinges on enforcing the rules that govern everything from pets to the appearance of individual lots. But you can’t enforce these rules arbitrarily. Consistency is essential. If you enforce a rule against one tenant but let another slide, you risk being sued for discrimination or breach of contract.
If you want to update or amend your park regulations, you must notify all tenants in advance, and any new rule cannot violate existing tenant rights. Overstepping here can create friction, and tenants may challenge the new rules if they feel their rights are being infringed.
Your Success Is Our Success
Managing a mobile home park comes with high stakes. Legal compliance, eviction processes, and community regulations are critical to your success as a park owner. Protecting your investment means staying ahead of the challenges and seizing this business’s opportunities. Atlas Law has the experience and legal insight to help you avoid costly mistakes and understand the rules governing mobile home park management in Florida. Contact us today at 813.241.8269 to ensure your park thrives.