Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What are the costs and legal ramifications of buying a manufactured
home in a leased land park and moving it off the lot and setting it up
on another site.
Buying a manufactured home in a leased-land park and moving it to another property can be
done, but it is often much more expensive and complicated than buyers expect.
Typical Costs
For a single-wide manufactured home in Florida, you might expect:
Expense Typical Cost
Home purchase Varies
Permits and inspections $500–$5,000+
Professional move $3,000–$15,000+
New foundation/setup $3,000–$10,000+
Utility connections $2,000–$10,000+
Skirting, steps, tie-downs $1,000–$5,000+
Impact fees (if applicable) $0–$10,000+
Tree clearing/site prep $1,000–$20,000+
For a double-wide, moving costs alone can easily reach $10,000–$25,000+, and total relocation
costs can exceed $30,000–$50,000.
Legal and Regulatory Issues

1. Age Restrictions
   Many counties and municipalities restrict the installation of older manufactured homes. A home
   built before certain HUD-code years may not qualify for relocation.
2. Local Zoning
   The destination property must be zoned to allow manufactured homes. Some areas prohibit them
   entirely or require specific sizes, roof pitches, or foundation types.
3. Permits Required
   You typically need:
    Moving permit
    Transport permits

 Setup permit
 Electrical permit
 Plumbing permit
 Foundation permit

4. Title Requirements
   The title must be clear of liens before it can be moved. Any outstanding loan or lien can prevent
   relocation.
5. Park Requirements
   Many leased-land communities require:
    Written notice before removal
    All lot rent paid in full
    Compliance with community rules
    Removal of debris and improvements left behind
6. Insurance and Liability
   Professional movers carry insurance, but damage during transport is a real risk, especially with
   older homes.
   Biggest Practical Concern
   Many homes in Florida’s 55+ parks were never intended to be moved again after installation.
   Once a home gets beyond 20–30 years old, movers may refuse the job or require extensive
   structural reinforcement.
   For that reason, it’s often cheaper to:
7. Sell the existing home in the park.
8. Buy a different manufactured home already located on your desired property.
   Before Buying
   If you’re considering a specific home, verify:
    Year built
    Single-wide or double-wide
    Exact location
    Destination county
    Whether you own the destination land

Those details can dramatically affect whether the move is feasible and what it will cost. I can
give you a much more accurate Florida-specific estimate if you tell me the home’s year, size, and
where it’s being moved.