Florida is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and tropical vibe. As a result, many homeowners in Florida choose to go with a more open and airy style for their homes. This often includes incorporating elements of Spanish, Mediterranean, or Coastal styles into the home’s design. Ultimately, Florida-style homes incorporate a fresh tropical look that feels like vacation all year round.
What Are the Most Popular Florida Home Styles?
Florida-style house plans are often characterized by their use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, and their reliance on open spaces. Some of the architectural resemblances are between a mix of Spanish, Mediterranean, and Caribbean styles.
Here are the 12 most common Florida style homes in the sunshine state:
1) Mediterranean
Mediterranean style architecture is one of the most popular home styles in Florida. These homes typically have stucco walls, tile roofs, and arched doorways and windows. In addition, the interior of a Mediterranean-style home often features stone floors and walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and wrought iron fixtures.
There are a few key things that make Mediterranean architecture so unique. One is the use of arches and vaults. Arches and vaults are common features in Mediterranean architecture, and they help create an airy and open feel.
2) Traditional
Florida is home to many traditional-style homes. These homes are typically one or two stories, with a steep roof and large front porch. They are often made of wood or brick and have elaborate trim work around the windows and doors.
The interior of a traditional-style home usually features high ceilings, large rooms, and lots of built-in cabinets.
Related: Modern Florida Pool Designs
3) Modern Contemporary
Contemporary-style homes are becoming more and more popular in Florida. These homes are typically designed with clean lines and open spacious floor plans. They often have large windows and glass doors that let in plenty of natural light and sometimes feature flat roofs or square shapes.
In addition, contemporary homes will use neutral colors such as crisp white to emphasize simplicity. These homes are becoming more and more popular all over Florida.
4) Modern Farmhouse & Ranch Style
Although Florida is known for its beaches, it is also a place with plenty of farmland. As a result, ranch-style homes are amongst the most popular types of homes in Florida.
These homes are typically one or two stories, with a low-pitched roof and a large front porch. They are often made of wood or brick and have elaborate trim work around the windows and doors. The interior of a ranch-style home usually features high ceilings, large rooms, and plenty of land.
Related: How to Design Your Florida Landscape
5) Victorian
Victorian homes are becoming more and more popular in Florida. These homes are typically two or three stories, with a steep roof and a large front porch. They often have intricate details, such as bay windows and gingerbread trim. This style of home is very popular in Central Florida.
6) Key West
The Florida Keys has made popular its own unique modern style that blends coastal and traditional with beautiful bright colors. Key West-style homes are very popular in coastal areas in Flordia.
These homes are typically one or two stories, with a steep roof, a large front porch, and possibly an outdoor kitchen. They are often made of wood or stucco and have either shutters or Bahama shutters on the windows.
7) Coastal
Coastal is an obvious choice for Florida. Coastal architectural homes in Florida are unique in their design and offer a great way to take advantage of the natural landscape and climate.
Many of these homes are designed with an open floor plan that takes advantage of the views and allows for natural airflow from the ocean breezes.
8) Spanish
Spanish architect-style homes in Florida are unique in their design and also take advantage of the natural landscape and climate. They often feature stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and round or geometric features. In addition, the interior of a Spanish-style home often features stone floors and walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and wrought iron fixtures.
Related: Inspiring Florida Backyard Ideas for a Relaxing Outdoor Oasis
9) Tropical
Tropical style architecture is one of the most popular styles in Florida homes. This type of architecture is often associated with warm, sunny climates, and the tropical style definitely captures that feeling. Palm trees, bright colors, exposed wood, and lots of natural light are all key features of a tropical-style home.
In addition, tropical homes often incorporate raw materials like rattan and bamboo into their design and outdoor living spaces.
10) Craftsman Style
The craftsman-style of architecture is characterized by wide, low layouts, gabled roofs, open floor plans, wood framing, and front porches that often feature exposed rafters. These homes were popularized in the mid-19th century by architects who believed in creating simple designs that would be easy to maintain.
Today, craftsman-style homes are still popular among homeowners looking for a traditional design with all the modern amenities.
11) Art Deco
Art Deco style architecture was popular in Florida homes during the 1920s and 1930s. Characterized by its sleek, geometric lines and use of ornamentation on a metal roof, this style is often associated with the Jazz Age.
Some of the most iconic Art Deco buildings in Florida are the Miami Beach hotels built during this period.
12) Neoclassical Architecture
Neoclassical architecture refers to a style of buildings constructed during the revival of Classical Greek and Roman architecture that began in the 1750s. The neoclassical style flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is characterized by its use of classical proportions, symmetrical designs, and elaborate ornamentation.
Many of these neoclassical Florida homes have columns and brick structures but also modern touches that bring them into the 21st century. Many of these homes feature flat roofs and geometric structures.
Bottom Line
Florida homes have a wide variety of different styles, each with its own unique features. So whether you’re looking for a traditional Victorian-style home or something more coastal and tropical, there’s sure to be a style that suits your needs.
Which of these Florida home designs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking to move to central Florida, and you don’t know where to start? Nicole Mickle, Relocation Specialist, is here to help. Nicole has extensive experience in the Orlando area and will assist you in navigating the available homes on the market to find one that is just right for you!
