‘My doctor told me to move’: Mobile homes may be the final refuge for good, cheap living in Florida — but these residents say mold, sewage and pests are taking a toll of their own

The health-related costs of “affordable” housing

The study by Health in Partnership and Manufactured Housing Action paints a troubling picture of how corporate mobile home park owners are transforming once-affordable communities into health hazards.

The health concerns documented in the study include:

• Contaminated water causing illness and chronic health problems.
• Failing sewage systems creating unsanitary conditions.
• Accumulated debris attracting pests and creating safety hazards.
• Crumbling infrastructure leading to dangerous living environments.
• Extensive mold triggering respiratory problems.

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The affordable housing trap

What makes this situation particularly troubling is the apparent lack of alternatives for mobile home park residents. According to research from the University of Florida, the median rent for housing seekers in the state was $1,555 as of July 2024, nearly 20% higher than the national average of $1,302 in 2024.

More alarmingly, Florida has only 26 affordable rental units available for every 100 households with incomes lower than 30% of the area's median income. This shortage of affordable housing creates a desperate situation where lower-income residents sometimes have no choice but to endure hazardous living conditions rather than face homelessness.

Mobile home parks often represent one of the last options for stable, lower-cost living in Florida, but now some residents are facing predatory fees that are leading them to financial ruin.

The same Jacksonville resident mentioned above also noted that her rent has steadily increased from the initial $800 agreement. "Well, now every time I turn around, there's more than that," she said, describing additional "junk fees" that keep appearing on her bill. And these mysterious charges affect "everybody in this neighborhood.”

Another mobile home park resident, identified only as Gerard, pays $700 monthly just to rent the lot where his mobile home sits — nearly as much as those who rent both the trailer and the land.

"I don't think it should be near that high, the problems we're having out here are terrible," Gerard shared with News4Jax. "700 plus dollars to live here, and I find that a lot of money just to park a trailer. And you pay your own electric, your own water. There's no benefit of being here other than having your trailer parked."

Florida's Mobile Home Act coming up short for residents

Florida's Statute 723, known as the "Florida Mobile Home Act," provides some protections for mobile home owners who rent lots in parks with 10 or more spaces. These protections include:

• Required disclosures of fees, rules and regulations before someone moves in.
• Limitations on evictions to specific grounds such as non-payment, rules violations or change in land use.
• Rights regarding improvements to mobile homes.
• Provisions for forming homeowners' associations.
• Notice requirements for lot rental increases or changes in rules.

But based on Health in Partnership's report, these protections don't seem to do enough for mobile home park residents.

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Report issues policy recommendations

The Health in Partnership's “Home Sick” report offers the following policy recommendations based on its findings:

1. Strengthen housing standards through licensing, inspections and accountability mechanisms.
2. Protect residents with rent regulations, good-cause eviction policies and anti-retaliation measures.
3. Promote community-friendly ownership with funding and transition policies.
4. Address corporate speculation via zoning regulations, portfolio caps, divestment and taxation.

Practical tips to protect mobile home residents

So, what can those who may be considering moving into manufactured housing do to protect themselves? If you're considering manufactured housing as an affordable option in Florida (or anywhere else for that matter), here are some important considerations:

1. Understand the park’s ownership structure. In most mobile home parks, you own the home but rent the land, creating a unique legal relationship.
2. Research the park owner. Corporate-owned parks may have different priorities than locally owned communities.
3. Inspect the unit thoroughly before buying or renting. Look for signs of water damage, mold, structural issues and infrastructure problems.
4. Review all fees and rules of the unit and park. Get a clear picture of lot rent, utility charges and any other fees before committing.
5. Check for a homeowners' association (HOA). Active HOAs can provide collective bargaining power with park owners.
6. Understand your rights. Familiarize yourself with the Florida Mobile Home Act to know your legal protections.
7. Verify insurance options. Mobile homes often require specialized insurance that can be more expensive.
8. Have an exit strategy. Be aware that selling a mobile home in a park can be more challenging than selling a traditional home.