More and more people are opting to live away from what has been considered “normal” in modern society. With increased environmental pollution, it is becoming more attractive and even necessary for us to retract to nature in our little ways. Living off the grid is one of the many ways we can achieve this. This concept of living off the grid implies living independently of public utilities such as water, electricity, and sewerage systems. Choosing this lifestyle means finding ways of generating these utilities in a sustainable way that is friendly to the environment.
Florida is one of the places that offers ideal conditions for living off the grid. Apart from the weather, Florida has a wide range of natural resources that can be used to generate sustainable living conditions off the grid. Let's have a look at what makes Florida an ideal location for off-grid living.
Weather Conditions
Pros
-
Florida is a warm state with an average of 237 days of sunshine per year (https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/florida?utm_source). This makes it ideal for harnessing reliable solar energy all year round. Such favorable weather allows you the freedom to adopt different energy solutions to generate electricity. One can install quality solar panels that charge rapidly, ensuring that there is always a constant supply of power. Quality solar panels should be easily portable, have adjustable angles for maximum energy absorption, and be compatible with most power stations. You can check high-quality solar panels in BLUETTI.
-
The warm weather in Florida allows a variety of food crops to thrive, especially for subsistence farming. This makes it easy to grow foods for daily consumption all year round and offers the privilege of eating organic and nutritious food.
-
The winter conditions are not too harsh compared to most regions, and this ensures reduced use of heating energy during the winter season.
-
There is enough rainfall during the year to harvest and store water. Rainwater is a viable resource, though it may require filtration or treatment before use.
Cons
-
The warm weather, especially in the coastal areas, causes high humidity in Florida. This situation provides an ideal breeding ground for all manner of pests, such as mosquitoes and mold, which may pose health risks for those living off the grid.
-
Florida is prone to hurricanes and massive storms that leave a trail of destruction. Homes are destroyed, utilities disorganized, and in extreme cases, loss of life. This destruction means that power gets cut off, and, in such cases, it is advisable to have a portable power station or home battery backup to ensure a continued supply of electricity. Portable power stations offer the convenience of having power on the go, which will come in handy when you are off the grid and probably haven’t installed solar panels. A great choice for a portable power station is the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2. With 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output, the Elite 200 V2 delivers impressive power to keep devices fully charged all day long! With the AC300 system integrated into your home, you'll have tons of energy to power your day-to-day living smoothly.
-
Some areas in Florida are prone to heavy flooding when it rains, and the drainage isn’t the best. This is important to note, as every region may look habitable during the dry season.
Legal Considerations
Several regulations must be adhered to to ensure compliance with the local laws when it comes to Florida.
Zoning laws
-
Residential Zoning Law: This law provides a strict guide on the areas that manage the use of the already provided public utilities, such as electricity, sewer systems, and water management systems. The law also lays out the sections that can be used for off-grid living, and it is important to know exactly where your area of interest lies to ensure compliance.
-
Agricultural Zoning Law: This law outlines the areas that are open for farming, setting up structures, and keeping farm animals. Such areas are the most ideal for anyone planning to live off the grid.
Utility Laws
These laws provide a guide on areas where public utility connections must be maintained even if they are not in use.
Environmental Laws
These laws provide a guide on how to collect water, drill boreholes, and manage waste.
Building Laws
There are set building codes and permits that all structures must adhere to ensure structural safety. Additionally, solar installation permits and septic system permits must be obtained before undertaking any relevant project.
As a rule of thumb, it is always wise to seek the counsel of professionals who are familiar with Florida laws concerning off-the-grid living before investing in such an undertaking.
Water and Waste Management
Water
-
The rainfall amounts in Florida allow for legal rain harvesting. One only needs to install large water tanks or barrels to harvest the maximum amount of water during the rainy season. It is important to note that some counties do require permits for large-scale water harvesting. Florida enjoys an average of 54 inches of rainfall annually.
-
Wells are also common in Florida since the water table is very shallow, and thus it is affordable to dig wells. One can also opt to dig into depths of over 100 feet to get cleaner water. This water may need to be treated before consumption as it may come laden with bacteria and heavy metals from underground.
-
Some areas have natural lakes, ponds, and rivers that can also provide a constant supply of water when you are living off the grid. In areas where permits are needed to draw water for use, compliance must always be ensured.
-
It is advisable to combine different water sources to avoid cases of redundancy, for example, when rainfall is below par or the wells dry up. Drinking water should be filtered using natural methods to maintain the full going off-the-grid vibe.
Waste
-
Compost toilets are the best for off-grid living. They do not require the use of water and are eco-friendly. They are easy to manage, though some counties may require one to have a septic system as a backup before they can approve.
-
Septic systems are the most common and must be approved by the Department of Health, and periodic inspections must be made to ensure compliance.
Incinerators
This system converts all waste into ash through burning. A strong solar generator can provide power.
Incinerators are generally low maintenance, but the initial purchase and installation costs may cause a frown not only on the face but also on the wallet.
Recycling Of Greywater
This is a practice allowed within Florida. This water, which comes from laundry, sinks, and showers can be recycled and used for irrigation. Separate tanks must be used, however, to avoid contamination of clean water. Greywater recycling is highly recommended to reduce waste and thus preserve the environment.
Off-Grid Energy Potential
With the sunny conditions in Florida, there is great potential to harness solar power energy. An average demand for 15000 KWH would range between $80000-$85000.
Off the Grid Locations in Florida
North and Central Florida
This region boasts plenty of affordable land that is favorable for farming.
Some of the specific areas include;
- Madison
- Levy
- Hamilton and Suwannee
- Marion County
- Lake County
Panhandle Florida
This area has a low population, making it ideal for people who love their privacy. The area is mainly forestland, and thus farming and homesteading are easy.
Some Specific areas include;
- Liberty and Calhoun
- Walton and Holmes
South Florida
This region has the warmest winters in the entire Florida but is also prone to hurricanes.
Some Specific areas include;
- Okeechobee
- Glades and Hendry
Comprehensive Zoning information for Florida can be found here
Challenges of Grid Living in Florida
Some zoning laws require homes to be connected to public utilities
-
Rainwater harvesting may be affected by some restrictions on filtration and storage capacity requirements.
-
Florida experiences extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, flooding, and tropical storms, all of which can damage off-the-grid infrastructure.
-
High humidity in the coastal areas accompanied by salty conditions leads to rapid wear and tear of solar panels.
-
Rural areas that are ideal for off-grid living may lack proper infrastructure, such as roads and hospitals.
Tips for Choosing the Best Off-Grid Area;
-
Zoning Laws: Always be on the lookout for areas that have flexible or no zoning laws when it comes to off-the-grid living. These laws have a huge impact on the financial ability to make your desired changes.
-
Solar Potential: It is important to consider the ease of generating solar-powered energy in each area and its sustainability in the long run. A place like Okochobee has great solar power potential and should be considered.
-
Water Availability and Accessibility: Water is life, and we need it for drinking, hygiene, and food growth. An ideal area for off-the-grid living in Florida should have easy access to water. This water should be clean or easy to filter for consumption. A bonus is if it is from a natural source and not seasonal. Luckily, most of Florida has lakes and rivers, which ensure continuous access to water. Additionally, underground water is easy to access through digging wells.
-
Hurricane Threats: When planning for off-the-grid living, by all means, avoid the coastal area. This is the area most prone to hurricanes and the destruction of property. The ideal location would be the north and central regions where hurricane threats are minimal.
-
Community Support: If you are a person who values the community aspect, go for the areas that have higher populations and are also known to be community-oriented. Most rural areas have strong-knit communities that are welcoming and can make the transition to off-the-grid living very smooth.
-
Privacy: Not everyone prefers to be surrounded by people. Some plan for off-the-grid living to escape human interactions. If this is your case, consider locations that are not densely populated and where you can find the peace you desire.
Conclusion
Florida is a great place for off-the-grid living. The hot weather provides great potential for harnessing solar power energy, while the rivers, lakes, and underground water ensure that there is continuous water supply for all domestic needs. Zoning laws are easy to get by, and each area is unique in terms of its requirements, thus offering the flexibility of choosing which area to live in. There are thriving rural communities one can be part of and areas with minimal human population to offer maximum privacy. The proper infrastructure of public utilities has been laid out in most of the areas, though some areas allow one to be fully off the grid. The most important aspect of it all is that fresh organic food is available throughout the year.
