DIY Builds
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“Going off-grid” – disconnecting from a utility power source and instead relying on alternative energy sources like solar power – is fully legal in Florida. But that comes with special caveats — if you do it the right way, with the proper planning and foresight, in most jurisdictions in the state.
Concrete Block/Landscape Blocks Concrete blocks or landscape blocks represent the most durable and secure means of filling the gap. Concrete blocks...
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The cost of furniture and similar personal property can always be depreciated—deducted a portion at a time—over five years. However, you also have...
Read More »“Going off-grid” – disconnecting from a utility power source and instead relying on alternative energy sources like solar power – is fully legal in Florida. But that comes with special caveats — if you do it the right way, with the proper planning and foresight, in most jurisdictions in the state. Every year, thousands of Floridians free themselves from the power grid, most commonly by installing a self-sufficient solar panel system to harness the natural power of the sun. Here, we’ll dive into the nitty-grityy – what going “off-grid” actually entails, what the Florida courts have said about it, the benefits of living off the grid, and how you can get started on your own project to disconnect.
Rhinoceros and Revit are programs with different properties. While Rhinoceros is a good option for modelling complex surfaces and geometries with...
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From experience, the simplest way to build shed bases on uneven ground it to use a foundation of blocks, ideally concrete. This way, to compensate...
Read More »“Regulates the minimum maintenance requirements for existing residential and commercial buildings. The IPMC is intended to establish minimum standards for basics such as structural conditions, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, and fire safety.” Florida jurisdictions at both the county level (Charlotte County) and the city level (Orlando) have adopted the IPMC as their standard property code. In these jurisdictions, the local authorities may pursue civil penalties against residents who go off-grid. So, in summary, here are a few points to consider about the legality of going off-grid in Florida: There are no current statewide laws outlawing going off the grid. The legal consequences (or lack thereof) vary on a location-by-location basis. Generally, rural, unincorporated areas are friendlier to off-grid living than larger urban centers. than larger urban centers. In many cases, you might be required to maintain a connection to the city/county utilities – but that doesn’t mean you have to use them . You can still install and run all or most of your power, for example, through a solar panel system. There is no law mandating citizens use local power supplies. . You can still install and run all or most of your power, for example, through a solar panel system. There is no law mandating citizens use local power supplies. Local law may require you to submit an application to get a permit for your alternative power system – which might include providing a schematic of your proposed project. (Compass Solar can help our customers with that).
It has both antiseptic and preservative properties. This stops termites, protects the wood, and the black color retains heat – useful when curing...
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the shamrock Although arguably not exactly a flower, the shamrock is a small clover which is now the national flower of Ireland. It came to be so...
Read More »By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition away from the public utilities to utilizing your own, self-sufficient means of energy generation: Relocate to a rural area. As we mentioned previously, zoning and regulatory laws are laxer in rural areas, generally, in comparison to towns and cities. Connect to the grid but don’t use their power. This can keep the authorities off of your back; you might be required (depending on your jurisdiction) to connect to the public utilities, but there’s no law anywhere in Florida mandating their use. For a legal way to get around compliance with local ordinances, perhaps consider living in an RV or houseboat. They are typically more difficult to connect to public utilities and may provide a viable legal pretext to ditch the grid altogether. When faced with legal issues, if possible, hire an attorney. A Florida real estate attorney specializes in defending property owners’ rights against aggressions by the state. This includes the ability to build alternative energy systems and, if desired, to discontinue use of the public utilities. If you’re looking to relocate to start your off-grid lifestyle, consider specific counties in the state that are friendliest for off-grid living (lax regulations/zoning laws, plenty of rural space, etc.). One Florida off-grid blogger identified the following counties as the best-suited for living off-grid: Collier County, Monroe County, Liberty County, Lake County, Escambia County, Broward County, Glades County, and Jackson County.
Tiny homes can last between 7-10 years depending on materials and regular maintenance. However, Park Model units last longer and are aesthetically...
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A shed can make a great addition to any backyard. Not only does it provide extra storage space, but it can also be used as a guest house, office,...
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Although white is one of the more popular vinyl fence colors, other options include tan, gray, wood grain, black and many other color combination...
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These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
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“Does a toilet need a vent?” And the answer is yes, your toilet has to have a vent. For more information on the great importance of plumbing vents,...
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