Below is an overview of the main rules and regulations around using a shipping container on your land for storage or work in the state of Florida. We are by no means authorities in this regard, so we encourage you to do your own research. If you would like to contribute any of your knowledge in this field to this article, please contact us.
Generally, shipping containers that are used for the storage of equipment and objects are considered as 'equipment', not 'structures' under national regulations. This means that shipping containers for storage do not come under the guidelines of the International Building Codes, which makes life much easier.
Technically speaking, a shipping container that is used for storage is first categorized as a portable storage unit used for the shipping and/or storage and transportation of materials, inventory, or products, and is then constructed. It should be placed directly on the ground without a foundation, have no wheels or axle, and have no utilities connected to it.
If the shipping container is to be fixed permanently to footings or foundations, this may change its classification away from equipment to a structure, and permits might be required depending on which area of the country you live in. There are also certain cities, depending on the intended use and specific location, that may require permits to be used, even if the shipping container is only to be used for storage.
Before buying, renting, or putting a shipping container on your land, it is always a good idea to talk to your local building or planning department to understand what the restrictions might be in your area. Like many things in this country, regulations and guidelines are set on a State, County or City level and do vary.
State of Florida:
Jacksonville: Jacksonville has no specific rules for or against the use of shipping containers as storage, however a permit might be required depending on zoning. Contact the Planning and Development Department in advance. Generally, permits are not required on commercial/industrial zoning and active construction sites. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations.
Miami-Dade County: Shipping containers for permanent storage are allowed in commercial and industrial zones. However, they must be placed on the side of a building not visible from the street. They must be painted the same color as the building. A limit of one container per 10 acres of parcel applies, up to a maximum of five containers and a Zoning Improvement Permit (ZIP) is required for each container. Contact the Miami-Dade County Building Department for further details. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.
Central Florida (Polk County): Polk County allows shipping containers for permanent storage on most residential, commercial, industrial, and rural zones. Contact Polk County Building Department for details as you might be required to get a permit depending on the intended duration of use. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.
Tampa: Tampa has no specific rules for or against the use of shipping containers as storage. However, it is recommended you contact the Construction Services prior to installation. Tampa states that all accessory buildings in non-residential zones are limited to one per lot and must be anchored in a way that is approved by the building department. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.
Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale has no specific rules for or against the use of shipping containers as storage. However, it is recommended that you contact Building Services prior to installation. Fort Lauderdale states that all accessory buildings in non-residential zones are limited to one per lot and must be anchored in a way that is approved by the building department. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.