Mobile Home Tie-Down & Leveling FAQ

A retrofit brings an existing home’s anchoring system up to current Florida installation standards (Florida Administrative Code Rule 15C-1). It usually means new ground anchors, replacement of rusted, loose or missing straps, adding a longitudinal stabilizing system, and adding marriage-line ties on multi-section homes. More about tie-down retrofits.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles sets installation standards in Chapter 15C-1 of the Florida Administrative Code. Anchors, piers and tie-down components must be tested, listed and approved by the department and installed to the manufacturer’s instructions (Rule 15C-1.0102, F.A.C.). Anchor and tie-down requirements are in Rule 15C-1.0104, F.A.C.

Florida’s rule says diagonal tie-downs, in all wind zones, are spaced no farther apart than 5 feet 4 inches on center, with anchors placed within 2 feet of each end of the home. Your manufacturer’s setup manual may call for more (Rule 15C-1.0104, F.A.C.).

It’s a set of anchors and straps, or another approved device, that keeps the home from shifting along its length when wind hits the ends. Florida’s rule requires longitudinal tie-downs or an approved longitudinal stabilizing system on homes installed after the rule took effect, in addition to side-wall and marriage-wall anchoring. Many older installs never had them, so they’re one of the most common things we add.

Under HUD’s standards, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Miami-Dade, Franklin, Gulf, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Manatee, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota counties are in Wind Zone III. Every other Florida county is in Wind Zone II (24 CFR 3280.305). Your home’s data plate shows the zone it was designed for, and a home must not be installed in a wind zone higher than that (24 CFR 3285.103).

Florida requires anyone who installs a mobile home to hold a mobile home installer license from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (s. 320.8249, F.S.). “Installation” includes leveling, supporting, and installing foundation products, components and systems (s. 320.822, F.S.). Licensed installers must carry a performance bond and liability insurance. Our license number is IH 1126657.

Citizens Property Insurance states that if a policyholder refuses its mobile home tie-down inspection, the policy will be cancelled or non-renewed. If you get a notice, have us inspect and fix the tie-downs first. More on insurance tie-down inspections.

Florida law (s. 627.0629(7), F.S.) lets insurers offer a discount of up to 10% of the annual premium for a current inspection certifying tie-downs are properly installed and in good condition. Ask your agent what discounts they offer and what proof they accept.

FHA loans on existing manufactured homes require a foundation certification from a Florida-licensed engineer showing the home meets HUD’s Permanent Foundations Guide. VA and many conventional lenders commonly ask for a similar engineer’s letter. How we help with sales.

Common signs are doors that stick or won’t latch, windows that are hard to open, cracks in wall or ceiling panels, sloping or bouncy floors, gaps at the marriage line, and cabinets pulling away from the wall. More about releveling.

It depends on how far out of level the home is, how many piers, pads or shims need work, single- or multi-section construction, access under the home, and how many anchors and straps need replacing. We quote after a free inspection so the price fits your home.

Florida hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and once a storm is named, installers book up fast. The best time is before the season starts, and again after any storm that hits your area. Hurricane tie-down check.

Yes. The inspection is free, with no cost and no obligation. We check your tie-downs, piers and level and tell you what, if anything, your home needs. What’s included.

We’re Florida-based and serve all of Florida. See the areas we serve, or call (352) 339-3543 to schedule.