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Alt-text: View of a neighborhood in Florida.
Florida's unique home architecture styles tell a story of history, climate, and culture. This comprehensive
guide will explore distinctive architectural styles that have left an indelible mark on the Sunshine State.
Mediterranean Revival
Amid a tourism boom, architects sought to capture the romance of Mediterranean coastal villas. This
style's origin lies in a desire to infuse a touch of European sophistication into Florida's tropical
landscape.
Stucco exteriors, designed to withstand the state's humidity, provide a timeless charm. However, the
iconic red-tiled roofs steal the show, echoing the terracotta tiles of the Mediterranean while offering
practicality in the face of relentless sunshine and rain. Additionally, arched doorways and wrought-iron
details further evoke the ambiance of the Mediterranean coast, inviting a sense of warmth and
hospitality.
Overall, the Sunshine State is dotted with iconic examples of Mediterranean Revival homes that
transport you to a European reverie. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, reminiscent of an
Italian villa, is a prime illustration of this style. Meanwhile, the Alcazar Hotel in St. Augustine captures
the eclectic nature of Mediterranean Revival in the state's historical architecture.
When you arrive in Florida, you will notice Mediterranean accents in homes.
Alt-text: Close-up of a small building, one example of Florida’s unique home architecture styles.
Art Deco
With distinctive and glamorous characteristics, Art Deco brings a touch of Jazz Age splendor to Florida.
Geometric shapes, streamlined curves, and angular forms characterize the modernity of the era.
Additionally, pastel colors, evoking the soft hues of Miami's sunsets, adorn facades, infusing them with a
playful yet elegant charm.
Venture to Miami Beach's South Beach and enter a living museum of Art Deco treasures. Ocean Drive,
lined with neon-lit, pastel-hued hotels and restaurants, transports visitors to the heyday of Art Deco's
popularity. The Colony Hotel and the historic Avalon Hotel are just two examples of the Art Deco style in
the Sunshine State.
Furthermore, north in Miami, the Olympia Theater dazzles with its terra cotta facade and gorgeous
interior. Coral Gables boasts the Biltmore Hotel, a sprawling Art Deco landmark renowned for its beauty
and grandeur.
Cracker-style Architecture
These humble homes were essential to the state's early settlers, earning their name from the distinctive
"crack" of a whip herding cattle. Cracker-style homes are notable for their simplicity and functionality. If
you decide to move to one of these historic homes, AmeriSafe Moving Services can make your move
effortless. Professionals who will carefully transport your things into your historic home are worth
looking for.
Notable Cracker-style homes, like the authentically restored Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, stand as
living testaments to the past. The Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science showcases the
beautifully restored Windover Archaeological Site, a prime example of Cracker-style architecture that
houses remarkable archaeological finds.
Preservationists and historians recognize the value of protecting Florida's unique home architecture
styles. Cracker-style architecture is a living link to the state's pioneer spirit. Also, it connects the modern
state to its beginnings and highlights the importance of preserving the past to understand the present.
Florida Vernacular
Next, this style emerged as a response to the challenges posed by Florida's subtropical environment. At
its core, Florida Vernacular is all about functionality. Raised foundations, a hallmark of this style, protect
homes from flooding during the frequent heavy rains. Wide, welcoming wraparound porches provide
much-needed shade and allow for comfortable outdoor living, fostering a connection to the lush
surroundings.
In the 21st century, Florida Vernacular has experienced a renaissance in contemporary architecture.
Architects and homeowners are rediscovering the value of its practicality and charm. Modern
interpretations often blend traditional elements with sustainable features, creating eco-friendly homes
that respect the environment while paying homage to the past.
Homes with large windows strategically positioned for natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting
systems have become emblematic of this revival. Its revival in modern architecture pays homage to
tradition and recognizes its principles' enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Local organizations and residents have preserved Florida's unique home architecture styles.
Alt-text: A small, yellow house in Florida.
Key West Style
This style, rooted in the 19th century, emerged as a response to the tropical climate, hurricanes, and the
maritime industry that defined the region. One cannot mistake the distinctive features of Key West-style
homes. Wooden siding, often painted in pastel hues, conjures visions of Caribbean tranquility. But the
intricate gingerbread trim, with its delicate scrollwork and lacy detailing, truly sets these homes apart,
adding a touch of whimsy to the tropical landscape.
With this in mind, as you wander through the streets of Key West, you'll encounter notable Key West-
style homes. The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, with its charming white picket fence and classic
design, showcases the timeless appeal of this architecture. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum,
boasting Key West-style elements, is a literary and architectural gem.
However, Key West-style architecture's enduring allure lies in its aesthetic charm and its ability to
harmonize with the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Overall, these homes capture the essence of
island living, creating a sense of serenity and escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Mid-Century Modern
These homes are immediately recognizable by their clean lines, flat planes, and large windows that blur
the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. However, these features were not just design
choices but a reflection of the optimism and a desire to embrace nature that defined the era.
In recent years, preservation and restoration efforts for Mid-Century modern homes have gained
momentum. Architects, historians, and homeowners recognize these homes' historical and architectural
significance and are working diligently to preserve their unique charm. Organizations dedicated to
preserving this style have sprung up across the state, ensuring these homes continue to thrive.
As a result, Mid-Century modern homes offer a delightful bridge to the past while their timeless design
principles remain fresh and appealing to contemporary sensibilities. The clean lines, open spaces, and
connection to nature that define this style continue to inspire architects and homeowners, making Mid-
Century.
Colonial Revival
Characteristics of this style are architectural elements that echo the grandeur of America's colonial
period. Majestic columns, often in the form of Doric or Ionic orders, grace the facades of Colonial Revival
homes. Additionally, evenly spaced windows and a central entryway embody this style's sense of order
and balance.
The Sunshine State boasts an array of iconic Colonial Revival homes and neighborhoods that transport
residents and visitors to a bygone era. St. Augustine's Flagler College, once the Ponce de Leon Hotel,
showcases the elegance of this style with its ornate detailing and stately columns. Similarly, in Tampa's
Hyde Park neighborhood, Bayshore Boulevard has grand Colonial Revival residences, each exuding
timeless charm.
If you are looking to move to this state, be prepared for the unique homes of this area, as architects and
homeowners continue to embrace the style even today. Before you move to Florida, you can rent
temporary housing to get to know the area better. Later on, long-distance movers in Florida can help
you relocate to your new, classical home. Your new home will be historic yet timelessly beautiful.
In the Sunshine State, it's easy to find modern and classic houses in the same neighborhoods.
Alt-text: A classic house on the beach in front of modern buildings.
Final Thoughts on Florida's Unique Home Architecture Styles
These architectural styles define the state's visual identity and serve as a testament to its resilience and
adaptability. Once you find a home in Florida, you’ll see they are living links to the past, connecting us to
the pioneers and visionaries who shaped this remarkable state. As we've explored Florida's unique
home architecture styles, we've witnessed their enduring influence on contemporary architecture and
their continued relevance. It reminds us that the past can inform the present and that some things
remain timeless in the Sunshine State.
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Discover Florida's unique home architecture styles – from Mediterranean Revival to Colonial Revival – in
our captivating guide.
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Florida's Unique Home Architecture Styles
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