Florida is not an ideal place to live off the grid, mostly due to the high population density. Although there are a couple of areas where living off the grid in this state is relatively easy, and you will see that some counties can be excellent for off grid living. For the most part, if you want to live off the grid in Florida then you have to avoid at all costs the areas which are frequently visited by tourists.
The best places to live off the grid in Florida are the ones that are not so popular with tourists, as tourism drives up the price of land and the cost of living. Generally speaking, the best counties to live off the grid in Florida are Collier County, Monroe County, Liberty County, Lake County, Escambia County, Broward County, Glades County, and Jackson County.
Tourism is a vital part of Florida’s economy, but for people who want to live off the grid in this state, it simply means that the cost of living will be fairly high. Around 130 million tourists visit this state which drives up both the price of land and the cost of living. The good news is that most tourists stay in a couple of areas, and there are plenty of places where you can live off the grid without spending too much money.
The best part about living off the grid in Florida is definitely the climate, although if you are not familiar with the Florida summers then you will be in for a massive surprise. If you want more information about off grid living in Florida then check out my recent article Off grid living in Florida ( The Sunshine State ).
Best Places To Live Off The Grid In Florida
Florida presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for those looking to live off the grid. While the state is known for its sunny climate and abundant natural beauty, the hot and humid conditions can pose certain challenges for off-grid living. However, there are still some areas in Florida that are well-suited for self-sufficiency. The rural regions of North Florida, such as Liberty County and Madison County, offer a quieter pace of life and the possibility of sustainable agriculture.
The Ocala National Forest provides a tranquil setting with ample opportunities for living in harmony with nature. Additionally, the Florida Keys offer a unique off-grid living experience, with picturesque views and the opportunity to embrace a more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Collier County
Collier County is an excellent place if you want to live off the grid in the southern part of Florida. The population density is relatively low when compared to the neighboring counties, currently, there are around 330k people living in an area of 2,026 sq mi. The size of the county is relatively large, although for off grid living your best options will be in the eastern parts of the county. For the most part, if you are going to live off the grid in this state you will be using composting toilets, for more information check out my recent article What states allow composting toilets? ( Top 8 States ).
Monroe County
Monroe County is located on the southern tip of Florida, although not as good for off grid living as the northern counties but it is still one of the better ones in the south. Monroe County is right next to Miami-Dade County, and the big difference between the two is the population density. Currently, there are around 74k people living in an area of 997 sq mi. This means that the price of property and the cost of living is one of the lowest in the southern parts of Florida.
Liberty County
Liberty County is located in the northwestern part of the state, and this is probably the best place to live off the grid in the entire state of Florida. Due to its unique geographical position Liberty County, has a favorable climate for growing crops and the summers are not that hot as in the southern parts of the state. Currently, there are around 8.5k people living in an area of 836 sq mi, which means that the price of land and property is one of the lowest in the entire state.
Lake County
Lake County is located in the central part of Florida, although this county doesn’t have access to the ocean, but it has plenty of lakes. Lake County is an ideal place for off grid living as it has plenty of natural resources, and the population density is relatively low for this area of the state. Currently, there are around 300k people living in an area of 953 sq mi, so you will have no problem finding suitable land for off grid living. A lot of people move from California to Florida, for more information check out my recent article Best places to move from California ( Top 7 ).
Escambia County
Escambia County is located in the western part of Florida, and this is an excellent place for people who want to live off the grid but do not want to face the extremely hot Florida summers. For the most part, Escambia County has a somewhat colder climate than southern Florida, but it is still hot. Currently, there are around 300k people living in an area of 664 sq mi, your best options for living off the grid in this county will be in the northern parts.
Broward County
Broward County has one of the highest population densities in the entire state, and you might think that this is not a good place for off grid living. The truth is that most of the population lives near the coast and you will have no problem finding suitable land for off grid living in the western parts of the county. Currently, there are around 1,7 million people living in an area of 1,209 sq mi which means that the cost of living is somewhat higher than Florida’s average.
Glades County
Glades County is located in the southern part of Florida, although it does not have access to the ocean. This is the home of the Florida Everglades, and a lot of people do choose to live off the grid in this county. Due to the low population density, the price of land is dirt cheap, although not all lands in Glades County are good for off grid living. Currently, there are around 13k people living in an area of 774 sq mi, just make sure to study the Florida Everglades before you move here as there is a lot you don’t know about the county.
Jackson County
Jackson County is located in the northwestern part of the state, and this is an excellent place for off grid living. The climate is still hot, although not as unbearable as in the southern part of Florida. Currently, there are around 50k people living in an area of 916 sq mi, and your best options for off grid living in this county will be in the northern parts. The cost of living and the price of land is below Florida’s median average which is a big plus.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s abundance of sunshine makes it an ideal location for off-grid living, as solar energy can be harnessed for power generation. The state’s favorable climate also allows for year-round gardening, making it easier to sustain a self-sufficient lifestyle.
- With its extensive coastline and numerous lakes, rivers, and springs, Florida offers ample access to water sources. This enables off-grid residents to collect rainwater, practice sustainable irrigation, and potentially explore hydroelectric power generation.
- With its extensive coastline and numerous lakes, rivers, and springs, Florida offers ample access to water sources. This enables off-grid residents to collect rainwater, practice sFlorida is home to a number of off-grid communities and like-minded individuals who embrace sustainable living practices. These communities provide a supportive network for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences, making the transition to off-grid living smoother and more enjoyable.ustainable irrigation, and potentially explore hydroelectric power generation.