How Much Does a Boxabl Really Cost in Florida? Unit Price vs Reality

Boxabl has generated enormous attention for its compact, factory-built homes and their advertised low price. Many Florida homeowners researching ADUs eventually ask the same question:

How much does a Boxabl actually cost in Florida — fully installed and permitted?

The short answer: the advertised unit price is only part of the story. For most homeowners, the total installed cost in Florida is significantly higher than the base price alone suggests.

This article breaks down the real costs Florida homeowners should understand before making a decision.

The Advertised Boxabl Price

Boxabl is commonly marketed with a base unit price that appears far lower than traditional construction.

That price typically includes:

• The factory-built unit itself

It usually does not include:

• Site work

• Permits

• Utilities

• Foundation

• Delivery or crane placement

• Local inspections or compliance costs

For Florida homeowners, these additional items are essential — and unavoidable.

The Real Costs to Install a Boxabl in Florida

Below are the major cost categories that typically apply when installing a Boxabl as an ADU in Florida.

1. Transportation & Delivery

Florida installations often require:

• Long-distance shipping

• Specialized transport coordination

• Careful scheduling based on site access

Costs depend on:

• Distance

• Property access

• Local road and neighborhood constraints

Delivery is a necessary step and can vary widely based on location.

2. Crane & Placement Costs

Most Boxabl installations require a crane to place the unit on a prepared site.

Costs depend on:

• Crane size

• Duration of the lift

• Site accessibility

• Local labor rates

In many Florida neighborhoods, trees, power lines, or narrow access can increase complexity.

3. Foundation & Site Work (A Major Cost Driver)

Florida jurisdictions typically require ADUs to:

• Be permanently attached to a foundation

• Meet Florida Building Code standards

• Comply with local soil, elevation, and flood-zone requirements

Foundation and site preparation costs can be substantial and are often underestimated when looking only at the unit price.

4. Utility Connections

Most Florida municipalities require permanent connections for:

• Sewer or septic

• Water

• Electrical

• Sometimes separate metering

Utility costs vary depending on:

• Distance from the primary home

• Existing infrastructure

• Local utility requirements

These costs are highly site-specific and frequently overlooked early on.

5. Permits, Engineering & Plan Review

Florida does not have a single statewide ADU approval process.

Homeowners may encounter costs related to:

• Permit fees

• Plan review fees

• Engineering documentation

• Re-submittals if plans require revisions

Delays during permitting can also increase coordination and holding costs.

6. Final Work & Site Restoration

After installation, additional work is often required:

• Stairs, ramps, or walkways

• Landscaping or fence restoration

• Driveway or yard repair

• Final inspections and approvals

These finishing items are rarely reflected in advertised pricing.

Why Total Cost in Florida Is Often Higher Than Expected

Florida’s construction environment adds layers of complexity, including:

• Strict building code enforcement

• Local zoning interpretation

• Wind-load and flood-zone requirements

• Weather-related scheduling constraints

When all costs are considered together, the total installed cost of a Boxabl in Florida is often far higher than the base unit price alone implies.

These additional costs are not unique to Boxabl — they apply to most ADU projects in Florida — but they are often not reflected in advertised unit prices.

Modular ADUs built for Florida requirements

That distinction is critical for homeowners evaluating different housing options.

Is a Boxabl Ever the Right Choice in Florida?

In some situations, a Boxabl may be feasible:

• Properties with excellent access

• Jurisdictions familiar with alternative housing

• Owners comfortable navigating permitting uncertainty

However, many homeowners prioritize:

• Cost predictability

• Clear permitting pathways

• Faster timelines to occupancy

Understanding the full cost picture upfront helps set realistic expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Boxabl unit price is only the starting point.
For Florida homeowners, the real question isn’t:

“How much does the unit cost?”

It’s:

“What will this cost me once it’s permitted, installed, and ready to use?”

Looking beyond the advertised price — and accounting for Florida’s real construction requirements — is essential to making an informed decision.