What Makes a House Plan Work in Southwest Florida

If you're planning to build in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral or anywhere else in Southwest Florida, a house plan drawn for a different climate won't live the same way here. Every A2D plan started as a home that was actually built in Florida, so the features below come from houses people live in today, not concept drawings.

Here's what to look for, with real plans from our catalog as examples.

1. Treat the lanai like a room, not an afterthought

In Southwest Florida, the covered, screened lanai is where a lot of everyday life happens. When you compare plans, look at the lanai's square footage the way you'd look at a family room, and notice how it connects to the kitchen and main living area.

Plan F1-4231 is a 4,231 sq ft Mediterranean home with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Its 1,141 sq ft rear lanai is covered and screened, with an outdoor kitchen.

Plan G1-4184 takes it further: a 4,184 sq ft French Country home with 5 bedrooms, a bonus room, a wet bar and a 1,420 sq ft covered, screened lanai with an outdoor kitchen.

2. Plan the outdoor kitchen from the start

An outdoor kitchen is far easier to get right on paper than to add later. Many of our larger plans put one right on the lanai, so cooking, dining and the pool area work as one space.

Plan G1-2792 is a British West Indies home, 87 ft 2 in wide, with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a study in 2,792 sq ft. The 992 sq ft rear lanai is covered and screened, with an outdoor kitchen.

3. Split bedrooms for privacy

A split-bedroom layout puts the primary suite on one side of the house and the other bedrooms on the other. It's a favorite for families, for hosting guests and for anyone who wants a quiet primary suite.

Plan G1-1380 shows it works in a smaller home too: 1,380 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a primary suite separate from the other bedrooms, vaulted or coffered ceilings in the great room and dining area, and a 205 sq ft covered, screened lanai.

4. One story, or go up when the lot is tight

Most of our plans are single-story, which suits how a lot of Florida buyers want to live. When a lot is narrow, though, going up can be the better answer.

Plan G2-2122 is a two-story Craftsman just 19 ft 10 in wide, with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a loft, a balcony and a rear-entry 2-car garage in 2,122 sq ft. See more in our narrow-lot and smaller house plans.

5. Start with your lot, then pick the plan

Before you fall for a floor plan, check it against your lot:

• Width and depth: compare the plan's footprint with your lot's buildable area after setbacks.

• Flood zone: some lots call for an elevated design with the garage underneath. Browse our elevated house plans.

• Style: see our coastal and British West Indies plans and modern plans.

Our guide to choosing a house plan for a Southwest Florida lot walks through this step by step.

What every plan still needs locally

A plan that was built in Florida is a strong starting point, but every lot is different. Your builder will still need local engineering and permits for your specific site and county, so bring them into the conversation early.

Through December 31, 2026, get 25% off any plan with code OPEN25.

Frequently asked questions

How big should a lanai be in a Florida house plan?

There's no single right size. Compare it with your main living area and think about how you'll use it. In the plans above, covered lanais range from 205 sq ft (G1-1380) to 1,420 sq ft (G1-4184).

Are A2D house plans designed for Florida?

Yes. Every A2D plan is based on a home that was actually built in Florida. Your builder will still need local engineering and permits for your lot.

Do you have house plans for narrow lots?

Yes. See our narrow-lot and smaller house plans, including two-story designs like G2-2122 at just under 20 ft wide.

Where do I start if I already own a lot?

Start with our Southwest Florida lot guide, then narrow the catalog by your lot's width and depth.