Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation?

The Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation (FMHRC) is a public corporation that was formed in 2001 by an act of the Florida Legislature, which also created the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Trust Fund (Trust Fund). The statutes governing the FMHRC and the Trust Fund are Sections 723.0611, 723.06115, 723.06116 and 723.0612, Florida Statutes. The Legislature established the Trust Fund to provide a source of funds to compensate eligible manufactured home owners who are displaced when their manufactured home communities close due to a change in the use of the land. In order to apply to FMHRC for compensation, a homeowner must complete an application and all other required documents, and submit them to the FMHRC staff to be reviewed for completion and then forwarded to the Board of Directors for posssible approval.

Who is on the FMHRC Board?

The FMHRC is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, made up of 6 members, with 3 members nominated by the largest non-profit association representing manufactured home owners in Florida, and 3 members nominated by the largest non-profit association representing manufactured home community owners in Florida. The makeup of the Board is designed to give both homeowners and community owners equal representation. The members of the Board are appointed to staggered 3 year terms by the Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) from the nominations submitted by the associations.

Where does the money in the Trust Fund come from?

The Trust Fund was initially funded by a one-time General Revenue expenditure by the Legislature. Currently, the Trust Fund receives revenue from three sources:

  • A $1 annual surcharge on the decal fee each mobile home owner pays to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • A $1 annual surcharge per home site, paid by mobile home community owners to DBPR.
  • Direct payments from community owners who are closing their community.

The Board and Executive Director strives each year to keep administrative expenses low in order to maximize the amount of money they are able to provide to displaced homeowners.

Who can apply for money from the trust fund?

Any homeowner who owns a manufactured home in a Chapter 723 park and leases the land can apply (For more information on Chapter 723 parks, contact DBPR at (850) 488-1122). The homeowner must have received a six-month (or longer) change in land use eviction notice from their community owner to include as part of their application to FMHRC. The home must be a manufactured home, (applications for park models, travel trailers, motor homes, etc. will be administratively denied as they are not eligible for assistance per Chapter 723, FS). Once an eviction notice is received, the homeowner can apply for either relocation or abandonment.

Who is not eligible to receive money from the trust fund?

  • A home owner whose park is not registered as a Chapter 723 park with DBPR.
  • An individual who rents the home (does not own).
  • Those who are involved in litigation against their park owner or the Corporation relating to the change in land use unless they file a notice of voluntary dismissal with prejudice.
  • Home owners who have accepted compensation from their park owner for relocating to another space in the mobile home park or to another mobile home park.
  • Home owners who have been evicted, with a Writ of Possession by the court for non-payment of rent.
  • A home owner who gave notice that they were vacating the park before receipt of the notice of change in land use.

What constitutes a change in land use?

A change from a manufactured home community to any other use, including vacant property.

Once I have my notice of change in land use, how long do I have
to pay rent?

Home owners are responsible for rent as long as they remain in the park. FMHRC recommends paying rent until you have either relocated or abandoned your home and your application has been approved by the Board.

When can I file an application with the FMHRC?

You may apply any time after you receive the eviction notice for change in land use, even if you have not relocated or abandoned the home yet. However, FMHRC will not release the relocation or abandonment funds until the home has been relocated or abandoned.

How long does an applicant have after expiration of their notice of eviction due to a change of land use to apply for assistance from the FMHRC?

An applicant has 1 year after the expiration of their notice of eviction due to change in the use of the land to apply for assistance from the FMHRC. If the applicant is a participant in a legal action based on the change in the use of the land against the mobile home park owner and the claim is subsequently dismissed, then the applicant shall have 2 years after the expiration of the notice of eviction due to a change in the use of the land within which to apply for assistance from the Corporation.

What is the relocation option and upon approval, what is the
home owner eligible for?

Relocation is relocating the home to a new location within a 50-mile radius. Upon approval, a home owner is entitled to actual moving expenses of relocating the mobile home $3,000 for a single-section home and $6,000 for a multi-section home.

What if I have a place to move my home to but it is over the
50-mile limit?

You can still apply but we will need a breakout of the mileage cost from your mover. FMHRC will cover the first 50 miles. Any additional mileage would be the responsibility of the home owner.

What Relocation Costs are reimbursable by FMHRC?

As part of the maximum allowable relocation payment, FMHRC will cover the cost of the following:

  • Disassembly of: awnings, skirting, air conditioners, sheds, porches/steps and carports.
  • Transportation of the above for the first 50 miles.
  • Setting up and installation of the above at the new location (no new materials or construction).
  • Hookup of gas, electric, and telephone (no cable).
  • Cost of storage of furnishings up to 30 days not to exceed $100.
  • Cost of moving carports, screens, etc (only existing structures).
  • Breakdown, transport (including escorts if needed) and setup to state code for the manufactured home.

FMHRC will not cover the cost of the following:

  • Permits and State/County Decals.
  • New skirting.
  • Any new materials used by installer other than those required to meet 15C Code.
  • Concrete Work.
  • Lodging.

NOTE: Work must be performed by a licensed Florida Mobile Home Installer. It is the homeowner's responsibility to contact an installer and get the required paperwork filled out. For a list of license installers contact DMV at 850-617-3004.

Does FMHRC have a list of installers that I have to use?

No. All that is required is that you use a licensed Florida Mobile Home Installer. It is the home owner's responsibility to contact a mover and get the required paperwork filled out.

If I want to file for Relocation, what are the forms that I need
to complete?

You will need the following forms:

  • Form 1001: Home Owner Application for Payment of Relocation Expenses.
  • Form 1007: Installer's Form.
  • Form 1008: Acknowledgment of Non-Participation/Non-Acceptance.

In addition to completing the forms, you will need to attach:

  • A copy of the six-month notice of change in land use. If your name is not on the notice, please attach a letter of explanation.
  • A copy of your title to the home. If the home is a doublewide, you will need copies of both titles. If a triplewide, copies of all three titles.
  • A copy of the signed contract/proposal with your installer.

It is important to note that incomplete applications will be administratively denied and returned to the applicant requesting additional information.

Below are some items to watch for while completing the relocation paperwork:

  • Make sure to fill out the application completely, particularly the two questions at the bottom (please answer yes or no) and sign it. Do not leave anything blank.
  • Make sure that your name is on your eviction notice. If you bought the home from someone else and the previous owner received the notice, or if you had a renter occupying the home, please attach an explanation for the Board as to why the name on the notice is different than the applicant name.
  • The titles must be in the applicant's name and copies should be attached.
  • Form 1007: Installer's Form must be completely filled out and signed by the home owner and the installer. Section 12 must have a breakout of the total moving cost. The Board must be able to determine how much of the total cost is attributed to setup, breakdown and transport. This information should be provided by your mover. Your application will be returned if you do not complete this section accurately.
  • Attach a copy of the contract/proposal from your mover. Indicate whether FMHRC is to pay the mover directly or if we are to reimburse the home owner.
  • Form 1008 should be completed and signed. Make sure that you list the name of the park owner where indicated.

If my relocation application is complete and goes before the
Board, how will I be notified of the status?

Applicants are notified by mail within one week of the Board meeting on the status of their application. If approved, home owners will receive a voucher made out in their name or in the mover's name (depending on what was specified in the contract) requiring the home owner's signature upon completion of the move.

When do I sign the voucher and send it back to FMHRC?

Home owners should sign off on the voucher only when the move has been completed satisfactorily. FMHRC will not release the relocation funds until the signed voucher is received in the office.

I received Form 1003: Installer Voucher. Once I sign this and
return it to FMHRC, what happens next?

Upon receipt of the signed voucher, FMHRC will issue a check and send it certified mail to the installer.

I received Form 1004: Homeowner Voucher and it says to include proof of payment. What does this mean?

In order to reimburse the homeowner, FMHRC needs proof that the installer has been paid. You can send in a copy of a cancelled check or a receipt from the installer marked 'paid'.

What is the abandonment option and upon approval, what is the
home owner eligible for?

In lieu of filing for relocation, a home owner may abandon the mobile home in the park. The home owner must be able to deliver the current title to the park owner, duly endorsed by the owner of record and valid releases of all liens shown on the title. The owner of a singlewide will be eligible for $1,375 and the owner of a multisection will be eligible for $2,750 in abandonment money from the Corporation.

If I want to file for Abandonment, what are the forms that I need
to complete?

You will need the following forms:

  • Form 1002: Application for Payment for Abandoned Mobile Home.
  • Form 1008: Acknowledgment of Non-Participation/Non-Acceptance.
  • Form 1009: Acknowledgment by Park Owner When a Home is Abandoned.

In addition to completing the forms you will need to attach:

  • A copy of the six-month notice of change in land use. If your name is not on the notice, please attach a letter of explanation.
  • A copy of your title to the home, duly endorsed to the park owner and satisfaction of any liens on the title. If the home is a doublewide, you will need copies of both titles. If a triplewide, copies of all three titles.

It is important to note that incomplete applications will be administratively denied and returned to the applicant requesting additional information.

Below are some items to watch for while completing the abandonment paperwork:

  • Make sure to fill out the application completely, particularly the two questions at the bottom (please answer yes or no) and sign it. Do not leave anything blank.
  • Make sure that your name is on your eviction notice. If you bought the home from someone else and the previous owner received the notice, or if a renter was occupying the home, please attach an explanation for the Board as to why the name on the notice is different than the applicant name.
  • The title(s) must be in the applicant's name, have the "HS" designation under "body type" and should be duly endorsed and a copy attached (duly endorsed means that the applicant signs the title as the seller and prints the park owner's name as the purchaser). This is very important - your application will be returned if your title is not properly endorsed.
  • Form 1008 should be completed and signed. Make sure that you list the name of the park owner where indicated.
  • Form 1009 should be completed and signed. You must select one box from Section 2. If you check the first box, then the park owner's signature should appear. If the second box is checked, you must indicate the date and person that you tried to contact. It is important that the Board verify an attempt was made on the applicant's part to obtain signature.

I cannot contact my park owner or he/she will not sign Form 1009.
Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply. You will need to check the second box on section 2 and complete the pertinent information. The Board needs to be able to verify that you attempted to obtain the park owner's signature. If you cannot obtain the signature, it does not hinder your eligibility.

Can I file for abandonment even though I still owe money on
my home?

FMHRC cannot approve an abandonment application if a lien is shown on the title. Valid releases of all liens must be shown on the title before an abandonment application can go before the Board.

If my abandonment application is complete and goes before
the Board, how will I be notified?

Applicants are notified by mail within one week of the Board meeting on the status of their application. If approved, home owners will receive Form 1010: Abandonment Acknowledgment requiring their notarized signature and original title (duly endorsed to the park owner) upon abandonment of the home.

I received my approval letter for abandonment and it asks that I have
it notarized and send it back with my original title. What if I
have already delivered my title to the park owner?

Please indicate at the bottom of Form 1010 when you delivered the original title and to whom it was given.

What happens once you receive my Abandonment Acknowledgment
Form and my original title?

Once FMHRC receives the notarized form and the original title, we issue a check to the homeowner and send it certified mail to the new mailing address provided on the form. FMHRC sends the original title to the park owner with an invoice.

Can I file a grievance if I am dissatisfied with a decision of the FMHRC Board?

Any applicant for payment or compensation from the Corporation who is dissatisfied with the decision FMHRC Board may file a grievance with a committee appointed to hear such grievances. The grievance committee shall be comprised of a panel of 4 members, 2 of whom are appointed by the largest non-profit association representing mobile home owners in this state, and 2 of whom are appointed by the largest non-profit association representing mobile home park owners. The grievance committee shall not include any current members of the Corporation's board of directors. Anyone interested in filing a grievance should refer to FMHRC Rule 61M-1.008.

When must a grievance be filed?

All grievances must be filed in writing within 30 days of notification of the action from which the grievance arose and considered by the grievance committee within 45 days of receipt of all required information.

Must grievances be in writing?

ll grievances must be submitted in writing to the FMHRC. Upon receipt of the written grievance, the Corporation shall forward the grievance to the grievance committee.

What information must be included in the written grievance?

The written grievance shall include the following information:

  • The date of the adverse determination upon which the grievance is based; and
  • A detailed description of the facts and circumstances complained of; and
  • The desired relief sought; and
  • Supporting documentation.

What happens after I file my grievance?

The grievance committee will consider the grievance and make a recommendation to the FMHRC Board, which will make a final decision regarding the grievance.

Where can I find more information regarding the operations of the FMHRC?

The FMHRC's Rules are contained at 61M-1.001 through 61M-1.008.

Contact

::: Contact FMHRC at:

400 Capital Circle SE, Suite 18155 Tallahassee, FL 32301 Number: (888) 320-0322 Fax Number: (727) 754-4996

News

The regular public meeting will be held on Friday, Mar 8th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. via-Zoom or Telephone. To attend the meeting by telephone toll-free, please call (888) 475-4499 US or (855) 703-8985 Canada and enter meeting ID 429 115 1196 and pass code 412913 when prompted. To join by Zoom Meeting: Click Here All materials must be received by Friday, Feb 23rd, 2024 in order to be reviewed at the regular meeting.

Online Forms

::: Claim Documents

Click the link below for all forms required by the FMHRC to process a claim. All forms are in Adobe Acrobat PDF or Microsoft Word Formats

For questions or more information, please contact us at 888-320-0322.