Florida’s Apartment Living Beginnings to the Present Day Multi Family Lifestyle.
Apartments began appearing in Florida in the early 20th century, particularly in urban centers like Miami and Tampa. As Florida’s population grew, especially during the 1920s land boom, so too did the need for higher-density housing.
By the 1940s and 1950s, Florida saw a substantial rise in apartment construction, often in the form of low-rise garden-style buildings that offered affordable, efficient housing for working families and retirees. These structures typically included one-story or two-story designs, often grouped around communal green spaces or pools.
From Small Units to Multi-Story Complexes in Florida
What began as modest, single-story apartment buildings in Florida eventually transformed into larger multi-building, multi-story complexes. As urbanization spread across cities like Orlando and Jacksonville, apartment developers began building three-story and higher complexes to maximize space and accommodate the influx of residents moving to Florida from other states.
By the 1980s and 1990s, many of these developments included amenities like fitness centers, gated entry, community centers, and on-site management offices. Today, Florida is home to thousands of modern multifamily developments, ranging from low-rise townhome-style units to mid- and high-rise towers.
Current Numbers of Multifamily Complexes in Florida Cities
As of the latest housing and construction data, Florida has seen tremendous growth in multifamily housing:
- Tampa: Over 1,200 multifamily complexes, with more under construction to meet housing demand driven by population growth and in-migration.
- Orlando: More than 1,000 multifamily housing communities, ranging from suburban garden-style apartments to urban high-rise developments.
- Jacksonville: Close to 900 multifamily complexes, particularly in the rapidly growing Southside and Riverside neighborhoods.
- Sarasota: Over 400 multifamily properties, with many luxury and senior-living communities near downtown and the coastline.
Statewide, Florida has an estimated 12,000+ multifamily complexes, serving millions of residents across metro and suburban areas.
Evolution of Language: From “Apartments” to “Multifamily Living”
The terminology used to describe these residential developments has evolved alongside architectural and demographic trends. While “apartments” is still a common term, developers, investors, and planners now often refer to these structures as “multifamily housing” or “multifamily residential” developments.
Alternative phrases and terms used in the industry and public discourse include:
- Multifamily homes
- Multifamily residences
- Multifamily structures
- Multifamily units
- Multifamily living spaces
- Residential communities
- Apartment communities
- Residential complexes
- Shared living developments
In written form, you may encounter variations in spelling:
- Multi-family (with hyphen)
- Multifamily (no hyphen, often used in professional/industry publications)
- Multi family (less common, informal or used in SEO contexts)
Each variant may be preferred depending on context—real estate listings may favor “multi-family homes,” while architectural reports and housing studies often use “multifamily residential.”
Ultimately in whatever way multi family, multi-family or multifamily is referenced, this is the expertise of WellTech Pest Solutions. WellTech has been serving property managers, leasing managers, leasing agents and maintenance managers in Florida for a decade. When it comes to pest removal, wildlife management and special services, we seek to be the best in the multifamily industry.
