BreakThru Realty

Guide

Buying a Mixed Use Property in Florida

A mixed use building combines two kinds of income, usually storefronts below and apartments or offices above, and two sets of rules. Confirm the zoning allows each use, read each kind of lease under its own law, and ask lenders how they will treat the mix before you sign.

Ask a Commercial Specialist · (786) 914-1017

BreakThru Realty · Founder and Broker of Record: Tyson E. Sam, Florida License 3565210

Zoning for Each Use

Confirm that each use is permitted, not just the building, and whether any is legally nonconforming and would be lost if it stopped or the building were damaged. Ask about parking requirements for each use.

Two Kinds of Leases

Commercial leases are largely governed by their own terms; residential leases follow Florida's landlord and tenant law on deposits, notices and evictions. Read both sets, collect estoppels, and check that the residential units are lawful units with certificates of occupancy.

Expenses and Separate Meters

Find out which utilities are separately metered, how common costs are split between the uses, and what the commercial tenants repay. Underwrite reassessed property taxes and current insurance quotes, which can differ by use.

Building Codes and Condition

Mixed buildings must separate uses for fire safety, and older buildings may have upper floors that do not meet current codes for their use. Inspect the systems, the fire separation and the exits.

Financing the Mix

Lenders often classify a mixed use building by the share of income from each use, which decides whether a residential or commercial loan applies. Ask lenders early how they will treat the building.

See the Listings

Ask a Commercial Specialist

Call or text (786) 914-1017 or email sales@breakthrurealty.com. A licensed BreakThru Realty agent follows up within one business day.

Own a Mixed Use Building?

Mixed use buyers value the combination: storefront income below, residential or office rent above, and the zoning that allows both. A broker can review your building against the requirements of investors and owner users working with BreakThru Realty and show how each part of the income is presented to them.

Before you list, a broker reviews what you own, the market around it and whether an existing buyer's requirements match. If none does, you see how we would position it to reach other qualified buyers.

Find Out If We Have Your Buyer · Discuss Selling With BreakThru Realty

A potential match is a conversation, not an offer, until the buyer sees your property and makes one. No buyer is named and nothing about your property or business is shared until you decide to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a legal nonconforming use?
A use that was allowed when it began but is not allowed by current zoning. It can usually continue, but may be lost if it stops for a period or the building is substantially damaged.
Are residential tenants in a mixed use building protected by Florida law?
Yes. Florida's residential landlord and tenant law applies to the apartments regardless of the commercial space below.
How do lenders finance mixed use buildings?
Often by the share of income or space in each use. Ask lenders before you sign which loan applies to the building.

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