5 Things We Learned Starting a Florida Homestead

By The Florida Homesteader

When we began this journey, we knew it wouldn’t all come together overnight. From building fences to raising animals and figuring out how to garden in the Florida heat, we’ve learned a lot—and we’re still learning. Here are five big takeaways we think every new Florida homesteader should know.

1. Start Small (Even When You’re Dreaming Big)

It’s tempting to want it all—chickens, cows, a garden bursting with food, and a fully stocked pantry. But we’ve learned that homesteading is a journey, not a sprint. We started by building the essentials: fencing, coops, and shelters for our animals. Each step adds up, and it's okay if it doesn't all happen at once.

2. Florida Has Seasons... Kind Of

Gardening in Florida isn’t impossible, but it’s definitely different. The seasons here don’t always match up with what the rest of the country is doing. While we haven’t fully conquered gardening yet, we’re soaking in advice from experienced Florida growers and slowly figuring it out for ourselves. The good news? We’ve met some amazing homesteaders—like Summer from @SouthernDirt—whose garden inspires us and reminds us that it can be done.

3. Animals Will Teach You More Than Any Book

From raising meat birds to bottle-feeding goats, animals have become a huge part of our homestead. They’ve taught us about responsibility, resilience, and sometimes heartbreak. In this Florida heat, animal care looks a little different too—shade, electrolytes, and early morning chores are non-negotiable.

4. Community is Everything

We’ve discovered that Florida’s homesteading community is full of generous, wise, and hard-working people who are always ready to share a tip, a starter plant, or even a helping hand. Being part of this community is what keeps us going on the tough days—and it’s part of why we started The Florida Homesteader magazine in the first place.

5. Flexibility is Key

Weather, animals, unexpected repairs—every day is different. We’ve had to learn to adjust our expectations and roll with whatever comes our way. The more we do, the more we realize that flexibility is one of the most valuable tools we have on the homestead.

Final Thoughts

Homesteading in Florida is humid, hot, unpredictable—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re still learning, still growing, and still grateful for every lesson. Whether you’re just starting out or well on your way, we hope these insights help light your path just a little bit more.

Thanks for reading—we’d love to hear your biggest homesteading lesson! Share your own experience, or tag us on social media using #TheFloridaHomesteader.