Florida House Institute

Overview

Florida House was established in 1992 for the purpose of developing a learning center demonstrating water conservation. Through broad collaboration, Florida House became the first “green building” open to the public in the U.S., educating and creating new markets for energy and water conservation and recycling, and becoming a pioneer in demonstrating the Florida Yard. It was operated with Sarasota County government support as a public-private partnership and attracted more than 10,000 visitors annually. Over the years, Sarasota County provided approximately $150,000 annually in funding for staff and maintenance. In 2008, the entire home was moved to 4454 Beneva Road to make way for the new Sarasota County Technical High School.

Florida House continues to change the game. The Board of Directors of the Florida House Institute is renovating Florida House and its yard as a demonstration for retrofitting existing buildings, landscaping and neighborhoods. It is also transforming the existing facility into a state-of-the-art public meeting place, helping to make Florida House self-supporting. The “new” Florida House also will demonstrate and create markets for retrofits that pay for themselves and support the engagement of Sarasota County residents and organizations in dialogue on key quality-of life-issues.

The Florida House is LEED Certified building

Visit Green Sarasota
updated 09/2016 by Sarasota County Green Map