Florida is growing at full speed. The state has added hundreds of thousands of new residents in recent years. Housing demand keeps rising. Supply struggles to keep up.
Most new construction falls into two categories. Large suburban homes. Or tall urban towers.
There is very little in between.
That gap is called missing middle housing. It includes duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, courtyard apartments, and small multifamily buildings. These homes fit between single-family houses and high-rise developments.
Larry Michael Baum has spent more than 15 years leading sustainable residential projects across Florida. As Managing Partner of Stellar Communities, he has overseen more than 3,000 eco-friendly homes statewide. His focus is long-term durability, balanced density, and responsible growth.
“Communities need options,” Larry Michael Baum says. “Not everyone fits into one housing model.”
He believes missing middle housing is one of the most practical solutions for Florida’s growth challenge.
What Is Missing Middle Housing?
The Space Between Suburbs and Towers
Missing middle housing refers to small-scale, multi-unit homes that blend into neighborhoods. Think two-story townhomes. Four-unit buildings. Courtyard clusters.
These homes are compact but not cramped. They increase density without changing neighborhood character.
They are often walkable. They sit closer to transit, schools, and shops.
Florida’s housing supply has leaned heavily toward large detached homes. According to U.S. Census data, single-family homes make up roughly 65% of housing units nationwide. In many Florida counties, that number is higher.
At the same time, land costs continue to rise. Larger lots become less practical. Infrastructure costs grow.
“We cannot solve housing shortages with only big houses on big lots,” he says. “The math stops working.”
Why Florida Needs the Missing Middle
Population Growth and Infrastructure Pressure
Florida ranks among the fastest-growing states in the country. Thousands move in every week. Roads, utilities, and schools feel the pressure.
When growth spreads outward through low-density suburbs, traffic increases. Infrastructure stretches thin. Commutes grow longer.
Balanced density changes that equation.
Smaller multi-unit buildings use land more efficiently. They support local businesses. They reduce long commutes.
According to urban planning research, moderate density housing supports stronger tax bases per acre than low-density sprawl. That means better long-term municipal stability.
“Density done right strengthens communities,” he says. “It does not weaken them.”
Affordability and Choice
Housing affordability remains a challenge. Median home prices in Florida have risen sharply over the past decade. Entry-level options have shrunk.
Missing middle housing often costs less to build per unit compared to large detached homes. Smaller footprints reduce material costs. Shared walls improve energy efficiency.
These homes provide options for young professionals, downsizing retirees, and working families.
“When you remove the middle, you remove flexibility,” he says. “Communities lose balance.”
Sustainability and Smarter Urbanism
Energy and Environmental Efficiency
Residential buildings account for roughly 20% of total U.S. energy consumption. Building size and design matter.
Townhomes and small multifamily units share walls. Shared walls reduce heating and cooling loss. Smaller square footage reduces overall energy demand.
Missing middle housing aligns well with sustainable development goals.
Larry Michael Baum often emphasizes operational sustainability.
“Green building has to perform,” he says. “It cannot just look good on paper.”
Smaller, well-designed units often outperform oversized homes in long-term energy use.
Land Use and Resilience
Florida faces climate risk. Coastal exposure. Flood patterns. Storm impact.
Responsible density reduces land consumption. It limits outward sprawl into vulnerable areas.
“Long-term resilience starts with land decisions,” he says. “Once land is used poorly, it is hard to undo.”
Smart urbanism means placing housing where infrastructure already exists. Near transit. Near services. Near jobs.
That reduces long-term strain.
Barriers to Missing Middle Housing
Zoning Restrictions
Many neighborhoods restrict multi-unit homes. Zoning codes often favor single-family lots.
These rules were designed decades ago. Growth patterns have changed.
Revising zoning does not mean high-rise towers. It can mean allowing duplexes or townhomes in more areas.
“Policy shapes outcomes,” he says. “If the rules only allow one type of housing, that is what you get.”
Perception Challenges
Some residents fear density. They worry about traffic or neighborhood change.
Balanced missing middle design addresses those concerns. Low-rise buildings. Context-sensitive architecture. Smart parking planning.
When done properly, these homes blend into existing streetscapes.
“You design with intention,” he says. “People respond to thoughtful planning.”
Actionable Solutions for Florida Communities
For Local Leaders
- Review zoning rules for moderate density flexibility.
- Encourage townhome and small multifamily development near transit corridors.
- Measure infrastructure capacity before approving outward sprawl.
- Incentivize energy-efficient construction in moderate density projects.
For Developers
- Design missing middle housing that fits neighborhood scale.
- Prioritize walkability and transit access.
- Use durable materials that reduce long-term maintenance.
- Focus on performance, not just aesthetics.
For Residents
- Attend planning meetings.
- Ask how new developments support long-term infrastructure.
- Learn the basics of missing middle design.
- Support balanced housing proposals in your community.
“Growth is not the enemy,” he says. “Unplanned growth is.”
The Future of Sustainable Growth in Florida
Florida will continue to expand. Demand will not slow soon.
The question is not whether growth happens. It is how it happens.
Missing middle housing provides a middle path. It avoids extreme sprawl. It avoids overconcentration in high-rise towers.
It supports sustainable land use. It improves affordability options. It strengthens community structure.
Larry Michael Baum sees it as practical, not theoretical.
“We have to align economics with environment,” he says. “When those move together, communities last.”
Florida’s next phase of development depends on balance.
Balanced density. Balanced design. Balanced growth.
The missing middle may be the overlooked piece that brings that balance back.
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