Off-Grid Self-Sufficient Cabin Tour in Northern Florida

In this video, we'll take you on a tour of this off-grid cabin in Northern Florida, which my dad and I built from scratch.
Our goal was to create a self-sufficient and independent space that's not reliant on public utilities or government systems.
With some easy and affordable systems, including solar panels, water catchment and filtration, and a composting toilet, we've achieved this goal.
Join us for a tour of the cabin, where we'll share tips and insights we've learned along the way. You may be inspired you to consider an off-grid lifestyle and discover the freedom and satisfaction that comes with it.
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Key Moments
00:00 - 1:38 Introduction
1:39 - 3:28 Quick Look at Solar Panels
3:29 - 6:44 Water System
6:45 - 12:17 Equipment Shed & Solar and Battery tour
12:18 - 18:31 Kitchen & Water Filtration
18:32 - 25:39 Bathroom
25:40 - 31:31 Bedroom
31:32 - 35:56 Philosophy (with a Bonus Cat)
35:57 - 38:06 Composting
38:07 - 41:09 Outdoor Screen Room
41:10 - 42:34 Outro
IN THIS VIDEO
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→ Music by Olexy from Pixabay
→ Music by Oleksandr Stepanov from Pixabay
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#offgridcabin #outdoorliving #offthegrid #independence #solar #watercatchment #sustainability

[@user-bt7ev9yq2t]

“Sorry Brandon” . 😂 that’s genuinely funny!

[@lotus....]

We are in N FL on a farm out in the country, rolling hills, only an hour to white sand beaches..high & dry enough to avoid hurricanes. Get some crazy storms and wind once in a while and a few freezes. We get a nice breeze on our back deck most evenings. Paradise.

[@ericdaniels346]

What county? We live in manatee county but looking in northern Florida. We also have an off grid cabin in Tennessee

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

@@ericdaniels346 I don't know where the original poster is from but I am up in Santa Rosa County in the panhandle. There is some land here in the northern part of the county (and in southern AL) that is still available (AL is much cheaper) but it's getting harder and harder to find. The northern part of the county is an hour away from the beaches but I live in the southern part of the county and a mile from the water. We have been going to TN for the last few years and I have been looking at some land in the southeast part of the state (Tellico Plains area) to have as a backup or get away location for me and the kids (and their families). My plan is to get the land and maybe start with an RV pad and get septic and a well and run some solar panels to park a camper near and then building up a cabin or cabins from there. I don't want to leave FL full time but it's getting more and more crowded where I am at and I don't like it when it gets too "peopley". LOL! Dreams and goals. Goals are attainable and dreams are just dreams. My goal is to be able to escape from one location to the other at will. LOL!

[@balfourwheatley6644]

just put a home in the middle of a pine forest(i now own 5 acres of it) and it's the best thing i've done. Moved from Ft.lauderdale where i lived my whole life. I'm out in Live oak 16 miles out of city limits.

[@manatee419]

@@ericdaniels346 I live in manatee also i bought some land in port st. joe.

[@WoodwrkR]

That's absolutely terrific! When you're off-grid in place where you can crack a cold beer and pour it into a frosted mug, you've arrived.

[@JoeJarvis]

Agreed! thanks

[@tonybosen701]

For sure

[@tammyh.8454]

hi Joe, I liked your video and learned so much, I live in nassau county, also. We moved out of Jacksonville 20 years ago, sadly it was my hometown . I believe it will be a 15 minute city. Anyway, I am a cat owner and wanted to ask if you care about Sandy, because he is your cat, now, have him neutered to help all the killed unwanted shelter cats, also he strays at night to mate with females and fights with other males, which can be fatal. In Jax at the Humane Society on Beach Blvd, they will neuter him for free. Even if you live in other county. So, do your part and keep up the off grid videos, I know you are helping so many others who are ready to “get ready” for what is coming. Have a blessed day.

[@dcfl2147]

I like your dad. Smart man and votes with his brain.

[@tonybosen701]

This guy is really smart to do all this this is exactly what my good friend is trying to do and I want to help him with all the labor that it will take we also live in Florida St Petersburg he is trying to find land to buy with no restrictions right now .Great Job !

[@mylardochery8541]

Reminds me of my favorite movie " Captain Fantastic ". It's not what you would've thought based on the title but very much worth the watch.

[@miguelitord9297]

The future of this looks very bright , I can live like that and be happy

[@donnaquillen3375]

Awesome! We’ve converted a 10 x 10 shed to a cabin, insulated with solar. We are in northwest central Florida. Great video!

[@JoeJarvis]

That's great! I would consider doing the same thing, starting with a shed, if the price was right

[@bradprice9268]

God bless.. live the life . Bought my little piece of Florida and plan on doing the same thing

[@jayp4114]

Brilliant and terrific ingenuity, by this gentleman. I'd be scared that my sack might hit the toilet water, though.

[@igotatan1]

Love the content, Your storage containers should be covered, or painted to block UV and sunshine to eliminate algae growth and container breakdown. Bleach will help also... a simple pool catch set-up will eliminate your frog problem. I've recently been collecting info on making natural gas made from compost, and manure of multiple kinds, in order not to be dependent on LP gas. Please keep producing off grid examples. Thanks.

[@lancesudberry209]

37:00 love it ! I took almost 2 years making my compost to use to raise all my garden rows up about 1.6 years then i started on time by February starting starters inside . I broke my back taking up grass and sifting out sticks and roots NO MORE lol Cardboard it the trick! Lay out entire garden as thick as needed in square over grass and keep it wet!!! The worm will come running to it! No weeding No Work but hosing it Then add compost scraps etc

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

❤the object of any advanced person is to do less? Some other work that is just as urgent ,will require your efforts ❤

[@lancesudberry209]

@@georgewhitehouse8630 ❤️ exactly 💯🥾

[@johnsonr9]

Great design. i am from North Fl originally. It is an awesome area to live.

[@joancbatisteq6809]

Wonderful to see your project ! I live in Florida and it seemed to be a struggle to get any kind of off-grid home going without pulling tooth pulling out your hair with all these legal stuff so I would very much loved some info in a deeper sense of how? you guys able to do this and what was your process in doing it what kind of loopholes? For a person who wants to also live off grid maybe not in that grad scale but in a smaller space is there something that you can bring to the table to share more how you guys did this project and what was your process in doing so? What do we need to be mindful about ? I hear a lot of sad stuff where people get going and set things up and they come out and just pull your hard work apart . I wish you guys would put out some content the step to step process that one can actually learn how to make these steps😊

[@shanz5820]

Looks so tranquil and beautiful

[@proplay1212]

Amazing Joe! You walk the walk not just talk the talk ... nice!

[@JoeJarvis]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamestatum7759]

Oh yeah I already have a nice outhouse. LOL I love it.

[@JD-tf5tm]

very, very cool setup - highly motivational

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

Dad Jarvis is brilliant. I love that idea. You are so lucky to have a family that has worked on achieving this goal. I wish I could do that.

[@lancesudberry209]

Thanks for the uplifting video ❤

[@gsftom]

Love what u are doing. I live in the city, but compost, grow, collect rain water, raised chickens and dabbling with solar. Great video. Want to see more.

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

We Appreciate You u are living my Dream in the lives of ppl who actually made it living off grid awesome camera 📷 work we Appreciate You so much

[@safunin1936]

Well done. It looks like a great set up and Harry sounds highly knowledgeable on how it all works.

[@MrSpansell]

Just watch the entire video on my tv, now signing in on my iPhone to say I enjoyed the video only complaint was the sound but no biggie. Also enjoyed the political comments ! Subscribed

[@EcoNeighbor]

Love the screen room and porch.

[@mikeaksen4850]

I love it guys!!!!!

[@SRDragon1]

Hey Joe, Just found this video. I love it! My wife and I bought 10 acres in North FL, not far from Lake City, FL. We are not planning to go 100% off grid But I do plan to have my workshop and out buildings run by the sun. I currently live in a 37’ 5th wheel that has 2400 Watts of Solar and 600AH of LifePo4 batteries. Still debating on if I want to drag it across county. I’d love to see how the homestead looks after 1 year. I hope you are still doing this. great video!

[@neuralgarden]

Just discovered this channel and I must say. I am a fan, actually, not just a fan, I am a whole air conditioner.

[@FWoods-ps5rj]

Lol, I only spend 20 minutes a month paying the bills. I don't have many. But I like the simplicity of a bucket toilet and an umbrella charter school!

[@groovyhueyofficial]

Looking to also go off grid completely. I have heard a lot of different things from different sources, and it seems to be very difficult to go off grid. Either that or you have to have a lot of permits. My question is, what are the best counties to completely go off grid LEGALLY. Thanks in advance!

[@TheMindOfOpex]

I have the same question. Talking to zoning and counties, I can't find where to live off grid in Nor Flo. If you find a county, lmk! I am ready to close in April with a purchase of land

[@bartonsky]

I have encountered the same issue. Let me know what you find.

[@SolarTechFL]

Highlands County is awesome I'm offgrid

[@AllisonBarmore-wd7kz]

You are so blessed .I need this in my life

[@rockydaleo6998]

This is awesome! I would love to do this but I didn’t realize you could do that in Florida!

[@russellpasternak2811]

Awesome video, we have lots in common I to escaped from Ma, retired from the military and the Railroad, moved down hear to Ocala, just bought my solar system , I grow my own food as well, I grew up in Chicopee Ma. Went to school with some Jarvis small world

[@Orangebritches]

Your dad rocks

[@7728abbott]

Inspired! Thanks!

[@michaelmello9510]

Nice job 👍

[@southalroots]

Your dad is awesome. LGB 😃😁

[@robmitchell3633]

Awesome job

[@jamesbass9797]

Wish I could have met more people like you when I was stationed at Fort Devens years ago. I damn near got into a fight every day I was there due to my accent. I was sure glad to get the hell out of there for that reason. All I had to do is say "Good Morning" to someone and bam ... it was on.

[@GardenhoesATL]

I miss this place

[@patty9265]

You did a great job. I love it .But here in the pandel of Fl. I would have to have some air 24/7 in summer.

[@FWoods-ps5rj]

That's a great compost! Add a copper spiral to the center to heat your water all year round.

[@KThom429]

My idea of paradise. Off grid, adding fruit trees, berry bushes, some animals, a kitchen garden, maybe a natural pond to stock. Heaven.

[@JoeJarvis]

Agree! When I buy my own land, food forest starts day one.

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

@@JoeJarvisyou start every time we eat ❤

[@Orangebritches]

This is great content, Joe. Been following you ever since I saw your conversation with your family and read some of your articles on homeschooling maybe 4 or 5 years ago? I’d like to know what knowledge your dad had coming into this project that proved invaluable in making it happen, and what areas he found he needed to research more once he began. Also, what was the land like when he bought it? Did he need to clear trees? Do they do any pest control? I love what you’re doing and think you’re really onto something with all of this. Can’t wait to see where it takes you.

[@JoeJarvis]

Thank you Daniel! He's always taught himself, from working on cars in his teens, to starting his own machine shop in the barn to be able to work for himself. He told me he once read a manual on building codes to learn about the proper specs... and I guess just remembered it?

[@JoeJarvis]

Maybe we will do a question and answer to get more info on his process-- the land was already cleared, and they do spray a bit on the piles its built on, but still have some issues with ants.

[@KThom429]

@@JoeJarvis Lol, Welcome to Florida! Ants, lizards, and gators!

[@jctrade2044]

Awesome !!!!!!! Cool guy !!!!!!!

[@TB12710]

If he’s doing it, we can all do it. I’M A FAN!!! Congrats to him, nice build. Harry, you should consider a chicken coup and raising rabbits. Free eggs and two sources of meat! Cheers! 😊

[@michaelgeorge819]

Harry, what did you do in Massachusetts? I'm from Boston and happy to be out now. Have you ever considered offering teaching or consulting services for those who would like to live off-grid but lack the technical knowledge to set something up?

[@brandy21051]

Loved your video. We’re trying to do something similar in northern Florida. Like you, we spend half the year up North. We’d love to have animals and we’re wondering how you deal with your chickens, goats and pigs when you are gone half the year. Thanks!

[@JoeJarvis]

Thank you! They have good neighbors with a barter mindset.

[@TheDustinNemos]

@@JoeJarvis Was this permitted?

[@seanmalone7920]

I'm moving to North East Florida to do the same

[@lotus....]

North East FL is crowded and has a lot of traffic..go to the upper mid or west Panhandle...wayyy nicer

[@RodneySolarCircuits]

life goals!

[@RodneySolarCircuits]

I run my 2 deep freezers and air fryer 100% off grid, solar and self assembled lithium batteries. Hard assets/skills

[@jeffjarvis6066]

Great content I’m planning on doing the same thing in 7 years. Now I have an idea on how much it will cost thanks

[@aglzone102]

Still have to go to Walmart !!!

[@HayabusaOrlando]

His dad is super cool. Did they mention how many acres they have ?

[@rodneylw10]

Great video. I live in Northeast Florida but in a regular house and community. Our grid costs currently average $170/mth for water/sewer, gas, electric (utilities) which comes to just over $2000/yr. We have solar. The other expenses, aside from HOA, I would assume you still have- insurance, taxes, etc. In our county I am aware that they charge even mobile home plots like a minimum $1000/yr taxes. It seems that the biggest savings of all is the cost of the home but, you also are sacrificing quite a bit. Love the idea though. I have some friends who bought in north central FL but purchased a motorhome to reside in and to be able to travel also.

[@dadsdiggingout9331]

What part of Florida are you in? I am looking to do the same. I have family in Escambia County / Pensacola. I'd like to be 45min - 1 hour away from them. Great work, I really like the "homestead" you have built.

[@freebird7369]

What county is this in? I cant find any county that allows anything under 375 sqft in Florida.

[@cfoster8706]

Yes where can we know??

[@notasheep12]

For some reason they won't say the county they are in.....

[@villiehaizlip7626]

Very can do explained. 😊

[@shayl1951]

This is nice❤

[@GatorLife57]

Nice place.....😀

[@StatisticallyScrewed]

Very cool. I live outside of lake city in branford. I've been preparing to start this same project . I'd love to set up a tour or meet up for coffee and pick your brain.

[@andrewbowlgarte4738]

I cook mostly using fire , on my off grid property, outdoor, even built a fire pit oven out of a old electric oven , as its a thick metal box , all boiled water is on a small charcoal grill , using twigs

[@GHE2005]

That's a nice piece of property and an off grid living home. 👍🏾👏🏾 Where in FL is that off grid life possible?

[@miloauker8706]

I have property in Nassau County. I too have the question on how they did this. My county wont let you do crap.

[@freewillchoice8052]

I moved to the Ocala forest almost 4 years ago on some acreage it’s a lot of work making the place the way you want and it’s worth the effort

[@septemberrain78]

What's the sq ft of that structure? I'm also looking to do the same thing in Florida, wondering what your max allowed was without permits. Thanks 😊

[@keywestalert6329]

Please tell your dad to vlog. Thank you for the video. What county is this in? How many sq ft is the place? How big and how much $ was the land? Is there any phone service there?

[@bartonsky]

Anyone know where this is? I am looking at counties in N FL and encountering lots of issues when talking to county people in regards to septic, well, min build, driveway etc. Also what counties do not require a septic? Thank you.

[@chriss3314]

Great video and set up. Is it possible for you to say the town or county as this is my dream to build in Florida. Having a hard time to find a place to do this legally. Thank you

[@mikemcdonald5147]

what do you do about algae growing in that white tote? I guess your just filtering it out seeing the filter system

[@idrplayeri6652]

my only question is where does the water from the sink and shower drain to?

[@lancesudberry209]

Outside tank to use for garden wash cars fires a pond a ditch leading to a reservoir livestock a water feature the in-laws drinking water 😂

[@SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY]

Nooice! 😎 STOC

[@danielturner9832]

He has solar power and the water table is high in florida just drill a well and have a submersible pump. Maybe he could drive a well pipe it looks pretty sandy he could have a hand pump as well.

[@JoeJarvis]

Good idea. He is already thinking of all the things he would do differently. And he'll probably get another chance when I buy land.

[@FWoods-ps5rj]

I dropped a well pump (simple pump) with my daughter when she was 12. We put it 240ft down an 280ft well. Both of under 5ft tall. Just think about it then do it!

[@TheBoosteddub]

Florida water in most areas has very high iron levels. He would need much better filters than what he has

[@Fl2harley91]

Follow up video with water test results?? Curious to know

[@teresaholland4790]

I’m a Floridian born and bred in South Central Florida I was under the impression that you had to always be tied to the grid? As long as it’s unincorporated it’s OK?

[@lillyrodz2063]

What type of building permits did you needed to built all this?

[@1voluntaryist]

I would eliminate the windows, use tubular skylights for daylight. Super-insulate, heat sinks, with radiant heat/cool in extreme areas.

[@JoeJarvis]

Not bad ideas, it does get a bit hot

[@andrewbowlgarte4738]

Solar hot water in Florida is simple and best (off grid) , also a solar run well is simple , probably could dig your own too

[@TC-yx1qt]

What country in Florida is this?

[@lauriewilliams8221]

Thanks for a great video. I' watching from Melbourne in Victoria. Australia. The start of the video in the outdoors probably needed a sock over the microphone. It picked up the wind noise a bit. CHEERS.

[@JoeJarvis]

Thanks! Yes sorry about the sound. I had some lapel mics ready to go, but they ended up not working, so we worked with what we had.

[@lauriewilliams8221]

@@JoeJarvis Thanks for the reply. You have a great set up there.

[@guywood67]

Have you considered adding a UV filter as the last filter?

[@freeziefreeze5971]

I was thinking the same thing

[@donaldhall2037]

Great tour, information and tiny house. I notice things maybe more than other people may...but when you're in the Bedroom and the cameraman lowers down and pans around, the window over the bed is Black... like it's Night out or some sort of Color changing window glass? Anyway, could have been a two part interview/tour? :).

[@1voluntaryist]

A food forest + foraging chickens, to minimize expense, but get pastured eggs?

[@gsp49]

IT IS TAX FREE! Power. Save on sales tax.

[@greenmtnprepper9241]

What brand are your low energy fridge and freezer?

[@alanrider7018]

Like to know about the land $. Also like to see the build. I live in south Florida now!

[@kingsdawgOg]

We need communities, where are the communities 👀🤔💯💞🙏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾

[@JacquelinePotterlove]

Id absolutely would love to had a piece of land in Florida to go off grid. But reality is I will never be able to afford it.

[@Bill1991]

What does he do for heat when it’s 20 degrees?

[@lauriedixon8590]

Where does they gray water empty to?

[@jamestatum7759]

Yeah the manure compost is not a big deal. Considering what we're having in our food we buy now. That actually kills you slowly

[@TheMindOfOpex]

I'm looking for land in Nor Flo to go off grid. Problem is, every county I've talked to tells me I can't live in my mobile home off grid on their properties...

[@bartonsky]

I'll have encountered teh same issue. Have you encountered anything new? Thank you.

[@TheMindOfOpex]

@@bartonsky nothing new here. I'm a truck driver with home time coming up in a week. Gonna chat with different county departments and zoning departments then.

[@bartonsky]

@@TheMindOfOpex ok thank you. I contacted 2 counties today in N FL and was not encouraging. Will make more calls this week. I guess if it was easy everyone would be doing it.

[@joeguetschow5272]

What do you do with your grey water

[@danieljay952]

What type of tree do you harvest cokes from

[@donniehelmly4920]

Why not dig a free flowing well?? I have 3 on my property in North Florida.

[@pauldalberti]

Have you ever had skunk apes come around at night when you’re there?

[@jameslear5749]

Since theres no elec ean or water and sewage do you still have to pay property tax?

[@TUPELO_HUNNY]

I have a solar hot water system with tubes that is on demand and endless as do many of my neighbors

[@miroffjack5485]

were in north fla? I`m in fla now in the city want to move. can you tell me were to look?

[@kurtsmith4657]

Where abouts are you? Im here in bryceville and nassau county has turned into a bunch of permit nazis. Technically, to get a permit for a habitable structure, you are obligated to be hooked into the grid and the structure has to be fully permitted and inspected and taxed according to square footage and estimated value. Ive heard, charlton county just across the fl/ga state line is alot more lax about regulations. Anyways, glad yall are getting along well. Best regards.

[@jamaicanomen]

How do you do your laundry?

[@thecanelamama6531]

What's the significance of unincorporated land in Florida? I'm in Levy County on Ag/R zoned unincorporated land and they're telling us we can't live in our camper unless we're in an RV park.

[@ravenrock541]

Unincorporated doesn't mean what it used to. I moved into unincorporated Pinellas county and two years later Pinellas decided to adopt St Petersburg code enforcement laws for all of the unincorporated areas. I was really pissed.

[@thecanelamama6531]

@@ravenrock541 Aw, man... that stinks!