MODERN HOME BUILDER MAGAZINE ARTICLE
Attainable Florida living
Combining quality with affordability, Heartland provides value-driven homebuilding for small-town communities
Located in Labelle and Sebring, Heartland Homes of Florida (Heartland) is passionate about giving homeowners the chance to enjoy the Florida sunshine at affordable prices.
The homebuilding company focuses on delivering high-quality, concrete block new-construction homes in South Central Florida at price points that are still attainable for families and individuals, offering relaxed, small-town and country living with convenient access to everyday amenities and both coasts. With its ten-year anniversary imminent and exciting developments across five key communities, MHB spoke to General Manager, Kevin Berth, who elaborated on Heartland’s mission and ongoing projects:
“From the outset, our founders saw an opportunity that many national builders wereoverlooking,” he shared. “There was strong demand for thoughtfully designed homes in smaller, interior Florida communities, but very few builders were pairing solid construction with true affordability. Our long-standing relationships with trusted local lenders help buyers to access competitive financing options that keep homeownership within reach and, over the past decade, we’ve refined our floor plans, invested in our construction methods, and grown a portfolio of communities that now stretch from LaBelle and Greenbriar to Sebring and Lake Placid. Our homes vary from entry-level to move-up housing, but always with an emphasis on value: efficient footprints, open-plan
living areas, and construction details that stand up to Florida’s climate.
“Architecturally, we focus on clean, contemporary Florida ranch designs and our interior aesthetic is simple and modern with neutral finishes. Beyond building and selling homes, we support buyers with site selection, financing guidance and a rent-to-own offering which we’ve expanded and formalized to help more residents build equity from day one, even if they are not ready for a traditional purchase on the day of move-in. Our main client base includes first-time buyers, local families and relocating buyers who want more space and a lower cost of living without sacrificing comfort or quality.”
Heartland is currently active in Port LaBelle, Banyan Village, Greenbriar in Northeast LeeCounty, and the Sebring and Lake Placid communities in Highlands County, offering its full portfolio of homes across all five communities. The collection currently includes eleven models, from compact plans like the Giara to larger models such as the Mustang 4 and the Morgan. “One representative example is our work with the Palomino model across several communities,” highlights Kevin. “The Palomino is a three-bedroom, two- bath, 1502-square-foot home with a welcoming front porch, an open-plan living area, and dual walk-in closets in the primary suite. It has become a favorite for families who want a bit more space without stepping into a significantly higher price range. By offering the same core plan in Port LaBelle, Banyan Village, Greenbriar, Sebring, and Lake Placid, we’ve been able to refine the design based on homeowner feedback while giving buyers flexibility on location and monthly payment.”
When it comes to nurturing client partnerships, Heartland holds the philosophy that buying a home is a relationship rather than a transaction. Focusing on a relatively tight geographic area means the team is deeply embedded in the communities it serves and many of its buyers are referred by friends or family, which Kevin says creates an accountability loop. “Honestly, we expect to see our homeowners at the grocery store!” he continues. “From first contact, we try to demystify the process. Our sales and construction teams work closely together so that buyers receive clear, consistent information about timelines, selections, and financing milestones. We also have a digital Home Customizer tool which allows buyers to visualize and experiment with different color schemes and finishes online, making the design process more interactive and less intimidating.”
Preserving this local, relationship-driven culture has been integral to the longevity andgrowth of the company and has helped Heartland reach its impressive ten-year milestone, combined with regional focus and a commitment to value, which it plans tocontinue championing into 2026. “Going forward, our priorities center on deepening rather than diluting our business model,” Kevin reveals. “We want to maintain affordability by refining floor plans, managing construction costs, and leveraging financing options such as FHA and USDA where buyers qualify. Operationally, we are also focused on supporting our construction teams and trade partners with the systems and scheduling tools they need to keep build times predictable and quality consistently high. Over the next three to five years, we envision Heartland being the builder of choice in Florida’s interior counties – recognized not just for price, but for reliability, product quality and customer care.
“Essentially, we view ourselves as long-term stewards of Florida’s Heartland region. When we design a floor plan, pave a street or hand over keys, we are contributing to the fabric of communities where our own team members live and work. Our aim is to build homes that still feel solid and comfortable many years from now – homes that allow people at different life stages and income levels to enjoy the sunshine, open spaces, and sense of community that make this part of Florida so special. We appreciate the opportunity to share our story and look forward to welcoming many more families home in the years ahead.”
The original article appeared in the January 2026 issue of Modern Home Builders Magazine.
