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The solution to Florida's affordable housing crisis may look different from what some may think if a local development firm’s prediction is correct.

Officials say the solution won't come in the form of financial help, but rather modular homes — which should not to be confused with a trailer or mobile home. They are a similar concept, but the owners of ERC Communities Inc., said their homes are of better quality and offer the same amenities as any single-family home. 

Company officials believe in their vision so much that they’re building a brand new modular home rental community in Zephyrhills. The 60-unit community will feature three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes for around $1,750 a month.

“The mere fact that you have something that can be as affordable as this — I think similar square footage, just under 1,400 square feet in a brand new conventionally built home, would have to be in the mid-$2,000 range and same with apartments," ERC Communities Inc. Chairman Jerry Ellenburg said. "So we’re filling in an affordability gap that otherwise doesn’t exist.” 

All the homes will be rental only and not available for purchase sale.

According to Ellenburg, all the new units in the modular home community will qualify for HUD and FEMA help. The units are currently under construction and are expected to be ready to rent early next year.