---
title: "What Is Floor area ratio? Building Glossary | Halo Homes"
description: "Floor area ratio (FAR) is the total floor area of a building divided by the area of its lot, a number that caps how much can be built."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/floor-area-ratio
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

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# Floor area ratio

Floor area ratio (FAR) is the total floor area of a building divided by the area of its lot, a number that caps how much can be built.

Floor area ratio compares what you build to the land you build on. A FAR of 0.5 on a 10,000 square foot lot would allow 5,000 square feet of floor area. Which floors count depends on the code's own definition of floor area.

A City of Tampa draft code defines it as a ratio of gross floor area to lot area. FAR often works together with [lot coverage](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/lot-coverage) and the [building height limit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-height-limit) to set the size of a house. Your [zoning](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/zoning) district decides which of these limits apply. Read [how to build on your own lot in Tampa](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-on-your-lot-tampa) before you buy.

[Halo Homes can helpCustom home construction](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/custom-home-construction)

## Related terms

-   [Lot coverage](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/lot-coverage)
-   [Building height limit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-height-limit)
-   [Zoning](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/zoning)
-   [Setback](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/setback)

## Sources

1.  [City of Tampa: Land Development Code update, Installment 1 public draft](https://www.tampa.gov/sites/default/files/document/2026/tampa-updated-ldc-inst-1-public-draft-feb-17-2026-1.pdf)

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## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)