No houses in Central Florida do not have basements. Basements in Florida are very rare for several reasons. A cellar is even uncommon in Florida. However, I know of many homes that have a lower level with walls that are partially lined with soil because the homes were built on unlevelled soil. Not technically a basement in Florida but very close.
If you are looking to build a basement in Florida then Northern and Central Florida are your best bets. Homes in Florida usually have either a fairly high water table or the Florida Aquifer System to provide them water. The water table is low because, so are most Florida homes in relation to sea level. Case in pointe Windermere Florida which is in Greater Orlando is only 26 feet above sea level. Ad that, water beneath, weather conditions that include rain and to much water and water damage is inevitable.
There are plenty of homes that have the best of both worlds while occupying a small residential lot. Normally the home will be on a sloping lot if it has a lower level below the plain of the soil and the soil will be sloped for runoff. Many attics lofts garages sheds and the like make up for not, having a basement in Florida homes.
Warm air, lack of proper air conditioning and the weather conditions here are responsible for mold spores being prevalent in some Florida homes. A key sign is a vacant rental or a home that has the AC set on 80%. Always check around the ducts and supply vents for moisture which will eventually become mold. There are mold spores in all homes in Florida which will be even worse in homes with basements and clay soil. What I am trying to say here is as a general rule for most people basements in Florida are not a good idea. If you wish to have a basement get a strong sump pump and dehumidifier.
Many older homes will have a crawl space. Most newer homes in Florida will instead have concrete slabs. Very rarely will you find a home in Florida with a basement or crawl spaces any longer. This is the sunshine state, get a 3 story home for your man cave instead of building a basement.
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