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Source: Florida cracker architecture

Florida cracker architecture or Southern plantation style is a style of vernacular architecture typified by a low slung, wood-frame house, with a large porch. It was widespread in the 19th and early 20th century. Some elements of the style are still popular as a source of design themes. The name refers to colonial-era English and French pioneer settlers and their descendants. These homes were often designed with outdoor porches and large windows (with shutters) to help try to cool homes during the long hot season in these low latitude subtropical climates.
Southern plantation style borrowed some of their design and concept from the French colonial style homes built in the Caribbean and other tropical areas around the globe. The concept of raised homes on stilts and large wraparound porches not only provided ventilation and shade in the hot subtropical climate, but allowed flood waters from tropical cyclones to pass below. Another typical feature of high ceilings and large windows was also adapted to the hot southern climate. The high celings and large windows allowed the heat to rise and escape. Large shutters allowed a breeze when present, but kept out the hot, overhead summer sun.
Houses of this style are characterized by raised floors, a straight central hallway from the front to the back of the home (similar to open dogtrot houses) and a detached kitchen. Later, iterations of this style incorporated metal roofs. The homes were typically built with wide porches, or verandas wrapping around the entire home, to provide shade as well as additional living space. In many parts of the far southern United States, the basic concepts of this style are still incorporated in many new homes today.