ADU Rules in Jacksonville, FL (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Jacksonville, FL. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Jacksonville, FL.
Jacksonville, FL permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Jacksonville.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Jacksonville: Detached ADU: up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 800 sqft, whichever is less (max height: 2 stories). Attached ADU: 40% of primary dwelling floor area. Jacksonville Zoning Code Section 656.409 governs accessory structures and dwelling units. Florida HB 1339 (2024) requires Jacksonville to permit ADUs without being more restrictive than the state baseline. JADU is a California-specific concept not applicable in Florida.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 800 sqft, whichever is less | 2 stories |
| Attached ADU | 40% of primary dwelling floor area | Same as primary structure per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Jacksonville: Plan check fee: $400–$2,000. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $1,200–$4,500. Impact fees: Capped at single-family rate per Florida HB 1339 (2024). School fees: Duval County school impact fee may apply — approximately $2,000–$4,000. Total estimated permit cost: $4,000–$12,000 total fees depending on size and scope. Florida HB 1339 (2024) caps ADU impact fees at the single-family rate. Jacksonville and Duval County impact fees apply. Fee schedule: coj.net/departments/planning-and-development
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $400–$2,000 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $1,200–$4,500 |
| Impact Fees | Capped at single-family rate per Florida HB 1339 (2024) |
| School Fees | Duval County school impact fee may apply — approximately $2,000–$4,000 |
| Total Estimate | $4,000–$12,000 total fees depending on size and scope |
Permit Timeline
Jacksonville ADU Permit Timeline: Ministerial approval required per Florida HB 1339 — no discretionary review for ADUs meeting objective standards. Jacksonville Planning and Development typically processes ADU permits in 4-8 weeks for plan check. Construction typically 4-12 months. Apply through the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division online permit portal. Phone: (904) 255-8500.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Jacksonville: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Accessory structures and ADUs in Jacksonville must maintain minimum 5 ft rear and side setbacks in most residential zones. Florida HB 1339 (2024) prohibits setbacks for ADUs more restrictive than those applicable to primary dwellings. Jacksonville Zoning Code Chapter 656.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of a transit stop per Florida HB 1339 (2024). Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) provides transit service. In most areas, 1 space required per ADU.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with Jacksonville Zoning Code standards for the property's RS or RMD zone
- ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary lot under standard subdivision rules
- Short-term rental of ADU requires compliance with Jacksonville STR regulations
- Historic districts (Springfield, Riverside-Avondale) require design review for new construction
- Flood zone requirements apply in FEMA-mapped SFHAs
- ADU must have permanent foundation — no recreational vehicles or mobile homes
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Jacksonville: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot; Florida HB 1339 does not cap ADU counts for all cases. Multifamily properties: Multiple units permitted by right in RMD-A, RMD-B, RMD-C, and RHD zones. Jacksonville allows one ADU per single-family lot in RS zones. Florida HB 1339 (2024) applies statewide and may allow additional ADUs in some configurations.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU per single-family lot; Florida HB 1339 does not cap ADU counts for all cases
Multifamily Properties
Multiple units permitted by right in RMD-A, RMD-B, RMD-C, and RHD zones
State Law & Preemption
State Preemption: Florida HB 1339 (2024) preempts local ADU restrictions statewide — eliminates owner-occupancy requirements, caps impact fees at single-family rate, requires ministerial (non-discretionary) approval for ADUs meeting objective standards. Florida Live Local Act (SB 102, 2023) also applies, preventing municipalities from restricting multifamily in commercial zones where residential is permitted.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Jacksonville has 6 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Jacksonville has 6 locally designated historic districts including Riverside-Avondale, Springfield, LaVilla, and others. The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Officer and Historic Preservation Commission review exterior alterations to designated landmark properties and contributing structures. Certificate of Appropriateness required before building permits are issued in historic overlay areas. Riverside-Avondale is one of the largest historic districts in Florida. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/historic-preservation.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Jacksonville?
Yes. Jacksonville, FL allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot; Florida HB 1339 does not cap ADU counts for all cases.
How big can an ADU be in Jacksonville?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Jacksonville is 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 800 sqft, whichever is less square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Jacksonville?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Jacksonville is Ministerial approval required per Florida HB 1339 — no discretionary review for ADUs meeting objective standards. Jacksonville Planning and Development typically processes ADU permits in 4-8 weeks for plan check. Construction typically 4-12 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $4,000–$12,000 total fees depending on size and scope.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Jacksonville?
No, Jacksonville does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Jacksonville?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Jacksonville.
Source: Jacksonville Ordinance Code Part 4 (Zoning) Section 656.409; Florida Statutes 166.0451 (HB 1339, 2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source