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 governs the approval process. In Jacksonville, the local building department 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 25 percent of gross floor area of principal structure or 750 sqft, whichever is less (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: 25 percent of gross floor area of principal structure or 750 sqft, whichever is less. The building footprint shall be limited to 25 percent of the gross floor area of principal structure on the lot, or 750 square feet, whichever is less.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 25 percent of gross floor area of principal structure or 750 sqft, whichever is less · Verified May 8, 2026 · Source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | 25 percent of gross floor area of principal structure or 750 sqft, whichever is less · Verified May 20, 2026 · Source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Jacksonville: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| 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 | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Jacksonville ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Phone: (904) 255-8500.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Jacksonville: Front setback: Accessory dwelling units shall not be located in a required yard.. Side setback: Accessory dwelling units shall not be located in a required yard.. Rear setback: Accessory dwelling units shall not be located in a required yard.. Accessory dwelling units must be located behind the primary structure.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
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: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.
- 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
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Florida.
View Florida preemption detailsFrequently 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 25 percent of gross floor area of principal structure or 750 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?
Jacksonville parking rules for ADUs: 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.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Jacksonville?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Jacksonville: Owner-occupancy requirement eliminated statewide effective July 1, 2024 per Florida HB 1339. Neither the primary dwelling nor the ADU must be owner-occupied.
Source: Jacksonville Ordinance Code Part 4 (Zoning) Section 656.409; Florida Statutes 166.0451 (HB 1339, 2024). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source