Orlando Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Orlando, FL. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
307,573
Total Zone Types
26
Planning Department
City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP) — Planning Division
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Orange County
Metro Area
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
Orlando Zoning System
The Orlando zoning system includes 26 total zone classifications: 9 residential zones (R-1AA, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3A, and others) and 6 commercial zones (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3, C-1, and others), as well as 4 mixed-use zones (MU-1, MU-2, O-1) and 3 industrial zones (I-1, I-2, I-3). Orlando's zoning is governed by Land Development Code Chapter 65, administered by the City's Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP). Single-family zones are designated R-1AA (large lot single-family), R-1A (standard single-family), and R-1 (small single-family). Two-family zone R-2, medium-density residential R-3A and R-3B, and townhouse zone R-T. Activity Center zones (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) are Orlando's mixed-use designations near major arterials. Commercial zones C-1 through C-3 range from neighborhood to intensive commercial. Industrial zones I-1 through I-3. Mixed-use zones MU-1 and MU-2 allow residential above commercial. Orlando is a major convention and tourism city — its urban core around Orange Avenue and downtown is densifying rapidly. Parramore, College Park, Thornton Park, and Lake Eola Heights are distinctive neighborhoods. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Orlando Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Orlando Building Department (City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP)) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (407) 246-2271 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP) — Planning Division at (407) 246-2269. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Building Department
City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP)
(407) 246-2271
Visit WebsitePlanning Department
City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP) — Planning Division
(407) 246-2269
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Orlando property?
Yes. Florida HB 1339 (2024) requires Orlando to permit ADUs by-right without owner-occupancy requirements. Detached ADUs are allowed in Orlando's single-family zones (R-1, R-1A, R-1AA). Maximum size is typically 750 sqft. Permits must be processed ministerially — no discretionary review for code-compliant ADUs. Orange County impact fees apply but are capped at single-family rates per state law.
Is my address in the City of Orlando or Orange County?
Many addresses in the 'Orlando area' are actually in unincorporated Orange County, not the City of Orlando. The City of Orlando is relatively small — 115 square miles. Popular areas like International Drive, Lake Buena Vista (near Disney World), Kissimmee, and Celebration are in Orange County or other jurisdictions. Check your address using the Orange County Property Appraiser's website or call the City of Orlando at (407) 246-2269 to confirm jurisdiction.
What are the short-term rental rules in Orlando?
A Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License is required for all STRs. City of Orlando also requires a Business Tax Receipt. Orange County Tourist Development Tax (6%) and Florida state sales tax (7%) apply. If your property is in unincorporated Orange County (not City of Orlando), different Orange County regulations apply. Orange County has specific vacation rental regulations for areas near theme parks. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit applicable taxes.
What is Orlando's Activity Center zoning?
Orlando's Activity Center (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) zones are mixed-use designations along major arterials designed to accommodate higher-density, transit-oriented development. Activity Centers allow residential, commercial, and office uses in the same building or block. AC-1 is the most intensive, allowing buildings up to approximately 12 stories. AC zones are found along Orange Avenue, Colonial Drive, OBT, and other major corridors.
How do I find the zoning for my Orlando property?
Use the Orlando CityView mapping portal at cityview2.orlando.gov/CityViewWeb/. Enter your address to find your zoning designation, land use category, and other property information. The Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP) at (407) 246-2269 can answer zoning questions. Remember to confirm your property is in City of Orlando jurisdiction — many Orlando-area addresses are in Orange County.
Does Orlando have hurricane building requirements?
Yes. Orlando is in Florida's wind zone and all construction must comply with Florida Building Code wind-resistance requirements. While Orlando is far inland compared to coastal cities, it has experienced significant wind damage from hurricanes. All roofing requires Florida Product Approval. Hurricane tie-downs required for structural framing. Wind mitigation inspections are recommended for insurance savings. The 2024 hurricane season (Helene, Milton) highlighted Central Florida's vulnerability.
Source: Orlando Land Development Code Chapter 65; Florida Statutes 166.0451 (HB 1339, 2024). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source