ADU Rules in Orlando, FL (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Orlando, FL. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Orlando, FL.
Orlando, 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 Orlando, the City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP) handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Orlando.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Orlando: Detached ADU: up to 750 sq ft (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of principal dwelling floor area. Orlando Land Development Code Chapter 65 governs accessory dwelling units. Detached ADUs permitted in single-family and multifamily residential zones subject to size and dimensional standards. Florida HB 1339 (2024) establishes that cities cannot impose standards more restrictive than the state baseline. Orlando does not use JADU terminology.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 750 sq ft | 25 feet |
| Attached ADU | 50% of principal dwelling floor area | Same as principal dwelling per zone |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Orlando: Plan check fee: $500–$2,000. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $1,000–$4,000. Impact fees: Orange County impact fees capped at single-family rate per Florida HB 1339 (2024). Orange County Transportation, Schools, and Parks impact fees apply — previously $15,000–$25,000 combined; now reduced for ADUs. School fees: Orange County School Impact Fee applies — approximately $4,000–$6,000. Total estimated permit cost: $10,000–$25,000 total permit and impact fees. Orange County impact fees are significant in the Orlando area. Florida HB 1339 (2024) caps ADU impact fees at the same rate as single-family homes. Fee schedule: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/Office-of-Business-Development-and-Permitting
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $500–$2,000 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $1,000–$4,000 |
| Impact Fees | Orange County impact fees capped at single-family rate per Florida HB 1339 (2024). Orange County Transportation, Schools, and Parks impact fees apply — previously $15,000–$25,000 combined; now reduced for ADUs |
| School Fees | Orange County School Impact Fee applies — approximately $4,000–$6,000 |
| Total Estimate | $10,000–$25,000 total permit and impact fees |
Permit Timeline
Orlando ADU Permit Timeline: Ministerial approval required per Florida HB 1339 — no discretionary review for code-compliant ADUs. Orlando BDP typically processes ADU permits in 4-6 weeks for plan check. Construction typically 4-10 months. Apply through the City of Orlando Office of Business Development and Permitting (BDP) online permit portal. Phone: (407) 246-2271.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Orlando: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Detached ADUs in Orlando R-1/R-1A/R-1AA zones must maintain minimum 5 ft rear and side setbacks. ADU must be located behind the rear wall of principal dwelling. Front yard placement prohibited. Florida HB 1339 (2024) caps setback requirements to prevent overly restrictive local rules.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: 1 parking space required per ADU in most zones. No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of a transit stop per Florida HB 1339 (2024). SunRail commuter rail and LYNX bus transit serve the greater Orlando area.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with Orlando Land Development Code Chapter 65 dimensional standards
- Detached ADU must be located in rear yard behind principal structure
- ADU cannot be sold separately from principal lot
- Short-term rental of ADU requires Florida DBPR license and Orange County compliance
- Tourist zones (T-designation overlay areas) near theme parks have specific STR rules
- ADU must have permanent foundation — no manufactured homes or vehicles
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Orlando: Single-family lots: 1 detached or attached ADU per single-family lot in R-1/R-1A/R-1AA zones. Multifamily properties: Accessory units permitted in R-2, R-3A, R-3B zones per code provisions. Florida HB 1339 (2024) establishes minimum statewide allowances. Orlando's local code may permit additional units in multifamily zones. Activity Center zones (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) may allow greater residential density.
Single-Family Lots
1 detached or attached ADU per single-family lot in R-1/R-1A/R-1AA zones
Multifamily Properties
Accessory units permitted in R-2, R-3A, R-3B zones per code provisions
State Law & Preemption
State Preemption: Florida HB 1339 (2024) preempts local ADU restrictions statewide — eliminates owner-occupancy requirements, caps impact fees, requires ministerial 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: Orlando 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. City of Orlando has 6 locally designated historic districts including Lake Eola Heights, College Park, Colonialtown North, Delaney Park, and others. Historic Preservation Board reviews exterior changes to contributing structures. Certificate of Appropriateness required for alterations. Thornton Park neighborhood has additional design standards. National Register nominations cover some additional areas. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/City-Clerk/Historic-Preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Orlando?
Yes. Orlando, FL allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 detached or attached ADU per single-family lot in R-1/R-1A/R-1AA zones.
How big can an ADU be in Orlando?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Orlando is 750 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Orlando?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Orlando is Ministerial approval required per Florida HB 1339 — no discretionary review for code-compliant ADUs. Orlando BDP typically processes ADU permits in 4-6 weeks for plan check. Construction typically 4-10 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $10,000–$25,000 total permit and impact fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Orlando?
No, Orlando does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Orlando?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Orlando.
Source: Orlando Land Development Code Chapter 65; Florida Statutes 166.0451 (HB 1339, 2024). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source