ADU Rules in Tampa, FL (2026)

Tampa, 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 Tampa, the City of Tampa Construction Services handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Tampa.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Tampa: Detached ADU: up to 750 sq ft (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of principal dwelling floor area, up to 750 sqft. Tampa City Code Chapter 27 governs accessory dwelling units. Detached ADUs permitted in single-family and multi-family residential zones. Florida HB 1339 (2024) preempts overly restrictive local standards. Tampa does not use California's JADU terminology — accessory dwelling units are regulated as detached or attached accessory dwellings.

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Tampa: Plan check fee: $500–$2,000. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $1,000–$4,000. Impact fees: Capped at single-family rate per Florida HB 1339 (2024). Hillsborough County impact fees: approximately $5,000–$8,000 reduced from previous amounts. School fees: Hillsborough County School Impact Fee applies — approximately $3,000–$4,000. Total estimated permit cost: $8,000–$20,000 total permit and impact fees. Hillsborough County impact fees apply in addition to City of Tampa permit fees. HB 1339 (2024) caps ADU impact fees. Fee schedule: https://www.tampa.gov/building

Permit Timeline

Tampa ADU Permit Timeline: Ministerial approval required per Florida HB 1339 — no discretionary review for ADUs meeting objective standards. Tampa Building Department typically processes ADU permits in 4-6 weeks for plan check. Construction typically 4-10 months. Apply through the City of Tampa Construction Services online permit portal. Phone: (813) 274-3100.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Tampa: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Detached ADUs must maintain minimum 5 ft rear setback and 5 ft side setback in RS zones. ADUs must be behind the rear wall of the principal dwelling. Front setbacks same as zone standard — ADU cannot be in front yard. Florida HB 1339 (2024) caps setback requirements.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: 1 parking space required per ADU unless within one-half mile of a transit stop per Florida HB 1339 (2024). Tampa's HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) bus network and TECO Line Streetcar provide transit access in urban areas.

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must comply with Tampa City Code Chapter 27 dimensional standards
• •Detached ADU must be located in rear yard — not visible from front street in most cases
• •ADU cannot be sold separately from principal lot
• •Short-term rental of ADU requires Florida DBPR license and Tampa compliance
• •Hillsborough County flood zone regulations apply to properties in SFHAs
• •ADU must have permanent foundation

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Tampa: Single-family lots: 1 detached or attached ADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Accessory units may be permitted per zone provisions in RM zones. Tampa allows 1 ADU per single-family residential lot. Multifamily zones (RM) permit multiple units as part of the principal development. Florida HB 1339 (2024) establishes minimum standards that Tampa must meet or exceed.

State Law & Preemption

Historic District Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions