Putnam County, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LDC § 45-110(6)
- Occupancy limit
- Guests/family only, non-fee basis
- Max size
- 2,000 sq ft, 75% of main house
- Min size
- 375 sq ft
- Bedroom cap
- 2 (3 with special use permit)
- Min lot size
- 1/2 acre (waived with central water/sewer)
Summary
In unincorporated Putnam County an accessory dwelling unit may only house guests or family members on a non-fee basis; it cannot be rented out or sold apart from the main house without a county-approved lot split, under Land Development Code § 45-110(6).
(6)Accessory dwelling unit.a.Definition. An "accessory dwelling unit" is a dwelling unit located on the same lot as the principal residential structure which may be separate from the principal residential structure or contained within it. Accessory dwelling unit shall be an allowed use in all single-family residential zoning districts, including Agriculture and agriculture estate, subject to the provisions listed below. Accessory dwelling units shall not be counted as an additional residential unit for purposes of the overall density limitations for the property.b.The accessory dwelling unit is intended to be used only for occupancy by guests or family members on a non-fee basis and shall not be sold separately from the main use structure unless a lot split is approved by Putnam County. ... d.No more than one accessory dwelling unit is allowed to serve the primary residence. ... h.The accessory dwelling unit shall be no smaller than 375 square feet and no larger than 75 percent of the enclosed square footage of the primary residence, not to exceed 2,000 square feet of enclosed living space. ... i.The accessory dwelling unit shall be limited to two bedrooms.
Full Breakdown
Putnam County's Land Development Code allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot in every single-family residential district, including Agriculture and Agriculture Estate, without counting it toward density limits, under § 45-110(6)a. But § 45-110(6)b restricts occupancy to guests or family members on a non-fee basis, which functions as a rental ban: the county does not authorize leasing an ADU to a paying tenant unrelated to the household. The ADU also cannot be sold separately from the primary residence unless the property owner first obtains an approved lot split from the county.
Dimensionally, § 45-110(6)h caps the ADU at 2,000 square feet of enclosed living space and no larger than 75 percent of the primary residence's enclosed square footage, with a 375-square-foot floor, and § 45-110(6)i limits it to two bedrooms (three only with a zoning board of adjustment special use permit, and never four or more). The parcel must generally be at least one-half acre under § 45-110(6)c, waived only when served by central water and sewer. Planning and Development Services reviews ADU permit applications against these standards before issuing a building permit.
Violations & Fines
Building an ADU without a permit, exceeding the size or bedroom caps, or operating one as a fee-paying rental unit is a code violation enforceable under Land Development Code § 45-1141 through § 45-1144. A code inspector can issue a citation carrying a civil infraction fine of up to $500.00, with a $250.00 settlement option if paid within 20 days; unresolved matters go to the county's special magistrate or county court, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my Putnam County ADU to a tenant?
Can I sell the ADU separately from my house?
How big can a Putnam County ADU be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Putnam County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Putnam County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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