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Jacksonville, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Jacksonville, FL, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Max Size: 25% of principal GFA or 750 sq ft
Location: Backyard only
Owner-Occupancy: Required if ADU is rented
Code: §656.403
State Law: FL §163.31771 (by Dec 2026)

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Florida under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Jacksonville, FL rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Jacksonville §656.403 permits ADUs in single-family residential districts. Max size: lesser of 25% of principal structure GFA or 750 sq ft. ADUs must be in backyard, owner-occupancy required for rental. Full kitchen allowed.

Authorizing a landlord to accept reusable tenant screening reports and require a specified statement; requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provision of affordable housing for military families; requiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to evaluate the efficacy of using mezzanine finance and the potential of ti

Source: Jacksonville Code § 656.403 – Accessory uses and structures; accessory dwelling units (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Jacksonville Zoning Code §656.403 governs ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). ADUs are permitted as accessory uses in residential districts. Size limit: 25% of gross floor area of principal structure OR 750 square feet, whichever is less. Height: cannot exceed the primary residence. Location: must be physically separate and in the backyard. Owner-occupancy required if ADU is rented. Full kitchen with oven is allowed (updated rule). ADU rules do not apply to Beaches communities, Baldwin, or HOA/deed-restricted communities that explicitly prohibit ADUs. By December 2026, FL §163.31771 requires Jacksonville to permit ADUs in all single-family zones. Building permits required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU on my property in Jacksonville?

What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Jacksonville?

Max Size: 25% of principal GFA or 750 sq ft. Location: Backyard only. Owner-Occupancy: Required if ADU is rented. Code: §656.403.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jacksonville

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All Jacksonville rules

How Jacksonville compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview

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