Fort Lauderdale, FL Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Fort Lauderdale does not have a stand-alone garage-conversion ordinance; a garage converted to habitable accessory living space is treated as an accessory dwelling under ULDR Section 47-19.2 and must satisfy the accessory-dwelling standards (one bedroom/one bath or efficiency, 600 square feet or 49% of the principal home maximum, permitted residential districts only). Parking is the central constraint: 'Parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 47-20, Parking and Loading Requirements,' so if a conversion eliminates required off-street spaces, replacement parking must be provided on the lot. ULDR Section 47-19.2 also fixes garage placement: when a garage is constructed on a corner lot it must be set back a minimum of 18 feet from any property line adjacent to a street to provide adequate parking or stacking area in the driveway, and no accessory structure may sit within 15 feet of a side-street property line on a corner lot. Where an accessory structure is permitted in a front or rear yard but not expressly in the side yard on non-corner lots, it must be set back from the side property line by the side yard the zoning district requires. Any converted space must also meet the Florida Building Code for habitable space, including egress, light, ventilation, and the City's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone wind standards.