Pasco County, FL Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) Section 530.24, created by Ordinance No. 25-22 (2025), expressly recognizes a garage conversion and an apartment over a garage as forms of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Under the Development Standards in Section 530.24.B.2, where a garage is converted to an ADU, the garage door shall be removed and the building opening closed, and the Florida Building Code and applicable provisions of the LDC apply. The converted ADU is still limited to 1,200 square feet of living space, must be smaller than the principal unit, and must comply with the principal structure's setbacks, height, and lot coverage. Because the conversion eliminates covered parking, parking must be provided on site (unless permanent on-street parking is permissible in the neighborhood) at the count required by LDC Section 907.1. Any new construction, additions, or structural alterations involved in the conversion require a building permit and an affidavit, and impact and mobility fees apply based on the habitable square footage. A garage may not simply be converted into a standalone rentable room outside the ADU framework, and the unit may not be used as a vacation rental unless the process in LDC Section 402.5.B is followed.