Leon County, FL Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Sheds and other detached accessory buildings in unincorporated Leon County are reviewed by Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM). Per DSEM's permitting guidance, a building permit is required for sheds larger than 100 square feet; smaller storage sheds may be exempt from a building permit but are not exempt from zoning. The Leon County Land Development Code (Chapter 10) determines where an accessory building may be located, and DSEM confirms that 'certain setbacks must be met and there are criteria in regard to size and location within the yard.' Because Leon County setbacks are set by the zoning district (and, in districts like Residential Preservation, by the subdivision of record), there is no single countywide setback number for a shed — it follows the same district yard requirements as the principal structure. DSEM reviews each accessory structure for setbacks from property lines, easements, floodplain/floodways, and similar constraints. Sheds with electrical or plumbing, or built on a permanent foundation, will generally require a permit regardless of size, and any added impervious area may trigger stormwater review under the Environmental Management Act. Note that a storage shed cannot be used as living space — the code expressly prohibits using a storage shed as an accessory dwelling unit. Confirm your parcel's district setbacks with DSEM before placing a shed.