Orange County, FL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Orange County, FL, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Exemption limit
- 120 sq ft footprint
- Height limit
- 30 in. above grade
- Utilities
- None allowed
- Citation
- FBC § 105.2.4(1)
Summary
Orange County exempts small, owner-built detached accessory structures like tool sheds, storage sheds and gazebos from a building permit if they stay under 120 square feet and 30 inches above grade with no utilities.
Construction, alteration or repair performed by the property owner upon his or her own personal residence for a one-story detached, freestanding, accessory structure to a one- or two-family dwelling used as a tool shed, storage shed, pergola, deck, gazebo, or playhouse that does not exceed a one hundred twenty-square foot footprint or thirty inches above lowest adjoining grade, for the owner's personal use. This structure shall not incorporate electrical, HVAC, fuel gas, or plumbing.2.Construction, alteration or repair performed by the property owner upon his or her own personal residence for a one-story detached, as attached/detached accessibility ramp that does not exceed a one hundred twenty-square foot footprint or thirty inches above lowest adjoining grade, for the owner's personal use.3.One- and-two family fences six (6) feet or less in height are also exempt in accordance with this section. Zoning and flood requirements shall be met as required. ***
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 128).
Full Breakdown
Section 105.2.4(1) of the locally amended Florida Building Code exempts a one-story, detached, freestanding accessory structure built by the property owner on their own residence, including a tool shed, storage shed, pergola, deck, gazebo or playhouse, from a building permit, provided it does not exceed a 120-square-foot footprint or 30 inches above the lowest adjoining grade and has no electrical, HVAC, fuel gas or plumbing. A zoning permit and stormwater permit may still apply.
Violations & Fines
A shed that exceeds the 120-square-foot or 30-inch threshold, or that adds electrical, HVAC, gas or plumbing, loses the exemption and requires a building permit; building without one can trigger a stop-work order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard shed in unincorporated Orange County?
Does the shed exemption cover zoning rules too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
How Orange County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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