Orlando, FL Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Orlando Land Development Code regulates sheds and accessory storage structures as accessory buildings. Per the Florida Building Code (adopted by Orlando), a building permit is required for any accessory structure over 100 square feet of gross floor area, any structure on a permanent foundation, any structure containing electrical wiring or plumbing, and any structure attached to the primary dwelling. Smaller pre-fabricated metal or resin sheds (under 100 sq ft, no foundation, no utilities) generally do not require a permit but must still comply with setback, location, and HOA rules. Standard zoning requirements include: rear-yard or side-yard placement only - sheds prohibited in front yards and required street-side yards on corner lots; minimum 5-foot setback from side and rear property lines (10 feet from rear if abutting an alley or wider with utility easements); minimum 6 to 10 feet of separation from the primary dwelling; maximum height typically 12 to 15 feet or one story; total accessory building coverage capped (often 30 to 40 percent of the rear yard area); maximum single shed footprint commonly 400 to 600 square feet for an unpermitted storage shed (larger qualifies as a more substantial accessory building with engineered drawings). Wind-load design is critical in Orlando: per FL Stat 553.73 and FBC ASCE 7, sheds in Orange County (Risk Category II) must be designed for ultimate wind speeds of 130 mph or higher. Pre-fabricated sheds sold in Florida should have a Florida Product Approval (FPA) number documenting compliance, and they must be properly anchored using engineered tie-downs (helical or auger anchors, concrete deadmen, or slab attachment). Sheds in Special Flood Hazard Areas must have their finished floor elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation, or be of flood-resistant wet-floodproofed construction (limited to storage). Electrical wiring requires a separate electrical permit and inspection. HOAs commonly restrict shed materials (no bare metal, no tarps), color (must match house), maximum size, and visibility from the street.