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Marion County, FL Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Shed permit rules in Marion 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

Code Section
Marion County LDC Sec. 4.3.27
Setback Exemption Size
Up to 12 ft x 12 ft
Eligible Lots
Residential and ag under 1 acre
Neighbor Agreement
Signed and notarized, with site plan
Easements
No structure over easement w/o consent
Permit Timeline
30 business days (FS 553.792)

Summary

Unincorporated Marion County allows sheds, storage buildings, and detached carports not exceeding 12 by 12 feet to be exempted from side or rear setbacks with a signed, notarized neighbor agreement under Land Development Code Sec. 4.3.27, while larger accessory structures must obtain a building permit acted on within 30 business days under Florida law.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Marion County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Within 30 business days after receiving a complete and sufficient application, for an applicant using a local government plans reviewer to obtain the following building permits if the structure is less than 7,500 square feet: residential units, including a single-family residential unit or a single-family residential dwelling, accessory structure, alarm, electrical, irrigation, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing.

Source: Marion County Land Development Code § 4.3.27 (Accessory structures)View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Marion County Land Development Code (LDC) Sec. 27 (Ord. No. 17-08, April 11, 2017), accessory structures such as sheds, storage buildings, and detached carports that do not exceed 12 feet by 12 feet in size may be exempted from the otherwise-required side or rear setbacks. To qualify, the adjacent property owner and the subject property owner must provide a signed and notarized statement, with a site plan showing the proposed location and setback dimensions, submitted to the Growth Services Department before placement. The exemption applies only to residentially-zoned properties and agriculturally-zoned properties less than one acre, does not apply where streets or rights-of-way are adjacent to the side or rear lot lines, and no structure may extend over an easement without written approval of the easement holder.

A principal structure must already exist on the lot. For sheds and other accessory structures, Florida Statutes Sec. 792(1)(a) requires the county to approve or deny a complete building-permit application within 30 business days for structures under 7,500 square feet. Property owners should confirm whether their specific shed requires a building permit with Marion County Building Safety before installation.

Violations & Fines

Placing a shed, storage building, or carport in a required setback without the notarized neighbor agreement on file, building over an easement without consent, or erecting an accessory structure without a required permit is a Land Development Code violation enforced by Marion County Code Enforcement, which may order relocation or removal of the structure and impose code-enforcement liens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a shed near my property line in unincorporated Marion County?
Yes, if the shed, storage building, or detached carport is no larger than 12 feet by 12 feet and you and your adjacent neighbor sign a notarized agreement (with a site plan) accepting the reduced setback, filed with Growth Services before placement (LDC Sec. 4.3.27). The exemption applies only to residential lots and agricultural lots under one acre, and not where a street or right-of-way runs along that lot line.
Can a shed sit over a utility easement on my Marion County lot?
No. Under LDC Sec. 4.3.27, no structure may be erected, placed upon, or extend over any easement unless approved in writing by the person or entity holding that easement.
Do I need a building permit for a storage shed?
Larger sheds and accessory structures generally require a Marion County building permit, and under Florida Statutes Sec. 553.792 the county must act on a complete application within 30 business days for structures under 7,500 square feet. Confirm permit thresholds with Marion County Building Safety before installing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Marion County

All Marion County rules

How Marion County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Marion County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview

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