Accessory Structures in Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Fort Lauderdale permits an accessory dwelling (granny flat) only as an accessory to a single-family home in specified residential districts (RS-8, RD-15, RM-15 and others), capped at one bedroom/one bath or an efficiency and no larger than 600 square feet or 49% of the principal home, whichever is less.
Fort Lauderdale Accessory Dwelling (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. 163.31771 (2024)
163.31771 Accessory dwelling units.— As used in this section, the term "accessory dwelling unit" means an ancillary or secondary living unit, that has a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, existing either within the same structure, or on the same lot, as the primary dwelling unit. A local government may adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in any area zoned for single...
Shed Rules
A small detached storage shed of 120 square feet or less is exempt from a Florida Building Code permit, but Fort Lauderdale's ULDR still bars accessory structures from required yards, caps residential accessory-structure height at 24 feet, and all sheds must meet Florida's high-velocity hurricane-zone wind and anchoring standards.
Fort Lauderdale Shed Permit and Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsFlorida Building Code - Building (2023), Section 105.2
Permits shall not be required for one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11.15 m2). Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinanc...
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Fort Lauderdale is reviewed under the ULDR accessory-dwelling standards and the parking rules of Section 47-20; lost required off-street parking generally must be replaced elsewhere on the lot, and corner-lot garages must keep an 18-foot setback for driveway stacking.
Fort Lauderdale Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Lauderdale ULDR 47-19.2
When a garage is constructed on a corner lot, the garage must be set back a minimum of eighteen (18) feet from any property line adjacent to a street for the purpose of providing adequate parking or stacking area in the driveway. No accessory use or structure shall be located on a corner lot within fifteen (15) feet of any side street property line.
Carport Rules
Fort Lauderdale regulates carports under ULDR Section 47-19.2 as accessory structures to single-family dwellings. Carports may extend into a required front yard with a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet from the front property line.
Fort Lauderdale Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Fort Lauderdale does not have a specific tiny home ordinance. Accessory dwellings are limited to 600 sq ft or 49% of the principal structure under ULDR Section 47-19.2. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and subject to RV parking restrictions.
Fort Lauderdale Tiny Home Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Broward County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Lauderdale city rules.
Accessory Structures in Broward County →