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Accessory Structures in Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

2 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 Restrictions

Fla. 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...

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 Restrictions

Fort 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.

Looking for Broward County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Lauderdale city rules.

Accessory Structures in Broward County