Accessory Structures in Jacksonville, FL (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Jacksonville, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Jacksonville §656.403 permits ADUs in single-family residential districts. Max size: lesser of 25% of principal structure GFA or 750 sq ft. ADUs must be in backyard, owner-occupancy required for rental. Full kitchen allowed.
Jacksonville ADU Rules & Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
Some RestrictionsFla. SB 184 (2025) - Accessory Dwelling Units
Authorizing a landlord to accept reusable tenant screening reports and require a specified statement; requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provi...
ADU Permits
Jacksonville permits ADUs by right in most single-family residential zones under Ordinance 2022-0448-E (the Keeping Our Families Together Act), codified in Title XVII Zoning Code Ch. 656. Applications are filed through the JaxEPICS online portal. Initial reviews typically take 25-30 business days; resubmittals 10 days or less. Florida HB 1339 (2024) further requires ministerial, by-right approval of ADUs that meet objective standards.
Jacksonville ADU Permits (Ord. 2022-0448-E, Ch. 656)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Jacksonville charges mobility fees on new dwelling units under Zoning Code Ch. 655 Pt. 5, including ADUs, calculated by zone and unit type. Florida HB 1339 (2024) caps ADU impact fees at the single-family rate and exempts qualifying small ADUs in some scenarios. Total ADU permit and fee costs typically range $3,000 to $8,000 in Jacksonville. JEA water/sewer hookups are billed separately by JEA.
Jacksonville ADU Impact and Mobility Fees (Ch. 655 Pt. 5)
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Jacksonville does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs. Ordinance 2022-0448-E removed owner-occupancy and family-relationship restrictions from the prior ADU rules, and Florida HB 1339 (2024) preempts local owner-occupancy mandates statewide. An owner may live in either the primary residence or the ADU, rent both units, or rent only one - no deed restriction is required.
Jacksonville ADU Owner-Occupancy (Preempted by FL HB 1339)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Jacksonville ADUs may be rented long-term (30+ days) without a separate license. Rentals under 30 days are classified as short-term vacation rentals and must comply with Florida Statute 509 transient public lodging registration plus Jacksonville's Ch. 656 short-term rental zoning rules. Local STR ordinances are limited by Florida Statute 509.032(7), which preempts most local STR bans. Tax registration with the Florida DOR and Duval County Tax Collector is required for stays under 6 months.
Jacksonville ADU Rental Restrictions (30-Day Threshold)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Jacksonville Building Inspection Division requires a permit for sheds over 150 sq ft. Sheds under 150 sq ft may need only a permit (no inspection). Setbacks and lot coverage rules under §656.403 apply.
Jacksonville Shed Rules & Outbuilding Regulations
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions require building permit from Jacksonville Planning & Development. Converted space must meet FL Building Code habitability standards and zoning minimum parking requirements must still be satisfied.
accessory-structures/garage-conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Jacksonville are regulated as accessory structures under Jax Ord. Code Ch. 656 (Zoning Code). They can only be located in rear or side yards — not in required front yard setback areas. Setbacks for accessory structures are typically 5 feet from the principal structure and 5 feet from property lines, though overlay zones like San Marco (§656.399.7) may have additional requirements. A building permit is required for permanent carport construction.
Jacksonville Carport Rules & Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes in Jacksonville must comply with the Florida Building Code and local zoning under Ch. 656. A tiny home on a permanent foundation is treated as a dwelling unit and must meet all building code requirements including minimum standards. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and generally cannot serve as primary residences in residential zones. Mobile and manufactured homes are permitted only in designated zoning districts. ADU (accessory dwelling unit) ordinances may provide additional options.
Jacksonville Tiny Home Regulations & Zoning
Some RestrictionsLooking for Duval County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Jacksonville city rules.
Accessory Structures in Duval County →