Accessory Structures in Orlando, FL (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Orlando, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Orlando permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in many residential zoning districts under Land Development Code provisions adopted to expand affordable housing options. ADUs may be attached or detached, with size and setback limits that vary by zone. The primary dwelling typically must be owner-occupied. ADUs require a full building permit, must meet the Florida Building Code including hurricane wind-load standards, and connect to city utilities. Short-term rental of ADUs is generally restricted unless the property qualifies for a homestead-based STR registration.
Accessory Dwelling Units in Orlando
Some RestrictionsFla. SB 184 (2025) (Accessory dwelling units)
SB 184: Housing GENERAL BILL by Rules ; Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development ; Community Affairs ; Gaetz Housing; 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 certa...
ADU Permits
Orlando permits accessory dwelling units in most single-family residential districts under the Land Development Code (LDC) Chapter 58. Permits are issued by the City of Orlando Permitting Services Division after Planning Division zoning review. Florida HB 1031 (effective July 2024), codified at FL Statute §163.31771, requires Florida local governments to allow ADUs in single-family zones subject to reasonable standards.
Orlando ADU Permits (LDC Chapter 58 + Florida HB 1031 (2024))
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Orlando ADUs are subject to City of Orlando transportation, sewer, water, and park impact fees plus Orange County Public Schools impact fees collected through the City permit process. Fees are authorized under Florida Statute §163.31801 (Florida Impact Fee Act). FL §163.31801(6) caps annual impact fee increases. Sharing the principal dwelling's existing utility tap is the most common cost-reduction strategy.
Orlando ADU Impact Fees (City + Orange County Schools)
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Orlando's Land Development Code historically allowed accessory apartments without an explicit citywide owner-occupancy mandate, and Florida HB 1031 (2024) at §163.31771 further constrains local governments from imposing owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs. Florida Homestead Exemption rules and HOA covenants may still create de facto occupancy pressures.
Orlando ADU Owner-Occupancy (FL HB 1031 Constrains City Mandates)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs rented long-term (30+ days) in Orlando face no city zoning-based restrictions. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are sharply restricted under Orlando City Code Chapter 64 (the Short-Term Rental Ordinance), which limits whole-house STRs in single-family residential districts to owner-occupied home-share rentals. Florida Statute §509.032(7) preempts local STR bans but permits registration and reasonable regulation.
Orlando ADU Rental Restrictions (STR Ordinance + LDC)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds and detached storage structures in Orlando require a building permit when over 100 square feet, when on a permanent foundation, or when containing electrical or plumbing work. Sheds must meet zoning setbacks (typically 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, none in front yards), height limits (commonly 12 to 15 feet), and Florida Building Code wind-load standards. Sheds in HOAs may face style and color restrictions, and sheds in flood zones require elevation per FEMA standards.
Shed Rules in Orlando
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Orlando requires a full building permit, change-of-use review, and replacement of any required off-street parking. Converted spaces must meet Florida Building Code residential standards including ceiling height, egress, ventilation, energy code, electrical, plumbing, and hurricane wind-load and impact-protection requirements. Garage conversions are most often pursued to create an attached ADU and are subject to ADU rules if used as a separate dwelling unit.
Garage Conversions in Orlando
Heavy RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Orlando are accessory structures requiring a building permit regardless of size. They must comply with zoning setbacks, height limits, design standards (often required to match the primary dwelling), and Florida Building Code wind-load standards (130+ mph design). Carports in front yards face stricter aesthetic controls and may be prohibited in some districts. Pre-fabricated metal carports require Florida Product Approval and engineered anchorage to resist hurricane uplift.
Carport Rules in Orlando
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes in Orlando fall under different rules depending on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Foundation-built tiny homes are regulated as single-family dwellings under the Florida Building Code, must meet minimum dwelling-unit standards, and may serve as a primary residence or as an ADU. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are typically classified as RVs or park-model RVs and may only be occupied long-term in licensed RV parks or designated tiny-home communities, not as a primary residence on a standard residential lot.
Tiny Homes in Orlando
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orlando city rules.
Accessory Structures in Orange County →