Accessory Structures in Winter Haven, FL (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for Winter Haven, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Winter Haven's zoning code does not carve out a standalone accessory dwelling unit permit process; the one place an accessory dwelling unit or garage apartment appears in the Unified Land Development Code is Sec. 21-211(b)(5), which lets a home occupation operate inside one only if the unit is not also being lived in and no other activity happens there.
Winter Haven Garage Apartment Use Restriction
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Unified Land Development Code § 21-211(b)(5)
(5)A home occupation shall be conducted in the principal residence. A home occupation may be conducted in an accessory dwelling unit, such as a garage apartment, provided that the apartment is not occupied as a living unit and no other activity is conducted in the accessory unit.
Shed & Carport Rules
Winter Haven allows sheds, detached garages, gazebos and other accessory structures only in the rear or side yard, per Unified Land Development Code Section 21-102. Setbacks, lot coverage and height vary by zoning district under the accessory-structure tables in Article II, Division 2. Detached garages and carports need an engineered wind-load design and a building division permit before construction begins.
Winter Haven Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Unified Land Development Code § 21-102
[1.General requirements.] One (1) or more accessory structures may be permitted on a development site, provided that the following requirements are met:(a)Accessory structures are freestanding structures which are incidental to the principal structure such as storage sheds, pool service buildings, gazebos, bath houses, greenhouses, workshops, pergolas, detached garages, detached carports, scree...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Winter Haven city rules.
Accessory Structures in Polk County →