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🏗️ Accessory Structures/ADU Owner Occupancy

ADU Owner Occupancy: Bay Hill vs Orlando

How do adu owner occupancy rules compare between Bay Hill, FL and Orlando, FL?

Bay Hill, FL

Orange County

No data available yet for Bay Hill.

Orlando, FL

Orange County

Few Restrictions

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.

View full Orlando rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactBay HillOrlando
City Requirement-None codified citywide
State Preemption-FL §163.31771 (HB 1031)
Homestead Risk-Lost if owner moves out
HOA Authority-Private rules permitted
Save Our Homes Cap-3% annual cap forfeited

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Bay Hill FAQ

No FAQs available.

Orlando FAQ

Does Orlando require ADU owners to live on the property?

Not as a citywide zoning mandate. Florida HB 1031 (2024) constrains municipalities from imposing owner-occupancy on ADUs. Owners can generally rent both the main house and ADU to non-owner tenants under city law, but HOA covenants and homestead rules still apply.

What about homestead exemption?

Florida's Homestead Exemption applies only to the owner's primary residence. If the owner moves out and rents both units, the homestead exemption is lost — meaning higher Orange County property taxes and loss of the 3% Save Our Homes assessment cap.

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