Accessory Structures in Alachua County, FL (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Alachua County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Alachua County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

ADU Rules

Alachua County permits one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per principal residence in zoning districts A, RE, RE-1, R-1aa, R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c without counting toward gross residential density. Per Section 404.24 of the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), ADUs have no minimum size and a maximum of 1,700 sq ft heated/cooled living area or 50% of the principal residence gross square footage, whichever is greater. A $70 zoning permit, site plan, floor plan, and ADU affidavit are required.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules (Alachua County, FL)

Some Restrictions

Fla. SB 184 (2025)

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 certain areas; auth...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Shed & Carport Rules

A single storage shed built for a legal residential use in unincorporated Alachua County doesn't need a building permit if it's 150 square feet or smaller and sits within the zoning district's required setback. Alachua County Code § 331.03 (Florida Building Code § 105.2, Building Item 7) sets that exemption, but it doesn't cover any electrical or plumbing run to the shed: that work still needs its own permit and inspection.

Alachua County Storage Shed Permit Exemption

Light Restrictions

Alachua County Code § 331.03 (Florida Building Code § 105.2, Building Item 7)

7.The construction of a single storage shed per legal residential use that does not exceed 150 square feet in size and is located within the required setback established for the zoning district. Any electrical or plumbing work must be permitted and inspected in accordance with the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Accessory Structures by City in Alachua County

1 cities in Alachua County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

GainesvillePop. 141,085

3 verified rules • ADU Rules, Shed & Carport Rules

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