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Accessory Structures in Hillsborough County, FL (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

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

ADU Rules

Hillsborough County requires accessory dwelling units to sit on a conforming lot of at least 7,000 square feet and caps living space at 900 square feet under the Land Development Code's accessory dwelling standards.

Hillsborough County ADU Zoning Standards

Some Restrictions

Sec. 6.11.02.A and 6.11.02.C

A. The accessory dwelling shall be located on a conforming or legal non-conforming residential lot developed with a detached single-family home. Unless otherwise expressly permitted in a Planned Development, a minimum lot area of 7,000 square feet shall be required. B. The residential lot shall be occupied by a principal detached single-family dwelling that is...

ADU Owner Occupancy

Hillsborough County requires the principal home on any lot with an accessory dwelling unit to be owner-occupied, a condition the Land Development Code says cannot be varied.

Hillsborough County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule

Significant Restrictions

Sec. 6.11.02.B

The residential lot shall be occupied by a principal detached single-family dwelling that is owner occupied. These requirements shall not be varied. C. Living space in the accessory dwelling shall be limited to a maximum of 900 square feet. A variance to increase this amount may be requested provided the residential lot is at least 14,520 square feet in size and the l...

Shed & Carport Rules

Carports in unincorporated Hillsborough County are accessory structures capped at 15 feet high and kept out of front yards, with a 3-foot minimum from side and rear lot lines.

Hillsborough County Carport Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Hillsborough County Land Development Code Sec. 6.11.04

Accessory structures shall not exceed 15 feet in height... Accessory structures shall not be erected in any required front yard... Accessory structures may occupy required side yards provided that such structures are more distant from the street than any part of the principal building..., provided... not closer than three feet from any side lot line... Accessory structures may occupy required r...

Accessory Structures by City in Hillsborough County

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

All Hillsborough County ordinances

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