Accessory Structures in Lake County, FL (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Lake County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Lake County allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot in agricultural and residential districts. The ADU may be an apartment or stand-alone building, must be owner-occupied (owner in either unit), and is capped at 1,200 sq ft or 70% of the main home, whichever is greater.
Lake County FL Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsLake County LDR Sec. 10.01.03
No more than one (1) Principal Dwelling Unit and one (1) Accessory Dwelling Unit Shall be permitted on any Lot of Record. The enclosed living area of the Accessory Dwelling Unit Shall not exceed one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet or seventy percent (70%) of the air conditioned, enclosed living area of the principal dwelling, whichever is greater.
ADU Impact Fees
Lake County lets homeowners defer educational impact fees on a new accessory dwelling unit under Lake County Code § 22-11, but only if the ADU is 800 square feet or smaller under LDR § 10.01.03. Deferral runs until the property sells or is conveyed, secured by a recorded mortgage to the county for the deferred fee amount, with a 30-year term.
ADU Impact Fee Deferral in Lake County, FL
Some RestrictionsLake County Code § 22-11(a)-(b)
(a)When an application for a building permit for an accessory building unit is made, the county manager or designee may defer the educational impact fees as set forth herein. An accessory dwelling unit, as defined under Section 10.01.03 of the Land Development Regulations, must be 800 square feet or less to be eligible for a deferral under this section.(b)The educational impact fees for an acce...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Lake County allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in Agricultural and residential zoning districts, but only if the owner actually lives on the property. LDR § 10.01.03(B)(2) requires a recorded restriction, at the owner's expense, keeping the main house and the ADU under common ownership and limiting occupancy of both to the property owner before a building permit issues.
ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule in Lake County FL
Significant RestrictionsLake County LDR § 10.01.03(B)(2)
No more than one (1) Principal Dwelling Unit and one (1) Accessory Dwelling Unit Shall be permitted on any Lot of Record, or legally created Lot. A lot or parcel of land containing an Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be occupied by the owner of the premises, and the owner may live in either the Accessory Dwelling Unit or the Principal Dwelling Unit. Prior to the date a building permit is issued fo...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Lake County, a shed must sit on a lot with a lawful home, stay out of required setbacks and buffers, and (on lots under an acre) not exceed 80% of the home's living area. It cannot be taller than the house or 25 feet.
Lake County FL Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsLake County LDR Sec. 10.01.01
For lots less than one (1) acre in size, the square footage of an Accessory Structure(s) shall not exceed eighty (80) percent of the main floor square footage of the enclosed living area of the dwelling unit. Cargo and shipping containers shall not be used as Accessory Structure(s) in residential zoning districts.
Garage Conversions
Lake County's LDR has no stand-alone 'garage conversion' rule. Converting a garage into separate living quarters is treated as creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit: one per lot, owner-occupied, size-capped, and permitted under the Florida Building Code. A conversion into more of the main home simply needs a building permit.
Converting a Garage in Lake County FL
Some RestrictionsLake County LDR Sec. 10.01.03(B)(4)
The structure shall be determined to be an Accessory Dwelling Unit: a. A separate utility meter may service the additional living space; b. The additional living space may have a separate address; c. it may be connected to the primary dwelling by a breezeway or walkway; or d. it qualifies as a separate dwelling under the Florida Building Code.
Tiny Homes
Lake County has no dedicated 'tiny home' category. A permanent tiny house is treated as a small single-family dwelling meeting zoning and the Florida Building Code. Living in an RV or trailer is allowed only as temporary construction housing, on 1+ acre lots, with a permit and $5,000 bond.
Tiny Homes & Temporary Living Units in Lake County FL
Some RestrictionsLake County LDR Sec. 10.02.02
A single-wide mobile home, travel trailer, or recreational vehicle may be occupied as a temporary residence in agricultural or residential zoning districts for one (1) family on a lot of record or legally created lot that is one (1) acre in area or greater while a permanent residence is being constructed thereon.
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