Accessory Structures in Manatee County, FL (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Manatee County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

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

ADU Rules

In unincorporated Manatee County, a detached accessory dwelling unit may be placed under the Land Development Code. It must be a single story with a maximum height of twelve feet (no lofts) unless it instead meets the principal dwelling's zoning-district setback and height standards.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules in Manatee County

Some Restrictions

Manatee County LDC Ch. 5 (Accessory Dwelling Units)

ADUs, attached or detached, shall follow the setback and height requirements of the principal dwelling's standard zoning district or meet the following requirements... a maximum height of twelve (12) feet and be a single story, with no lofts.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Shed & Carport Rules

In unincorporated Manatee County, sheds accessory to a home may total up to 400 square feet of aggregate floor area. A shed 120 square feet or less and up to 8 feet tall (measured grade to roof ridge) is exempt from the required rear and side setbacks, except within drainage

Shed and Storage Structure Rules in Manatee County

Some Restrictions

Manatee County LDC 511.15 (Storage Structures and Sheds)

Sheds one hundred twenty (120) square feet or less and up to eight (8) feet in height, measured from grade to roof ridge, are exempt from the required minimum rear and side setbacks on residential property, except within drainage and utility easements.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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