Accessory Structures in Orange County, FL (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Orange County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Orange County allows accessory dwelling units on many single-family lots subject to zoning district, lot size, and owner-occupancy rules. Maximum ADU size is typically 800 square feet or 50% of primary dwelling.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsFla. SB 184 (2025) - Affordable Housing / ADU
requiring, rather than authorizing, local governments to adopt, by a specified date, an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in certain areas; authorizing a local government to provide a density bonus incentive to landowners who make certain real property donations to assist in the provision of affordable housing for military families; requiring the Office of Program Policy Analysis and ...
ADU Impact Fees
Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Orange County are charged impact fees at the same rates set in the county's impact-fee chapter, plus applicable water and wastewater capital fees.
Orange County ADU Impact Fees
Some RestrictionsOrange County Code § 38-1426(2)c.11
Impact fees and capital fees. The impact fees for an accessory dwelling unit shall be assessed at the rates set forth in Orange County Code, Chapter 23. Water and wastewater capital fees for the accessory dwelling unit shall be subject to all other applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.12.Doors. For accessory dwelling units attached to a principal structure by a passageway, doors shall be...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Orange County Code Sec. 38-1426(2)c.2 requires an accessory dwelling unit and its primary home to stay under single ownership at all times. The lot must qualify as homestead property, and the owner must live in either the primary house or the ADU. ADU approval never authorizes splitting the lot or selling the two units separately.
Orange County ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsOrange County Code § 38-1426(2)c.2
(2)Accessory dwelling units. The intent and purpose of this subsection is to allow for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), as defined in Section 38-1, that support greater infill development and affordable housing opportunities while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods. ... 2.Ownership. The primary single-family dwelling unit and the accessory dwelling unit shall...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Orange County bans renting or leasing an accessory dwelling unit for 30 days or less, except in the R-3 zoning district, under the county's ADU standards.
Orange County ADU Short-Term Rental Ban
Significant RestrictionsOrange County Code § 38-1426(2)c.14
Transient rental. Transient rental or leasing (a period of thirty (30) days or less) of an accessory dwelling unit shall be prohibited, except as provided in section 38-77 related to the R-3 zoning district.15.Electrical. A detached accessory dwelling unit may apply for and obtain a separate power meter, subject to the approval of the utility company and complying with all applicable laws, ordi...
Shed & Carport Rules
Orange County exempts small, owner-built detached accessory structures like tool sheds, storage sheds and gazebos from a building permit if they stay under 120 square feet and 30 inches above grade with no utilities.
Orange County Shed Permit Exemption
Some RestrictionsOrange County Code § 9-33(b)(E); Florida Building Code § 105.2.4(1)
Construction, alteration or repair performed by the property owner upon his or her own personal residence for a one-story detached, freestanding, accessory structure to a one- or two-family dwelling used as a tool shed, storage shed, pergola, deck, gazebo, or playhouse that does not exceed a one hundred twenty-square foot footprint or thirty inches above lowest adjoining grade, for the owner's ...
Accessory Structures by City in Orange County
3 cities in Orange County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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