Accessory Structures in Putnam County, FL (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Putnam County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Putnam County allows one accessory dwelling unit by right on a single-family residential or agricultural lot, but caps its size, bedroom count and lot size, and it cannot be sold apart from the main house. The rules sit in the county's Land Development Code, not a separate ADU ordinance.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules, Putnam County FL
Some RestrictionsPutnam County Code § 45-110(6)(a), (h)-(i)
a.Definition. ... An "accessory dwelling unit" is a dwelling unit located on the same lot as the principal residential structure which may be separate from the principal residential structure or contained within it. Accessory dwelling unit shall be an allowed use in all single-family residential zoning districts, including Agriculture and agriculture estate, subject to the provisions listed bel...
ADU Impact Fees
Unincorporated Putnam County charges countywide impact fees on new development, but Sec. 24-9(a)(2) exempts accessory structures to a residential building, a garage, workshop or detached accessory dwelling unit, from those fees as long as construction does not create additional impact units. If the accessory use does add an impact unit, the exemption does not apply and a fee is calculated.
Putnam County ADU Impact Fee Exemption
Light RestrictionsPutnam County Code § 24-9(a)(2)
(a)The following conditions are exempt from payment of the impact fees required under this chapter:(1)Alterations or expansion of an existing residential building where no additional impact units are created and where the use is not changed;(2)The construction of buildings or structures that are accessory to a residential building, where no additional impact units are created;
ADU Rental Restrictions
In unincorporated Putnam County an accessory dwelling unit may only house guests or family members on a non-fee basis; it cannot be rented out or sold apart from the main house without a county-approved lot split, under Land Development Code § 45-110(6).
Putnam County ADU Occupancy Rules
Significant RestrictionsPutnam County Code § 45-110(6)
(6)Accessory dwelling unit.a.Definition. An "accessory dwelling unit" is a dwelling unit located on the same lot as the principal residential structure which may be separate from the principal residential structure or contained within it. Accessory dwelling unit shall be an allowed use in all single-family residential zoning districts, including Agriculture and agriculture estate, subject to th...
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed in unincorporated Putnam County needs a building permit, and if it is 150 square feet or smaller it can sit as close as three feet from the side or rear line and three feet from other structures. Motor homes and truck bodies cannot double as a permanent storage building.
Storage Building & Shed Rules, Putnam County FL
Some RestrictionsPutnam County Code §§ 45-105(e), 45-108, 45-109(10)
(e)In residential, AG and AE zoning districts, accessory structures not used for habitation that are 150 square feet or less in size shall meet the front setback, waterfront setback and wetland setback requirements for the zoning district in which the structure is located as provided in articles VI and VII of this Code; however, such a structure may be set three feet from any side or rear (non-...
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