Orange County RV & Boat Parking Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Some Restrictions

Last verified: February 26, 2026|Source: Orange County FL — Boat, Recreation Vehicle and/or TPSC Permit →

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Orange County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Key Facts

Permit Fee: $47
Code Violation Surcharge: Additional $40
Boat Length (front storage): 24 feet or less
Rear Lot Side Setback: 10 feet from side lot lines
Rear Lot Rear Setback: 5 feet from rear lot line
Governing Code: Section 38-79(45)

The Short Version

Storing a boat or recreational vehicle on residential property in unincorporated Orange County requires a permit from the Zoning Division under Section 38-79(45). The permit fee is $47 (plus $40 if resulting from a code enforcement violation). Boats under 24 feet may be stored in a garage, carport, driveway, or the rear half of the lot. All RVs and boats stored behind the principal structure must be screened from street view and maintain specific setbacks from lot lines.

Full Breakdown

Orange County requires a Zoning Division permit for storing boats and recreational vehicles on residential property under Section 38-79(45) of the county zoning code. The permit application requires a survey or site plan showing the proposed storage location, a photograph of the vehicle or vessel, and a copy of the vehicle registration. Lessees must also provide a signed authorization letter from the property owner.

A boat 24 feet or less in length may be parked or stored inside a garage, under a carport, in the driveway, in the front yard on an approved surface (asphalt, gravel, pavers, or concrete), in the side yard, or in the rear half of the lot. An approved surface in the front half of the lot must be immediately contiguous to the driveway — it cannot be placed elsewhere in the front yard.

When stored in the rear half of the lot behind the principal structure, boats and RVs must be screened from view from the right-of-way and maintain a minimum setback of 10 feet from side lot lines and 5 feet from the rear lot line. These setbacks may be reduced to zero if a six-foot-high fence, wall, or vegetative buffer exists along the lot line. Any fence or improved surface installed for screening must not obstruct existing easements and requires a separate permit.

What Happens If You Violate This?

Storing a boat or RV without the required permit is a zoning code violation enforceable through Orange County Code Enforcement. If the permit is obtained after a violation is discovered, the standard $47 fee increases by an additional $40 surcharge. Continued non-compliance can result in fines up to $1,000 per day through the Code Enforcement Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to park my boat in my driveway in Orange County?

Yes. Any boat or RV stored on residential property in unincorporated Orange County requires a permit from the Zoning Division. The permit fee is $47, and you will need to provide a site plan, a photo of the vessel, and a copy of the registration.

Can I store my RV in my front yard?

Front-yard storage is limited. Boats 24 feet or less may be stored on an approved surface (asphalt, gravel, pavers, or concrete) immediately contiguous to the driveway. Larger vessels and RVs generally must be stored in the side yard, rear yard, or inside a garage or carport.

What screening is required for rear-yard boat or RV storage?

Boats and RVs stored behind the principal structure in the rear half of the lot must be screened from view from the street. You must also maintain a 10-foot setback from side lot lines and a 5-foot setback from the rear lot line, unless a 6-foot fence or vegetative buffer exists along those lines.

Sources & Official References

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