Florida ADU guide · Updated 2026
ADUs in Florida: the complete 2026 guide.
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second, smaller home built on the same lot as an existing single-family house. In Florida, ADUs are now one of the fastest legal paths to add housing, generate rental income, or house family without buying another piece of land. Here's how they work, what they cost, and where the law stands.
The 30-second definition.
An accessory dwelling unit — also called a backyard cottage, granny flat, guest house, in-law suite, or casita — is a fully independent home that sits on the same parcel as a primary residence. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. It can be detached (a standalone structure in the backyard), attached (an addition), or converted (a garage or basement). Sidesuite builds a detached backyard home: 407 sq ft (11′ × 37′) with 1 bedroom, 1 bath and a full kitchen, 15 weeks from order to installed.
What people actually want to know.
1. How much does an ADU cost in Florida?
Built the usual way, a Florida ADU runs about $84,000 to $300,000+, depending on size, finishes, site work, and contractor. Sidesuite's answer: $99,999 for the finished home, appliances included, plus installation, which is billed separately and quoted for your lot (estimated around $30,000). Permits, site prep and utility tie-ins depend on your lot. Full breakdown on the ADU cost page.
2. How do you pay for one?
Most homeowners use a HELOC, cash-out refinance, or construction-to-perm loan. Some Florida credit unions and specialty lenders offer ADU-specific products that underwrite against future rental income rather than current equity. We track the active lenders on our financing page, and Sidesuite's own lender partners are opening soon.
3. Is it legal where I live?
Probably yes, but it depends on your city and county. Florida cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and St. Petersburg have already opted in under Statute 163.31771. The Florida ADU laws page tracks the current rules and 2026 legislative history. For any address in Miami-Dade or Broward, Check My Lot answers instantly.
4. Can I rent it out?
In most Florida jurisdictions, yes — long-term rentals are typically permitted, short-term (Airbnb-style) rentals are sometimes restricted. A furnished one-bedroom backyard home rents long-term for $1,150–$2,200/month across Florida metros. Sidesuite comes unfurnished, so budget for furniture or expect lower rent unfurnished. Math on the rental-income page.
The three reasons people put a Sidesuite on their lot.
Rental income
$1,150–$2,200/month for a furnished 1-bed across Florida metros, set against a home that's $99,999 plus installation.
See the rent mathFamily housing
Adult children priced out of the for-sale market. Aging parents who need proximity but not a shared roof. Independence on the same lot.
Email the teamProperty value
A permitted second home on the lot can raise what the property is worth. Ask a local appraiser for your number.
How lenders count itFlorida ADU rules, by metro.
Every Florida city sets its own rules within the state framework — max ADU size, setback requirements, owner-occupancy rules, parking minimums. Click into your metro for the specifics:
Miami
One of the most ADU-friendly cities in the state. The Miami 21 code permits a backyard ADU on single-family lots zoned T3-L, T3-O and higher (not T3-R).
Miami ADU rulesOrlando
Orlando permits ADUs citywide under its 2023 ADU ordinance, with streamlined permitting for compliant designs.
Orlando ADU rulesJacksonville
Florida's largest city by area. ADUs are permitted in many residential zones, with rules that vary by district.
Jacksonville ADU rulesSt. Petersburg
St. Pete updated its ADU ordinance in 2023 to broaden where ADUs are permitted as-of-right.
St. Petersburg ADU rulesPalm Beach County
Palm Beach County and several of its municipalities permit ADUs under the Workforce Housing program.
Palm Beach ADU rulesThe by-right bill didn't pass.
HB 313 and its Senate companion SB 48 would have required every Florida county and city to allow ADUs by right by December 1, 2026. SB 48 passed the Senate 38–0, but both bills died when the session ended on March 13, 2026. ADU rules stay local under §163.31771, so your city's or county's ordinance decides what your lot allows. The details are on the Florida ADU laws page, and Check My Lot answers for any address in Miami-Dade or Broward.
Ready to see if your lot qualifies?
Check My Lot is free and instant. We check zoning, the lot and the city's rules for every address in Miami-Dade and Broward.