Orlando · ADU guide · 2026
ADUs in Orlando — rules, costs, and what to expect.
Orlando passed a citywide ADU ordinance in 2023. The framework is permissive, the permit queue is moving, and rental demand from the metro's healthcare and hospitality workforce is steady. At 407 sq ft, a Sidesuite sits well under the city's 800 sq ft cap — and Orlando is next on Sidesuite's rollout.
What Orlando's 2023 ADU ordinance allows.
The City of Orlando permits ADUs citywide in single-family residential districts under its 2023 ordinance. Key parameters:
- Max ADU size: 800 sq ft (or 50% of the primary structure, whichever is less).
- Setbacks: follow underlying zoning — typically 5 ft side, 10 ft rear.
- Height limit: 25 ft, generally one story.
- Owner-occupancy: required — the owner must reside in the primary house or the ADU.
- Parking: one additional off-street space.
- Short-term rentals: Orlando restricts STR in residential zones; long-term rental is permitted.
What a Sidesuite costs in Orlando.
| The home: finished, appliances included | $99,999 |
| Installation: billed separately, quoted for your lot | ~$30,000 est. |
| Your total, before lot costs | $99,999 + installation |
Lot costs on an Orlando ADU
These are the lot-specific costs on any ADU build in Orlando. Budget for these on top of the home and installation until your site-plan quote says otherwise:
| Orlando building permit + impact fees | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Foundation + site prep | $9,000 – $17,000 |
| Utility tie-ins | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Orlando rental economics
Furnished 1-bedroom rents in Orlando's core neighborhoods (College Park, Audubon Park, Mills 50, Milk District) sit at $1,350–$1,650/month. Winter Park and Thornton Park push toward $1,800. Strong year-round demand from healthcare workers and theme-park employees. Sidesuite comes unfurnished, so budget for furniture or expect lower rent unfurnished.
How to get an ADU permit in Orlando.
- Zoning verification — confirm ADU eligibility via the Orlando Building & Permitting portal.
- Building permit application — the architectural and structural package.
- Plan review — typically 3–5 weeks.
- Permit issuance — construction begins.
- Inspections + CO — all standard FBC inspections.
The home itself is 15 weeks from order to installed.
Orlando is one of Florida's most permissive ADU markets.
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