Tampa · ADU guide · 2026
ADUs in Tampa — rules, costs, and what to expect.
Tampa's ADU ordinance is broad, owner-occupancy is not required, and rental demand is steady. Sidesuite is coming to Tampa: it's on the rollout list after Orlando and Jacksonville.
What Tampa's ADU ordinance allows.
The City of Tampa Development Services permits ADUs in most residential zoning districts (RS-50, RS-60, RS-75, RS-100, and the RM districts). Highlights of the ordinance:
- Max ADU size: 800 sq ft, capped at 60% of the primary dwelling's floor area.
- Setbacks: 5 ft side, 10 ft rear (match the underlying zoning standard).
- Height limit: 25 ft, one story typically required.
- Owner-occupancy: not required. Tampa dropped this rule in 2022.
- Parking: one off-street space; reduced if on a transit corridor.
- Short-term rentals: permitted with a city license; some neighborhoods restrict.
What a Sidesuite would cost in Tampa.
One price for the home. Installation varies by location, so it's quoted for the lot.
| Sidesuite home: 407 sq ft, finished, appliances included | $99,999 |
| Installation: billed separately, quoted for the lot | ~$30,000 est. |
| Your total, before lot costs | $99,999 + installation |
Typical lot costs in Tampa
These are the lot-specific costs on any ADU build in Tampa. Budget for these on top of the home and installation until your site-plan quote says otherwise.
| Tampa building permit + impact fees | $2,800 – $5,500 |
| Foundation + site prep | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Utility tie-ins | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Tampa rental economics
Furnished 1-bedroom rents in Tampa's core neighborhoods (Seminole Heights, Riverside Heights, Tampa Heights, V.M. Ybor) sit at $1,400–$1,700/month. South Tampa, Davis Islands, and Hyde Park push toward $1,800–$2,200. Sidesuite comes unfurnished, so budget for furniture or expect lower rent unfurnished.
How to get an ADU permit in Tampa.
- Zoning verification — confirm your lot allows an ADU. Check via the Tampa zoning portal.
- Building permit application — submit drawings, site plan, structural details.
- Plan review — typically 3–6 weeks.
- Permit issuance — construction can begin.
- Inspections + CO — foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final.
The Sidesuite home is 15 weeks from order to installed. Permits here typically take 6–10 weeks, against 8–14 in Miami.
Tampa homeowners — the rules already allow this.
Sidesuite is coming to Tampa. Send your address to get on the list, and we reply within 48 hours. For a Miami-Dade or Broward address, Check My Lot answers instantly.