ADU Rules in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is the Broward County seat and a major coastal city in South Florida. ADU eligibility is set by Section 47-19.2 of the Unified Land Development Regulations rather than by any statewide mandate.

Florida State ADU Framework

Florida has no statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 ("Accessory dwelling units") authorizes — but does not require — local governments to adopt ADU ordinances in single-family zones after the local government finds a shortage of affordable rentals. Fort Lauderdale therefore regulates ADUs under its own ULDR.

Where ADUs Are Allowed

Under ULDR §47-19.2, accessory dwellings may be permitted only as accessory to a single-family dwelling in the following zoning districts: RS-8, RD-15, RC-15, RM-15, RML-25, RMM-25, RMH-25, and RMH-60.

In RS-8 and RD-15 districts, an accessory dwelling may only be used as servant's quarters for persons other than the immediate family employed on the premises.

Size and Configuration Limits

• Maximum size: 600 gross square feet OR 49% of the gross floor area of the principal structure, whichever is less.
• Unit type: Limited to a one-bedroom / one-bath unit, or an efficiency.
• Quantity: No more than one accessory dwelling per single-family lot.

Parking

Parking spaces must be provided in accordance with ULDR §47-20 (Parking and Loading Requirements). Verify the specific count with the Urban Design and Planning Division.

Waterway and Flood Zone Considerations

• Canal and tidal-barrier setbacks: Properties on waterways have additional setback and seawall-elevation requirements under ULDR §47-19.3 (Seawall Resiliency, updated March 23, 2023).
• FEMA flood zones: Large portions of the city are in AE and VE zones.
• Florida Building Code: High-wind and flood provisions apply.
• Verify flood zone status at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.

Permit Process

1. Check zoning: Verify the property is in one of the eligible districts via Fort Lauderdale's zoning GIS.
2. Confirm waterway/seawall obligations if applicable.
3. Flood-zone verification: FEMA flood map.
4. Submit plans: City of Fort Lauderdale Development Services.
5. Building permit and inspections: Florida Building Code.
6. Certificate of Occupancy: Required before occupancy.

Contact

City of Fort Lauderdale Development Services — Urban Design and Planning Division 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 828-6520 Website: fortlauderdale.gov — Urban Design and Planning

Disclaimer: This page summarizes publicly available city information. Verify current requirements directly with the City of Fort Lauderdale before designing or permitting any project.