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ADU Rules in Jacksonville, Florida

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ADU Rules in Jacksonville, Florida

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Permitted ADU Types

  • Detached ADU: Standalone structure on the residential lot
  • Attached ADU: Addition with own entrance and kitchen
  • Garage Conversion: Converting existing garage
  • Interior Conversion: Converting existing interior space

Size Limits

ADU Type Maximum Size
Detached ADU 1,000 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling
Attached ADU 50% of primary dwelling floor area
Garage Conversion Existing footprint

Setbacks

Per Jacksonville Land Development Code:

  • Front: Per base zone
  • Side: 5 feet minimum
  • Rear: 10 feet minimum

Height

  • Detached ADU: Maximum 25 feet or per zone standard
  • Cannot exceed height of primary dwelling

Flood Zone Considerations

Jacksonville has extensive St. Johns River and coastal flood zones. Many areas are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Verify flood zone status before planning.

Parking

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Permit Process

  1. Check zoning: Jacksonville's Land Development Code applies across consolidated county
  2. Flood zone check: Verify FEMA flood status
  3. Submit plans: City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division
  4. Building permit: Florida Building Code applies
  5. Inspections and CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division 214 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 630-2489 Website: coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/building-inspection

Disclaimer: Verify current Jacksonville Land Development Code requirements before starting any project.

More about Jacksonville Zoning

Sources

  1. Jacksonville Land Development Code·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-07·Direct link
  2. Florida Statutes §163.31771 — Accessory Dwelling Units·flsenate.gov·Accessed 2026-05-24·Direct link

FAQ

Are ADUs allowed in Jacksonville, Florida?
Yes. Jacksonville enacted Ordinance 2022-0448-E ('Keeping Our Families Together Act') in November 2022, legalizing ADUs in most single-family residential zones citywide. Florida Statutes §163.31771 authorizes (but as of this writing does not mandate) local ADU ordinances. Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States.
Does Jacksonville have a consolidated city-county government?
Yes. Jacksonville and Duval County consolidated in 1968 in a unique 'Consolidation' government. The City of Jacksonville encompasses most of Duval County, making it the largest US city by land area in the contiguous 48 states.