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Zoning Guide

ADU Rules in St. Petersburg, Florida

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ADU Rules in St. Petersburg, 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 in rear yard
  • Attached ADU: Addition with own entrance and kitchen
  • Garage Conversion: Converting existing garage
  • Interior Conversion: Converting existing 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 St. Petersburg Land Development Regulations:

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

Height

  • Detached ADU: Maximum 25 feet or per zone standard

Flood Zone and Hurricane Considerations

St. Petersburg faces significant flood and hurricane risks:

  • Large portions of the city are in FEMA AE and VE flood zones
  • Elevated foundation construction often required
  • Florida Building Code high-wind and flood provisions apply
  • Hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows required
  • Verify FEMA flood map status before planning any ADU

Permit Process

  1. Check zoning: Verify via St. Petersburg's ePermitting portal
  2. Flood zone verification: Critical for St. Pete peninsula
  3. Submit plans: City of St. Petersburg Building Services
  4. Building permit: Florida Building Code applies
  5. Inspections and CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of St. Petersburg Development Services One 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 893-7231 Website: stpete.org/building

Disclaimer: Verify current land development regulations and flood zone requirements before starting any project in St. Petersburg.

More about St. Petersburg Zoning

Building PermitsSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. City of St. Petersburg Code of Ordinances — Chapter 16 (Land Development Regulations)·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-05-24·Direct link
  2. Florida Statutes §163.31771 — Accessory Dwelling Units·leg.state.fl.us·Accessed 2026-05-24·Direct link

FAQ

Are ADUs allowed in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Yes. St. Petersburg permits ADUs (garage apartments) in certain residential districts under Chapter 16 of the Land Development Regulations. Florida has no statewide ADU mandate; the relevant state statute (Fla. Stat. §163.31771) is an enabling/encouraging provision.
What flood zone risks exist in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg is a peninsula surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, with much of the city in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Florida Building Code requires elevated construction in flood zones; hurricane preparedness is a key consideration.