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Orlando ADU

Orlando ADU Builder — Licensed Florida GC

Serving Orlando · Winter Park · Kissimmee · Windermere · Winter Garden · Lake Nona · Maitland · Altamonte Springs

Everything you need to build a legal, permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit in Orlando or Winter Park — written by a licensed GC who pulls the permits and swings the hammer.

Florida SB 48 Updated 9th Edition FBC Orange County Codes Winter Park Zoning
50+Projects Completed
14+Years Experience
CGC1531095Licensed GC
★★★★★5-Star Rated
Family-OwnedEst. 2019

Adding an ADU in Central Florida is now faster than ever under Florida SB 48 — but "By Right" approval still requires navigating impact fees, setback rules, the 9th Edition Building Code, and the Live Local Act. This seven-part series breaks down every regulatory layer so you walk into your permit application fully prepared.

60 Day Permit Max (SB 48)
$10K Workforce Housing Rebate
30% Avg. Property Value Increase
$2,200 Max Monthly Rent (Orlando)

ADU Authority Series

Eight deep-dive guides — read in order or jump to the issue you're facing right now.

Cost & Budgeting

ADU Construction Cost in Florida (2026)

$90–$180+ per square foot for new construction, or $40,000–$90,000 for a garage conversion. Hurricane wind load engineering, impact windows, and utility trenching — what actually drives Florida ADU costs.

Read the guide

Guide 01 · Law & Policy

Florida SB 48 & The "By Right" ADU Revolution

As of July 1, 2026, Orlando must approve your ADU permit within 60 days if your plans meet code. No more public hearings. No neighbor veto. Here's exactly what changed and how to use it.

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Guide 02 · Building Code

9th Edition Garage Conversion Code Requirements

The 6 inspection checkpoints every Orlando garage conversion must pass — foundation, framing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, and final. Includes the HVAC interlock detail most contractors miss.

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Guide 03 · Zoning

Winter Park ADU Zoning & Setback Rules

Winter Park was historically one of the hardest municipalities in Florida for ADU approval. Here's the current setback grid, the Heritage Oak fine ($21,200), and how we still get projects approved.

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Guide 04 · Fees & Rebates

Orlando ADU Impact Fees & The $10K Rebate

Full impact fee table for Orange County, how the Workforce Housing waiver works, and the step-by-step process to claim your $10,000 construction rebate at Certificate of Occupancy.

Read the guide

Guide 05 · Tax Strategy

Homestead Exemption & ADU Tax Implications

Building an ADU doesn't automatically cost you your homestead exemption — but only if it's structured correctly. Here's the myth vs. fact breakdown and the Granny Flat tax reduction under F.S. §193.703.

Read the guide

Guide 06 · Rental Strategy

Live Local Act: How to Maximize ADU Rental Income

The Live Local Act unlocks four financial advantages for ADU landlords. Traveling nurses, teachers, and first responders are the ideal tenants — here's how to target them and what it means for your ROI.

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Guide 07 · Fire & Safety Code

Fire Separation & Egress Codes for Orlando ADUs

FBC R302, egress windows, interconnected smoke detectors, CO detector placement — the top 7 inspection failures that kill final occupancy in Orlando ADU projects, and how we avoid every one of them.

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"Every one of these guides is written from field experience — not copied from the city's FAQ page. We've sat in the permit office, we've had plans red-lined, and we've figured out the workarounds that actually hold up at inspection. The reason we publish this information for free is simple: a homeowner who understands the code is a homeowner who can recognize a contractor cutting corners. We want you to know enough to hold us accountable."

— D&Co Homes, Licensed General Contractor · Orange County, FL

People Also Ask

Orlando ADU Questions — Answered by a Licensed GC

ADU construction in Orlando typically ranges from $120 to $400 per square foot depending on size, finish level, and site conditions. A 400 sq ft detached ADU runs $60,000–$100,000; a 600 sq ft unit with a full kitchen and bath typically lands between $90,000–$160,000. Garage conversions are the most affordable entry point, often $40,000–$80,000. Orlando's $10,000 impact fee rebate program and SB 48 by-right approval can meaningfully reduce your all-in cost.
Yes. All ADUs in Orlando require a building permit through Orange County or the City of Orlando, depending on your parcel. The permit covers structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Under Florida SB 48 (effective July 2023), single-family homeowners can now get by-right administrative approval for attached and detached ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft — eliminating most discretionary review delays. D&Co handles the full permit submittal, plan review responses, and inspections.
Under SB 48 by-right approval, Orlando and Orange County must process complete ADU applications within 30 days. Before SB 48, permitting averaged 60–120 days. Plan review corrections can add 2–4 weeks if documents are incomplete — which is why having a licensed GC prepare the permit package matters. From permit approval to final inspection, construction typically takes 60–90 days for a standard detached ADU.
Florida SB 48 allows ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft or 150% of the primary dwelling's square footage, whichever is less. The City of Orlando and Orange County both follow this state standard. Winter Park has its own zoning code and in some districts limits ADUs to 800 sq ft or 30% of the primary dwelling — we verify your specific parcel before any design work begins.
Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated at the city and county level in Florida. Orlando and Orange County require a short-term rental license and may impose zoning restrictions depending on your neighborhood. The Orlando ADU incentive program specifically requires a minimum 12-month lease to qualifying workforce tenants in exchange for the $10,000 rebate and impact fee waiver — so if your goal is Airbnb income, you'd forgo that incentive. We walk through both scenarios during your feasibility review.
Not if it's structured correctly. A detached ADU on the same parcel as your primary residence does not automatically strip your homestead exemption. However, if the ADU is rented, you may need to apportion the exemption. Florida Statute §193.703 also provides a Granny Flat property tax reduction for homeowners who rent an ADU to a parent or grandparent at below-market rent. Full breakdown in our Homestead Exemption & ADU Tax guide.
A detached ADU is a fully separate structure on your lot — its own foundation, walls, roof, and utilities. A detached unit typically commands higher rental income and appraised value. An attached ADU shares at least one wall with the primary home — a converted garage or a rear addition. Attached units cost less to build but must meet stricter fire separation requirements under FBC R302. Both are eligible under Florida SB 48 by-right approval.
Yes. Winter Park is one of our primary service areas. Winter Park operates under its own zoning code separate from Orange County — setbacks, lot coverage, and ADU size limits differ by zoning district (R-1A through R-3). We've navigated Winter Park's permitting office directly and know what their plan reviewers flag. Full zoning detail in our Winter Park ADU Zoning guide.
The most common financing paths for Orlando ADU projects are: (1) HELOC or cash-out refinance using existing home equity, (2) FHA 203k renovation loan if buying a property that needs the ADU built, (3) construction-to-perm loans from local credit unions, and (4) the City of Orlando's $10,000 forgivable loan through the workforce housing incentive program. We discuss your situation during the free feasibility review and connect you with ADU-friendly lenders we've worked with in Orange County.
Florida SB 48, signed into law in 2023, requires all Florida municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units by right on any single-family residentially zoned parcel. Your city or county cannot deny an ADU application that meets state standards — no discretionary review, no neighborhood opposition. It also caps permitting timelines at 30 days and limits impact fees to a proportional share. It's the single biggest policy shift for ADU construction in Florida history. Full breakdown in our SB 48 By-Right ADU guide.
The City of Orlando offers up to $10,000 in rebates covering impact fees and permit fees for homeowners who build an ADU and commit to renting it as workforce housing for a minimum of 10 years to tenants earning 80% or less of Area Median Income. The program runs until funding is exhausted — applications are processed first-come, first-served. Full qualification criteria and application process in our Impact Fees & Rebates guide.

Client Reviews

What Orlando homeowners say about building with D&Co

Real experiences from homeowners who built ADUs with a licensed GC they could trust.

★★★★★

"I spent months worried I'd lose my homestead exemption if I built a backyard unit. The D&Co team walked me through the full tax picture before we broke ground — no surprises. The ADU has been rented for four months and basically covers my mortgage payment. Best decision I've made as a homeowner."

M

Maria C.

Orlando, FL · ADU Build

★★★★★

"We converted our garage for my mom who's 68. Jose told us about the Granny Flat tax reduction — I had never heard of it. We filed with the county by March 1st and it knocked over $300 off our annual tax bill. The build quality is excellent, the permit was pulled correctly, and it passed inspection without any issues."

R

Robert T.

Winter Park, FL · Garage Conversion

★★★★★

"I did a lot of research before choosing D&Co. Being a licensed GC was non-negotiable for me — I wasn't going to let an unlicensed crew do a $70K build on my property. Permits were pulled, everything was done to code, and the unit was rented three weeks after the Certificate of Occupancy came in."

C

Carlos M.

Kissimmee, FL · New ADU Construction

🛡️

Our Promise Before You Commit

We model the full picture — tax impact, permit requirements, and build cost — before you sign anything. No surprises at assessment time, no hidden fees mid-project. Our license is public record: CGC1531095. Verify it anytime at the Florida DBPR. We're not going anywhere.

Licensed General Contractor · Orlando & Winter Park

Ready to Build Your ADU?

We offer a no-cost site feasibility review for qualified properties in Orange County — survey, setbacks, tree protections, and impact fees reviewed before you spend a dollar on plans.

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