The Core Requirement
Simply adding a kitchenette and a separate entrance to a converted garage doesn't automatically make it a legal rental unit. Most Florida jurisdictions require the space to be permitted and classified as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which comes with its own set of zoning requirements — separate from a standard interior conversion permit.
What Typically Changes for Rental Use
- Parking: Many jurisdictions require an additional off-street parking space for an ADU, on top of what's required for the primary home.
- Setbacks: ADU setback requirements can differ from the setbacks that applied to the original garage.
- Unit size caps: Some jurisdictions cap ADU square footage as a percentage of the primary home's footprint.
- Utility metering: Depending on the jurisdiction and whether you intend to rent long-term, a separate utility meter may be required or recommended.
The Live Local Act's Impact
Florida's Live Local Act and related state-level housing legislation have pushed many jurisdictions toward allowing ADUs more broadly than in the past, which is a meaningful shift for homeowners who previously couldn't add a rentable unit under local zoning. That said, the specific parking, size, and setback rules still vary significantly by city and county, so what's allowed in one jurisdiction may not be allowed as-of-right in the next one over.
"The Live Local Act opened a lot of doors, but it didn't erase local zoning entirely. We check your specific jurisdiction's ADU ordinance before we tell a client 'yes, you can rent this out.'"
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