ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated DeSotoTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated DeSoto, FL
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
7,697
Owner-occupied
83%
Zoning districts
36
Avg Home Value
$225,790
Median Lot Size
0.50 acres
Avg Income
$60,939
Residential Types:
7,697 housing units
Single Family
90%
Apts (4+ units)
10%
Zoning Districts:
16,921 parcels · 36 districts
A-10
24%(4,049)
A-5
20%(3,392)
RMF-M
13%(2,119)
RM
11%(1,925)
Other
32%(5,436)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated DeSoto, FL?
Unincorporated DeSoto, FL follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 25% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU building area is 50% of the principal building’s square footage (general accessory-structure cap).
Max Units
- –1 ADU per property (including guest houses).
- –Single-family: 1 attached accessory apartment per residential lot; garage apartment and guest house count toward the cap.
- –JADU: none specified.
Parking
- –2 spaces per dwelling unit (including ADU); no maximum; ADU must meet Table 20-536 off-street parking; no ADU-specific reductions/waivers
ADU State Law
What can you build in Florida?
- –Florida does not have a statewide ADU mandate. There is no state-level requirement for cities or counties to allow ADUs.
- –ADUs in Florida are regulated entirely at the local level. Some jurisdictions allow ADUs broadly, others allow them with strict conditions, and some prohibit them altogether.
- –Florida Statute 163.31771 is optional. It allows local governments to adopt ADU ordinances for affordable housing, but it does not require any jurisdiction to allow ADUs, and local governments may adopt ADU rules outside of this statute.
- –County and city rules may differ. In unincorporated areas, county zoning controls whether ADUs are allowed; within city limits, municipal zoning codes apply.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Florida municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
DeSoto County