ADUs are allowed in PensacolaTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Pensacola, FL
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
22,945
Owner-occupied
84%
Zoning districts
44
Avg Home Value
$284,609
Median Lot Size
0.23 acres
Avg Income
$86,489
Residential Types:
22,945 housing units
Single Family
87%
Other
13%
Zoning Districts:
28,223 parcels · 44 districts
R-1AAA
28%(7,910)
R-1AA
20%(5,618)
R-1A
9%(2,518)
R-1AAAA
9%(2,433)
Other
35%(9,744)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Pensacola, FL?
Pensacola, 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 1,500 sq ft
- –Maximum size of 60% of the principal dwelling’s living area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum living area of a detached ADU is 60% of the principal dwelling's living area, capped at 1,500 sq ft.
- –On lots under 5,000 sq ft, the maximum detached ADU floor area is 20% of lot area.
Max Units
- –Single-family detached: 1 ADU per lot
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; none in Dense Business Area and HC-1/HC-2; Downtown lots <=30' wide exempt; private streets may require 2/unit
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.
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ADU rules in other Florida municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Escambia County