ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated HighlandsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Highlands, FL
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
37,424
Owner-occupied
83%
Zoning districts
67
Avg Home Value
$207,957
Median Lot Size
0.26 acres
Avg Income
$61,616
Residential Types:
37,424 housing units
Single Family
95%
Other
5%
Zoning Districts:
101,643 parcels · 67 districts
R1
52%(52,916)
R1A
14%(13,728)
AU
11%(10,957)
R3FUD
4%(4,060)
Other
20%(19,982)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Highlands, FL?
Unincorporated Highlands, 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
Max Units
- –No per-lot maximum stated for TND; secondary dwellings may comprise up to 15% of total authorized dwelling units.
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs.
Parking
- –Min: 1 space/ADU (1BR); 2 spaces for 2BR or 3+BR; Max: none; Exceptions: Traditional Neighborhood requires 1 space/ADU (supersedes bedroom counts); reductions via parking study/TD measures and mixed-use approvals.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU: guesthouse shall not be used for rental purposes (owner to sign agreement).
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.
Highlands County