ADUs are allowed in LakelandTypes:Detached
Types:Detached
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Lakeland, FL
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
35,221
Owner-occupied
64%
Zoning districts
361
Avg Home Value
$202,193
Median Lot Size
0.17 acres
Avg Income
$74,817
Residential Types:
35,221 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
41,254 parcels · 361 districts
RA-3
19%(7,900)
RA-4
14%(5,586)
RA-1
11%(4,381)
PUD-5677
3%(1,204)
Other
54%(22,183)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Lakeland, FL?
Lakeland, FL follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size is 800 sq ft
- –Maximum ADU size is 40% of the principal dwelling’s floor area
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or ADU
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; max = min + 10% (1.1 spaces); tandem parking allowed (driveway ≥40 ft if used); existing required parking cannot be reduced; access via alley, side street (corner lot), or shared driveway.
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.
Polk County