TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would allow homeowners across the state to build small homes in their backyards, potentially expanding affordable housing options for residents struggling with rising costs.
The bill would require local governments to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly known as granny flats or mother-in-law suites, wherever single-family homes are allowed. These units are already legal in some jurisdictions like Orange County, where homeowners are already taking advantage of the opportunity.
Mary Page is among the early adopters, constructing a compact 500-square-foot home behind her Pine Hills residence using a predesigned floor plan from Orange County’s “Ready Set Orange” program. She intends it as a surprise for a friend who has faced difficulties finding affordable housing.
“ADUs can increase workforce housing because ADUs cost less to build, cost less to rent, and are often located in areas where workers need to live to be close to their jobs,” said Florida State Senator Don Gaetz.
The legislation streamlines the approval process for these units. “Under this bill, ADUs are approved without requiring a public hearing variance, conditional use permit, or special exemption so long as the site plan conforms with applicable zoning regulations,” Gaetz explained.
The bill includes several key provisions: local governments cannot prohibit homeowners from renting out these units, though they may restrict rentals shorter than one month. The legislation also prevents municipalities from increasing parking requirements for properties with ADUs and protects homeowners’ homestead exemptions.
While the bill now returns to the Florida House for approval, not all jurisdictions have embraced similar policies. In California, San Diego recently modified its ADU regulations after council members raised concerns that the broad law allowed property owners to effectively construct apartment buildings on large lots.
As Florida grapples with its housing affordability crisis, the state appears poised to embrace ADUs as part of the solution, though the final form of the law remains to be determined.