An attached ADU, often called an in-law suite, is an addition joined to the main house with its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom. It suits families who want a parent or adult child close by while each household keeps its own door. In Orlando it follows the setbacks for the main house rather than those for accessory buildings.
What makes an in-law suite an ADU?
A full living unit. As of October 2026, the City of Orlando's ADU page requires a kitchen with a sink with hot and cold running water, food preparation surfaces and food storage. The unit must be on a permanent foundation, which rules out RVs and mobile homes. A bedroom with a bath but no kitchen is an addition to the house, not an ADU.
How big can an attached ADU be in Orlando?
- Smaller than the main house.
- Within the maximum size your district allows for your lot size.
- Within the 0.50 floor area ratio for the house and ADU together.
- Over 500 sq ft, it must meet the city's duplex development standards.
Where can it be placed?
An attached ADU must meet the principal structure setbacks for your district. On waterfront lots, the city applies the 50-foot principal setback to attached ADUs. Additions toward the rear or side of the house are the usual options.
Can my parent live there without paying rent?
Yes. Orlando allows either the main house or the ADU to be owner-occupied, and the other may be rented on a long-term basis or used by family. The same owner must hold both, and the ADU cannot be sold on its own. If you plan to join the city's ADU incentive program, note that it waives its rental requirement when the resident is 62 or older; see the incentive guide.
What does an attached ADU need from the existing house?
- Structure. The new roof has to tie into the existing roof and meet current wind design.
- Utilities. Orlando requires separate electric and water meters for the ADU.
- Fire separation. Fire-rated construction where the suite meets the house.
- Flood status. In a FEMA flood zone, a large addition can trigger flood upgrades for the whole house if its cost reaches half the home's value.
Prices are in the Orlando ADU cost guide.