Often, yes. As of October 2026, the City of Orlando allows ADUs in zoning districts that begin with R-1, R-2, R-3, MXD, O-1, O-2 and PD, if the lot is large enough for its district. It depends on lot size, flood status, easements and any HOA covenants. The ADU must be smaller than the house and stay under the same owner.
How does lot size decide what I can build?
Orlando ties the maximum ADU size to the lot. The city's table gives thresholds by district. Two examples, as of October 2026:
| District | Lot needed for an ADU up to 500 sq ft | Lot needed for an ADU up to 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 | 6,000 sq ft | 9,000 sq ft |
| R-1AA | 10,000 sq ft | 15,000 sq ft |
Many districts top out at 500 sq ft. In the Lake Nona Planned Development, any residential property may have one ADU of up to 1,000 sq ft regardless of lot size.
What other limits apply on every lot?
- The ADU must be smaller than the main house.
- House and ADU together cannot exceed a 0.50 floor area ratio.
- A detached ADU cannot sit in front of the house and must meet accessory setbacks; an attached ADU meets principal setbacks.
- The exterior must match the house's finish and details.
- The ADU needs its own electric and water meters and room for utility easements.
- It must be a permanent structure on a permanent foundation; RVs and mobile homes do not count.
Must the owner live in one of the units?
One of the two units may be owner-occupied, and the other may be rented on a long-term lease, as the city describes it. Both must belong to the same owner, and the ADU cannot be sold separately. The lot can be split only if the new lots meet the city's tandem development standards.
When does the answer change?
- Historic districts. A 700 sq ft cap and a Major Review Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Waterfront. 15 feet from the normal high-water line for a detached ADU, with a 12-foot height limit within 15 feet of the water.
- Flood zones. Floor elevation rules apply, and the city's incentive program excludes flood-zone lots.
- Larger units. Over 500 sq ft adds a parking space, and can trigger tandem or duplex standards.
- HOAs. A deed restriction or HOA covenant can bar an ADU even where the city allows one.
- Address. An Orlando mailing address may be in unincorporated Orange County, which has its own rules.
How do I check my own lot?
You can look up your zoning on the city's maps and compare it to the ADU page, or send us the address through the lot check form. We confirm the district, lot size, flood status and easements, then tell you which ADU types fit.
Sources, checked October 2026:
- City of Orlando, "What are Accessory Dwelling Units?" (districts, lot-size table, floor area ratio, setbacks, parking, ownership, meters).
- City of Orlando, Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program page (flood zone exclusion).