A garage apartment puts a living unit above a garage, so the lot keeps covered parking and gains a home in the same footprint. It is a good fit for narrow lots where a separate cottage would crowd the yard. It is also one of the more expensive ADU types, because the structure must carry a second floor and a stair.
Does Orlando allow garage apartments?
Orlando regulates them as ADUs. As of October 2026, a garage apartment follows the same district, lot-size and size limits as other ADUs, must be smaller than the main house, and counts toward the 0.50 floor area ratio. Whether the garage floor counts toward the ADU's size is a question we confirm with City Planning for the specific design.
How tall can it be?
The ADU page does not set one height for all garage apartments, so district rules for accessory structures apply. On waterfront lots, a detached ADU within 15 feet of the water or wetland boundary is limited to 12 feet, which rules out a second story there. We check height rules for your district in the lot check.
What about parking?
A garage apartment can solve the parking question on its own. The main house needs one space behind the front yard setback, and an ADU over 500 sq ft needs one more. A two-car garage below the unit can hold both.
What makes a garage apartment harder to build?
- Structure. The garage walls and slab must carry a second floor and resist Florida wind loads, which often means a new foundation and an engineered frame.
- Stairs and access. An exterior stair needs room on the lot and must meet code for rise, run and guards.
- Separate meters. Orlando requires the ADU to have its own electric and water meters.
- Appearance. The unit must match the house's exterior finish and details.
Can I build above my existing garage?
It depends on the existing structure. Most garages were not designed to carry a second floor. An engineer has to check the footings, walls and roof framing, and many projects end up rebuilding the garage. We tell you after the site visit which route costs less.
What does a garage apartment cost?
As of October 2026, Angi's national range for above-garage ADUs is about $128,000 to $225,000, before permits and fees, and HomeGuide puts them at $200 to $500 or more per sq ft. Neither figure is specific to Orlando. Read the Orlando ADU cost guide.