A garage conversion turns an attached or detached garage into a permitted living unit with a kitchen, a bathroom and its own entry. The slab, walls and roof already exist, so it is often the least expensive ADU type. Whether it works depends on the garage's condition, its elevation and the parking the main house still needs.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Orlando?
Often, if your zoning district and lot size allow an ADU. As of October 2026, the City of Orlando allows ADUs in districts that begin with R-1, R-2, R-3, MXD, O-1, O-2 and PD, depending on lot size. A converted garage follows the same size, floor area and appearance rules as any other ADU. Planned Development properties should confirm with City Planning first.
What happens to parking?
The house still needs one parking space behind the front yard setback after the conversion. If the garage was that space, the driveway has to provide it instead. An ADU larger than 500 sq ft needs another space. Driveway changes must follow the city's driveway access rules.
What work does a Central Florida garage usually need?
- A check of the slab and a moisture barrier before new flooring goes down.
- Wall and ceiling insulation and air sealing to meet the Florida energy code.
- A wall, window or door where the garage door was, framed and anchored for wind loads.
- Windows and doors with Florida product approval.
- Dedicated cooling, often a ductless heat pump, and moisture control for the humidity.
- New electrical circuits, and often a service upgrade for the separate meter the city requires.
- Plumbing tied into the sewer or septic line, with the slab cut where needed.
Does it matter if the garage is in a flood zone?
Yes, a great deal. Garages are often built at grade, which can sit below the flood elevation the code requires for living space. Under flood rules, space below that elevation is generally limited to parking, storage and access. A garage in a FEMA flood zone may need to be raised, or a different ADU type may make more sense. We check the flood map during the lot check.
When does a conversion stop making sense?
It depends on the structure. A garage with a cracked or low slab, termite damage or framing that cannot take new openings can cost nearly as much to repair as a new detached ADU. We inspect before we quote and tell you which route costs less.
How much does a garage conversion cost?
As of October 2026, Angi's national figure for garage conversions is about $60,000 to $150,000, before permits and fees. HomeGuide puts them at $50 to $200 per sq ft. Neither source is specific to Orlando. See the Orlando ADU cost guide.