As of October 2026, we found no published survey of Orlando ADU prices alone. National figures from Angi put garage conversions at about $60,000 to $150,000 and new detached ADUs at about $110,000 to $285,000, before permits and fees. It depends on the lot, the size and the finishes. On a small unit, Orlando's average impact fees of $1,300 to $3,100 and permit fees of $450 to $1,050 add to the total.
What do national cost guides say by ADU type?
| ADU type | Angi national range | HomeGuide per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Garage conversion | $60,000 to $150,000 | $50 to $200 |
| Attached ADU / in-law suite | $100,000 to $216,000 | $125 to $225 |
| Above-garage apartment | $128,000 to $225,000 | $200 to $500 or more |
| Detached ADU | $110,000 to $285,000 | $150 to $250 |
Angi's ranges leave out permits and other fees, and puts the national average ADU at about $180,000, or $150 to $300 per sq ft. These are third-party figures, not our prices.
What does the City of Orlando charge?
The city's ADU incentive page lists averages for a small ADU, as of October 2026:
- Park, transportation and sewer impact fees: about $1,300 to $3,100.
- Building permit fees: about $450 to $1,050.
Homeowners in the city's ADU incentive program can have both rebated in full. See does Orlando pay homeowners to build an ADU.
What costs do Orlando projects add?
- Survey. The city's checklist asks for a topographic survey by a licensed surveyor.
- Separate meters. Orlando requires the ADU to have its own electric and water meters, which can mean new service lines and fees from the utility.
- Wind design. Engineered connections, rated windows and doors, and roofing with Florida product approval.
- Flood work. On a lot in a FEMA flood zone, a raised floor or a different foundation.
- Matching the house. Orlando requires the ADU's exterior finish and details to match the main home.
- Parking. A new driveway space if the ADU is over 500 sq ft, or if a converted garage was the house's space.
Why do two Orlando ADU quotes differ so much?
It depends on what each quote leaves out. Ask every builder to state, in writing:
- whether survey, design, engineering and permit fees are included;
- how the separate meters and service lines are handled, and who pays the utility;
- the finish level for cabinets, flooring, fixtures and appliances;
- the allowances, and what happens when actual costs go over them.
Where can I save money?
- Keeping the ADU at 500 sq ft or less avoids the extra parking space and fits the incentive program's size limit.
- A sound garage outside the flood zone is usually cheaper to convert than building new.
- The city's free pre-approved plans can cut design cost where they fit the lot.
How do I get a number for my property?
Send your address through the lot check form. We check the zoning and flood map, visit, and then send a written, itemized quote. Also read how much rent an Orlando ADU can earn.
Sources, checked October 2026:
- Angi, "How Much Does an ADU Cost?" (national ranges, excluding permits and fees).
- HomeGuide, "How much does it cost to build an ADU?" (per-square-foot ranges).
- City of Orlando, Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program page and ADU page (fees, meters, appearance, parking).
- City of Orlando ADU checklist, May 2026 (survey requirement).