Kissimmee, the county seat of Osceola County, has looked at backyard units mainly as a source of affordable housing. In 2024 the city considered a program for converting garages into rental units with affordability terms. As of October 2026, we confirm the current rules for each address with the city before design, because we could not verify a final ordinance.
What did Kissimmee propose for garage conversions?
Reporting from July 2024 described the program the city was finalizing:
- units of at least 500 sq ft;
- a separate entrance, kitchen and bathroom;
- at least one parking space;
- a proposed requirement to keep the unit affordable for at least 15 years, with rent tied to tenant income.
Those were proposals at the time. Treat them as background, not as the current code.
Is my address in the City of Kissimmee or Osceola County?
Check before anything else. Many homes with a Kissimmee mailing address are in unincorporated Osceola County, which has its own zoning and permit office. The answer decides which ADU rules apply.
What usually matters on a Kissimmee lot?
- Garages. Many homes in the area have attached two-car garages, which makes conversion the obvious question.
- Flood zones. Low ground near Lake Tohopekaliga and the area's creeks can put lots in a FEMA flood zone, which limits living space at garage-floor level.
- HOAs. Newer subdivisions often have covenants that limit additional units, separate from city rules.
Can I rent a Kissimmee ADU to vacationers?
It depends on the zoning and on any program terms the unit was built under. An affordability program tied to tenant income would generally rule out vacation rental for its term. Florida also requires a state vacation rental license for many short stays. We check the zoning for your address; see short-term rental rules in the Orlando area for the state rules.