Winter Garden opened ADUs to more of the city in 2026. According to the Orange Observer, the City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance on second reading that allows one ADU on homesteaded single-family lots in listed residential districts. Short-term rentals of ADUs are prohibited, and the ADU cannot be sold separately from the main home.
Which Winter Garden districts allow ADUs?
As reported in July 2026, the ordinance covers R-1A, R-1, R-1B, R-2, R-4, R-5, R-NC, R-NC2, PUD, UVPUD and CAPUD. Reporting described it as citywide in those districts, not only downtown.
What are the main conditions?
- The lot must be a homesteaded single-family property.
- One ADU per property.
- The ADU generally sits behind the main house.
- Setback, height and architectural compatibility standards apply, along with parking and utility standards.
- ADUs do not count toward density calculations.
- No short-term rentals, and no separate sale.
The ordinance also sets size, owner-occupancy and rental standards, which the reporting did not detail. We read the adopted text against your lot before design.
What does homesteaded mean here?
In Florida, the homestead exemption applies to a home that is the owner's permanent residence. Requiring homestead status means the ADU is built on a lot where the owner lives, not on a pure investment property.
What usually matters on a Winter Garden lot?
- Historic downtown. Older lots near Plant Street can have alleys, narrow widths and older utility lines.
- Newer subdivisions. HOA covenants may limit or bar a second unit even where the city allows it.
- Lake Apopka. Shoreline and drainage rules can shape lots on the north side of town.
Can I use the Orlando incentive in Winter Garden?
No. Winter Garden is a separate city, and the City of Orlando program covers only properties inside Orlando city limits. See the Orlando incentive guide.