Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Central Florida
Add Income, Space, and Value to Your Property
An ADU is a second small home built on your property. Some people build a cottage in the backyard. Others turn a garage into an apartment. No matter what type you choose, an ADU can make you money, house family, or give you extra space. Florida Legacy Construction is licensed and ready to build yours the right way.
ADUs Are Growing All Across Florida
More and more homeowners are adding ADUs to their properties. Here is why they make so much sense right now.
Types of ADUs We Build in Central Florida
We build six types of ADUs here in Central Florida. Each one works better for different yards and different needs. Here is what makes each one special.
This is a brand new small house built in your yard. Some people call it a granny flat or guest cottage. It sits separate from your main home, usually in the back or side yard. In Central Florida's warm weather, these make great guest houses or rental units.
We turn your garage into a real living space. This is one of the least expensive ways to add an ADU because the walls and roof are already there. Many Central Florida homes have two-car garages that work great for this. You can still keep some storage space if you plan it right.
We build living space on top of your garage or workshop. This style is popular in newer neighborhoods around Lady Lake, Mount Dora, and Clermont. You get a rental unit without using any yard space at all. Cars stay dry below while you earn rent money upstairs.
We add onto your existing home. This type shares a wall with your main house, which makes it easier to connect water, electric, and air conditioning. Shared walls also help with cooling costs in Florida's hot summers. We have a lot of experience with home additions all across Central Florida.
Basements are rare in Central Florida because of our high water table. But some older homes in places like downtown Ocala or historic Mount Dora have them. If you have one, we can turn it into great living space. The underground temperature stays cool, which helps a lot in Florida heat.
We turn part of your main house into a separate unit. Maybe your kids have moved out and you have extra rooms you do not use. We wall off a section, add a new kitchen and a fresh bathroom, and create a private space. This lets you earn money from space you already own.
What Makes an ADU Different?
All ADUs share the same basic features no matter which type you pick. Here is what sets an ADU apart from just adding a room or building a shed.
| ADU Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Second Home on Your Land | Your main house stays the same. The ADU is extra living space with its own address. |
| Smaller Size | Usually 400 to 1,200 square feet. Most Central Florida cities allow up to 1,000 square feet. |
| Full Kitchen Required | Must have a stove, sink, and fridge. That is what makes it a real home and not just a room. |
| Own Bathroom | Has a shower or tub, toilet, and sink. Whoever lives there is fully independent. |
| Separate Entrance | People can come and go without walking through your main home. Total privacy for both sides. |
| Same Owner | You own both the main house and the ADU. In most areas they cannot be sold separately. |
The Kitchen Is the Key
A full kitchen is what turns a space into a real ADU. Without one it is just a guest room or a workshop. The kitchen matters for zoning, permits, and being able to rent the space legally. We make sure the kitchen meets all local rules so you are covered.
Want to Talk About Your ADU?
We will come out to your property for free and tell you what is possible. No pressure. Just honest answers from a licensed Central Florida contractor.
How Central Florida Homeowners Use ADUs
Earn Monthly Rental Income
Most people in Central Florida build ADUs to bring in rental money. There is always demand for small rentals here. College students, retirees in The Villages, and workers at places like AdventHealth and Ocala Regional Medical Center all need places to live. Here is what you could charge each month.
| Area | Studio ADU | 1 Bedroom ADU | 2 Bedroom ADU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocala | $800 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $1,300 | $1,300 to $1,600 |
| The Villages | $900 to $1,100 | $1,100 to $1,400 | $1,400 to $1,700 |
| Leesburg and Lady Lake | $850 to $1,050 | $1,050 to $1,350 | $1,350 to $1,650 |
| Mount Dora and Eustis | $900 to $1,100 | $1,100 to $1,400 | $1,400 to $1,750 |
| Clermont | $950 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $1,500 | $1,500 to $1,850 |
Keep Your Family Close
Many families build ADUs so older parents can live nearby without moving into a nursing home. Mom or dad gets their own space and privacy. You are close enough to help when they need it. Adult kids coming back after college or a tough time can also use the ADU to get back on their feet without crowding your main home.
Use It as a Home Office
More people work from home now than ever before. An ADU makes a great private office. You get away from the noise inside the house. When the work day is done, you walk back home and leave work behind. Similar to what we do in our commercial remodels work, but right on your own land.
Short-Term Vacation Rentals
Near Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs, or the antique shops in Mount Dora, vacation rentals can bring in serious money. An ADU on Airbnb or VRBO might earn more than a regular long-term rental. Just check your local rules first. Some cities in Central Florida have limits on short-term rentals.
Why Add an ADU to Your Property?
Money Benefits
- Extra $800 to $1,500 each month from rent
- Your home goes up in value by 20 to 30 percent
- Costs less than buying a second property
- Possible tax breaks on rental income
- Build equity while your tenant pays the bills
Family Benefits
- Keep aging parents close but independent
- Help adult kids without giving up your space
- Private home office away from family noise
- Guest space that does not feel cramped
- Multi-generation living without crowding
Good for the Environment
- Uses your existing utilities and services
- Smaller footprint than building elsewhere
- Less driving for family who live right next door
- Makes use of yard space you already own
- Modern systems use less energy
Things to Think About
- Costs $80,000 to $200,000 depending on size and type
- Permits and inspections take time
- Some HOAs and neighborhoods have restrictions
- Being a landlord means managing tenants
- May raise your property taxes a bit
What Does an ADU Cost in Central Florida?
The cost depends on what type of ADU you choose, how big it is, and what materials you pick. Here is a simple breakdown to help you plan.
| What Affects the Cost | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Size | Bigger units cost more. Most ADUs run $150 to $250 per square foot to build. |
| Foundation Work | Florida's sandy soil and high water table can add extra cost for drainage and the foundation. |
| AC and Electric | Running new lines from your main home or adding separate meters adds $5,000 to $15,000. |
| Plumbing | Connecting to your existing septic or sewer, plus all fixtures, adds $8,000 to $20,000. |
| Interior Finishes | Basic materials save money. Fancy counters and floors cost more but look great. |
| Permits and Design | Permits and engineering fees in Marion, Lake, or Sumter County add $5,000 to $15,000. |
Will Your ADU Pay for Itself?
Say you spend $150,000 to build an ADU and rent it for $1,200 a month. That is $14,400 a year in rent. After taxes and upkeep, you might clear $12,000 a year. The ADU pays for itself in about 12 to 13 years. And your home is worth $100,000 to $150,000 more. Veterans may be able to use VA loan money to help finance the project.
ADU Rules in Central Florida Cities
Every city has its own rules about ADUs. Here is what you need to know for the main areas where we work. You can also visit our service areas page to see every city and county we serve.
Marion County and Ocala
Marion County allows ADUs on most properties with enough land. Many areas need at least 1 acre for a detached ADU. Garage conversions and additions follow different rules. Your septic system must have room for the extra unit. The City of Ocala has its own zoning rules based on your neighborhood.
The Villages
The Villages has strict HOA rules that control almost everything. Most neighborhoods do not allow detached ADUs. Interior conversions for family may be possible with HOA approval. Always check with your village district before you make any plans.
Lake County (Leesburg, Lady Lake, Clermont)
Lake County rules vary by city. Leesburg and Clermont have been open to ADUs recently. Lot size matters and you usually need at least 7,500 square feet. Lady Lake follows similar rules. Check with your local planning office before you start.
Sumter County
Sumter County requires minimum lot sizes for ADUs. Rural areas are generally easier to work with than suburban neighborhoods. Your well and septic must be able to handle both homes.
Common Rules Across Central Florida
| Rule | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 5,000 to 10,000 square feet depending on city |
| Maximum ADU Size | 800 to 1,200 square feet or up to 50% of the main home size |
| Setbacks | Usually 5 to 10 feet from property lines |
| Parking | One extra parking space is usually required |
| Owner Must Live There | Many cities require you to live in either the main house or the ADU |
| Look and Feel | The ADU should match the style and materials of your main house |
How We Make Building Easy for You
We handle everything from start to finish. Here is what happens when you work with Florida Legacy Construction.
Free Visit to Your Property
We come to your home in Marion, Lake, or Sumter County. We look at your lot, talk about what you want the ADU for, and tell you what is possible. We check local zoning and HOA rules before you spend a single dollar.
Design and Planning
We create plans that match your main home and meet all local codes. We work with architects and engineers who know Central Florida building rules. You get to see how it will look and make changes before we start building anything.
Permits and Approvals
We handle all the paperwork. County permits, HOA approvals, engineering stamps for septic and foundation. You do not have to deal with any of that. We take care of it for you.
Construction
Our licensed crew builds your ADU to Florida Building Code standards. We handle foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing, electric, AC, and all the finish work. We check in with you the whole time so you always know what is going on.
Inspections and Final Walkthrough
We set up all required inspections with the county or city. Once everything passes, we walk through the finished ADU with you. We fix anything that is not right and we do not consider the job done until you are happy.
Move In or Start Renting
Your ADU is ready to go. Move family in, start renting it out, or use it as your office. We can even point you toward property managers who can help you find tenants. Your new income stream starts now.
Common Questions About ADUs in Central Florida
Can I build an ADU if I have an HOA?
It depends on your HOA rules. Some HOAs do not allow any ADUs at all. Others allow garage conversions or interior conversions but not detached buildings. We check your HOA documents during our free visit. If your HOA says no, we can help you figure out if there is another option that might work.
Do I have to live on the property?
In most Central Florida cities, yes. The owner has to live in either the main house or the ADU. This keeps ADUs for homeowners and not investors who want to split lots. A few areas do not have this rule, so we check based on your location.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
From start to finish, plan on 6 to 12 months. Getting permits usually takes 2 to 4 months. Construction takes another 3 to 6 months depending on size and type. Garage conversions go faster than building a brand new cottage. We give you a clear timeline during the planning step.
Will an ADU raise my property taxes?
Yes, most likely. Adding living space raises your home's value, which raises your taxes a bit. But the rent you collect each month easily covers that extra cost. Most homeowners find the income is well worth it.
Can I use my ADU for Airbnb?
It depends on local rules. Some Central Florida cities allow short-term rentals with the right license. Others limit them or do not allow them at all. We help you understand what is allowed where you live before you make any plans.
What if my lot is too small for a detached ADU?
You still have options. A garage conversion, a home addition, or an interior conversion all work on smaller lots. Above-garage units take up very little yard space. We figure out what fits your property during our free visit.
Can veterans use a VA loan to build an ADU?
In some cases, yes. Certain VA loan programs can be used for construction and renovation projects. We have helped veterans with VA loan construction projects before and can walk you through what may be possible.
What Central Florida Homeowners Say
"The best service and was so easy to deal with. Absolutely loved my new renovation and all the information and helpful ideas along the way!"
"Outstanding experience with Florida Legacy Construction! From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and communication were top-notch."
"Outstanding attention to detail and service. Highly recommend for any project."
Ready to Add an ADU to Your Property?
Whether you want rental income, a place for family, or a home office, we make building your ADU simple. We are fully licensed, fully insured, and based right here in Central Florida. Call us or send a message and we will come out for a free visit with no pressure.
Call (352) 356-5036Or contact us online to schedule your free consultation