🏡 Florida Just Made It Easier to Build ADUs — Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—also known as in-law suites, backyard cottages, or garage apartments—have long been a smart solution for homeowners who want to add flexible living space, accommodate family, or create rental income. But until recently, navigating the zoning laws and permitting process in Florida was often a headache.
That’s changing.
Thanks to recent statewide legislation and growing local support, building an ADU in Florida is now easier and more accessible than ever before. And if you’re a homeowner in the Tampa Bay area, now may be the perfect time to explore the possibilities with A.W. Custom Construction.
✅ What’s New in Florida ADU Laws?
In 2024 and 2025, Florida lawmakers have made it a priority to ease the housing shortage by encouraging more flexible, affordable housing options—including ADUs. Here are some key updates making waves:
Streamlined permitting: Cities are now under pressure to simplify the application process and shorten wait times.
Fewer zoning restrictions: In many areas, local governments are removing minimum lot size requirements and allowing ADUs on more types of residential properties.
Encouragement of rental use: State policies now allow homeowners to rent out ADUs without jumping through as many legal hoops.
Faster approvals in Tampa Bay: Municipalities like Tampa and St. Petersburg are aligning local codes with state policies to make ADUs faster to approve and build.
🛠️ Why Build an ADU?
Whether it’s for aging parents, adult children, guests, or long- or short-term renters, an ADU adds serious versatility and value to your home. At A.W. Custom Construction, we help Tampa-area homeowners design and build ADUs that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Benefits of building an ADU:
Boost your property value and livable square footage
Generate rental income or offset your mortgage
Create private space for guests or family
Work from home in peace with a detached office
Increase your home's long-term flexibility
🧱 Build with a Local Expert
With over 35 years of licensed building experience in Florida and Massachusetts, A.W. Custom Construction is Tampa’s go-to contractor for smart, efficient, and code-compliant ADU construction.
We take care of it all:
Site evaluation and planning
Custom design to match your home and needs
Permitting and code compliance
Full construction and finishing
We know the local rules. We know how to build smart. And we know how to make the process stress-free for homeowners.
