Florida’s Most ADU-Friendly Rental Markets: Where Current Laws Make Renting Out Easiest

Florida’s housing market is under pressure. Rents remain high, inventory is tight, and homeowners are looking for smart, legal ways to create additional income without buying new property. For many, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become one of the most practical solutions.

While Florida passed statewide ADU legislation in 2023, the law does not force cities to allow ADUs everywhere. Instead, it gives local governments the authority to permit them — which means where you live still matters. Some cities have moved quickly to allow ADUs and short- or long-term rentals, while others remain restrictive. Below, we break down Florida’s most ADU-friendly rental markets, focusing on places where current local laws make renting out an ADU the easiest today — not just proposed or future changes.

What Makes a Florida City ADU-Friendly for Rentals?

Before looking at specific cities, it helps to understand what actually matters for ADU rentals in Florida. An ADU-friendly rental market typically includes:

• Local zoning that explicitly allows ADUs
• Clear permitting pathways (not vague or discretionary)
• Fewer owner-occupancy requirements
• Reasonable parking and setback standards
• Flexibility for long-term or short-term rentals
• Strong rental demand from tenants

Cities that check most of these boxes tend to be far more attractive for homeowners looking to rent out an ADU legally and profitably.

Jacksonville: Florida’s Largest ADU Opportunity

Jacksonville stands out as one of the most practical ADU rental markets in Florida due to its size, affordability, and zoning flexibility.

Why Jacksonville Works

• ADUs are permitted in several residential zoning districts
• The city has shown openness to backyard cottages and garage apartments
• No citywide ban on renting ADUs
• Strong demand from workforce renters and military families

Because Jacksonville has more land, fewer historic overlays, and lower construction costs than South Florida, homeowners often find it easier to get projects approved and rented quickly.

Best for: Long-term rentals and workforce housing

Orlando: High Demand Meets Growing ADU Acceptance

Orlando’s rental market is driven by tourism, healthcare, and a growing professional population. While ADUs are not allowed everywhere, certain zoning districts and planned developments make them viable.

Why Orlando Is Attractive

• High long-term rental demand
• ADUs permitted in specific residential zones
• Growing interest in backyard units for family and renters
• Strong tenant pool beyond tourism

Orlando homeowners who verify zoning early and work within allowed districts can benefit from consistent rental demand year-round.

Best for: Long-term rentals near job centers

Tampa: A Quietly Improving ADU Market

Tampa does not market itself as ADU-friendly, but in practice, it has become one of the more workable cities for ADU rentals in Florida — especially compared to neighboring municipalities.

Why Tampa Makes the List

• ADUs allowed in select zoning districts
• Increasing density initiatives near transit corridors
• Strong rental demand from young professionals
• Fewer blanket prohibitions than some South Florida cities

Tampa’s permitting process still requires careful planning, but homeowners who meet zoning standards can successfully rent out ADUs without excessive restrictions.

Best for: Long-term rentals and urban infill properties

St. Petersburg: Clear Rules and Rental Flexibility

St. Petersburg has some of the clearest ADU regulations in Florida, which makes it attractive for homeowners who want predictability.

Why St. Petersburg Stands Out

• ADUs explicitly addressed in the city code
• Established design and size standards
• No outright ban on renting ADUs
• Strong demand in established neighborhoods

Clarity matters. In St. Petersburg, homeowners are less likely to face surprises during permitting — a major advantage for rental-focused ADU projects.

Best for: Long-term rentals in established neighborhoods

Gainesville: College Town Rental Stability

Gainesville may be smaller, but it offers one of the most reliable rental environments for ADUs due to the University of Florida.

Why Gainesville Works

• Consistent demand from students and staff
• ADUs permitted in certain zoning districts
• Acceptance of smaller living units
• Strong need for affordable rentals

ADUs in Gainesville often perform well as long-term rentals, especially when designed with privacy and durability in mind.

Best for: Long-term student and workforce rentals

Miami & South Florida: High Demand, Higher Complexity

South Florida has enormous rental demand — but ADU regulations are far more complex.

What to Know

• ADUs are allowed in some municipalities but not all
• Owner-occupancy rules are more common
• Short-term rentals are heavily regulated
• Permitting can be slower and more expensive

While ADUs can work in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding cities, homeowners must be especially cautious and verify city-specific rules before moving forward.

Best for: Long-term rentals with careful zoning review

Key Takeaway: Florida ADU Rentals Are Local, Not Statewide

Florida’s ADU law opened the door — but local governments still control who can walk through it. The most ADU-friendly rental markets today are cities that provide:

• Clear zoning permission
• Rental flexibility
• Predictable permitting

For homeowners focused on rental income, choosing the right city and neighborhood is just as important as the ADU design itself.

Thinking About Renting an ADU in Florida?

At ADU Geeks, we specialize in navigating Florida’s city-by-city ADU rules, rental considerations, and feasibility analysis — before you spend money on plans or permits. If you’re considering an ADU as a rental investment, understanding where the laws actually support it today is the first step toward doing it right.