Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Orlando, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | Residential single-family zones | City of Miami: ADUs allowed in T3-L under Miami 21; a propos |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,000 sq ft max, 500 sq ft min; must be smaller than the principal structure (varies by sector) | City of Miami: confirm current cap with City of Miami Planning (proposed ~500 sq ft / 10% of lot, capped at 800 sq ft). Unincorporated Miami-Dade: 400-800 sq ft in RU-1 districts (varies by district) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 1,000 sq ft max, 500 sq ft min; must be smaller than the principal structure | See max_size_detached — confirm with City of Miami Planning |
| Max Height | Confirm with City of Orlando Planning — ADU must b | Must not exceed height of principal structure |
| Parking Required | 1 space for ADU | Maximum 1 additional space (no more than 2 vehicles); must b |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required by the City of Orlando — Orlando removed owner- | Effectively required for rental: an ADU may be rented only i |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Orlando, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 15 feet | 5 ft (RU-1 district) |
| Side Setback | 5 feet | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | 20 feet | 25 feet |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Orlando, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | 60-85 days | 120-180 days |
| Permit Fees | $2,800-$4,500 | $5,000-$8,000 |
| Impact Fees | $1,100-$1,900 | $2,000-$3,500 |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Available for select ADU types | Yes — Miami-Dade County ADU Blueprint program offe |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Orlando, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $130,000-$260,000 | $180,000-$350,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $145-$290 | $240-$460 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$145,000 | $80,000-$180,000 |
| Prefab ADU | $90,000-$210,000 | $120,000-$260,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | Orlando, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,200-$1,750/mo | $1,600-$2,200/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $1,550-$2,300/mo | $2,000-$3,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Limited in some zones | Not permitted |
| Est. ROI | 7-9% annual return | 5-7% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
Orlando scores 6/10 while Miami scores 5/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Orlando edges ahead overall. Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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