Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | Residential single-family zones | Select residential districts |
| Max Size (Detached) | 950 sq ft maximum (750 sq ft threshold affects setback requirements) | 25% of primary residence or 750 sq ft (whichever is smaller) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 600 sq ft | 25% of primary residence or 750 sq ft (whichever is smaller) |
| Max Height | 22.5-35 ft (varies by overlay district; must not e | Must not exceed height of primary residence |
| Parking Required | 1 space per unit | 1 space |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required | Required — owner must occupy either the primary residence or |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 3 ft (ADUs ≤750 sq ft); 15-20 ft (ADUs >750 sq ft, varies by district) | 20 feet |
| Side Setback | 3 ft (ADUs ≤750 sq ft); 5-7 ft (ADUs >750 sq ft, varies by district) | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | 25 feet | 25 feet |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | 75-100 days | 80-110 days |
| Permit Fees | $3,500-$5,500 | $3,200-$5,000 |
| Impact Fees | $1,400-$2,200 | $1,300-$2,000 |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Not available | Not available |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $140,000-$280,000 | $125,000-$245,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $180-$350 | $155-$305 |
| Garage Conversion | $70,000-$160,000 | $60,000-$145,000 |
| Prefab ADU | $100,000-$230,000 | $90,000-$210,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,300-$1,850/mo | $1,100-$1,600/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $1,650-$2,400/mo | $1,400-$2,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Restricted in most zones | Varies by district |
| Est. ROI | 6-8% annual return | 6-8% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
Tampa scores 5/10 while Jacksonville scores 5/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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