Tampa ADU Permit

What's Required in Tampa

• ADUs allowed in specific overlays (Seminole Heights, Lowry Park, etc.)
• Maximum size is generally 950 sq ft in eligible Tampa neighborhoods
• Florida SB-48 (2026) prohibits caps below 1,000 sq ft statewide
• Owner-occupancy required for ADUs in most Tampa zoning districts
• Independent cooking and bathroom facilities must be included
• One off-street parking space is required per ADU unit

How Much Does an ADU Permit Cost in Tampa?

Budget $1,500–$5,000 for the Tampa permit itself (valuation-based), issued by the City of Tampa Construction Services Division — but treat that as the entry fee, not the total. ADUs are full dwelling units, so the permit stack usually includes building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits, plus plan review. One local note: building inspection ($610), application ($200), and plan review ($275) plus trades. Get an itemized fee estimate from the department before finalizing your budget; the spread between a simple conversion and a new detached build is wide.

ADU Size Limits and Zoning Rules in Tampa

Before drawing plans, check the two gates that sink most ADU projects: size and zoning. Size ceilings vary by lot and ADU type (attached, detached, or conversion), so confirm your specific configuration. Other recorded conditions: owner-occupancy required for ADUs in most Tampa zoning districts; one off-street parking space is required per ADU unit. Setbacks, height limits, and utility connections layer on top of those rules. The City of Tampa Construction Services Division can confirm what your specific lot allows — worth doing before you pay for architectural drawings rather than after.

How to Get a ADU Permit in Tampa

Frequently Asked Questions