Do I need a adu permit in Orlando?

Yes. Orlando requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.

How long does adu permit approval take in Orlando?

Processing times in Orlando vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Orlando Development Services for current timelines.

What documents are required for a adu permit in Orlando?

Orlando requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Zoning Verification Letter, and others. See the full list above for details.

What happens if I build without a adu permit in Orlando?

Building without a permit in Orlando can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.

Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Orlando?

Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Orlando's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.

How much does a adu permit cost in Orlando?

ADU permit fees in Orlando typically range from $3,450 to $11,550, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Orlando.

ADU Permit Submission Checklist in Orlando, Florida

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Orlando, Florida — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Build My Permit Packet View Requirements

Key Facts

Permit required: Yes
Submission method: Online
Typical fee range: $3,450 – $11,550
Review time: Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections: 6 inspections required

VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

ADU Permit Checklist

Orlando — 6 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

Building Permit ApplicationREQUIRED✓[1][2]
Completed City of Orlando building permit application form with detailed ADU project information and property owner details

Plans & Diagrams(5)

Architectural DrawingsREQUIRED✓[3][4]
Complete architectural plans signed and sealed by a licensed Florida architect, including floor plans, elevations, and construction details
Site PlanREQUIRED✓[5][6]
Site plan showing property boundaries, lot dimensions, building footprint, setbacks, parking areas, and utility locations
Zoning Verification LetterREQUIRED✓[7][8]
Zoning verification letter from City of Orlando Planning confirming ADU is permitted in property zoning district
Structural Engineering PlansREQUIRED✓[9][10]
Structural engineering plans and calculations by a licensed Florida professional engineer for foundation and structural design
Mechanical and Utility PlansREQUIRED✓[11][12]
Plans showing water supply, sewer, electrical, and gas connections with separate metering for independent ADU utilities

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Orlando before submission.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Orlando, Florida — tailored to your project details.

Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
Fee breakdown: $1,150–$7,000 estimated total
Step-by-step Orlando Permitting Division portal submission guide
Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
Personalized for your specific project details

Build My Permit Packet

Free to preview · Pro to download

Required Documents

Orlando requires the following documents for this permit application.

Building Permit Application

Completed City of Orlando building permit application form with detailed ADU project information and property owner details

Architectural Drawings

Complete architectural plans signed and sealed by a licensed Florida architect, including floor plans, elevations, and construction details

Site Plan

Site plan showing property boundaries, lot dimensions, building footprint, setbacks, parking areas, and utility locations

Zoning Verification Letter

Zoning verification letter from City of Orlando Planning confirming ADU is permitted in property zoning district

Structural Engineering Plans

Structural engineering plans and calculations by a licensed Florida professional engineer for foundation and structural design

Mechanical and Utility Plans

Plans showing water supply, sewer, electrical, and gas connections with separate metering for independent ADU utilities

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through Orlando Permitting Division.

1
Zoning Eligibility Verification
Obtain zoning verification letter from City of Orlando Planning confirming ADU eligibility in property zoning district
You'll need: Zoning Verification Letter
2
Submit Building Permit Application
Submit building permit application with complete architectural, structural, and utility plans to Orlando Permitting Division
You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Plans, Mechanical and Utility Plans
3
Plan Review and Approval
City of Orlando Permitting Division conducts comprehensive plan review for zoning and building code compliance
4
Address Plan Review Comments
Revise and resubmit plans to address any code compliance issues or comments from plan review
5
Permit Issuance and Fee Payment
Pay all permit and inspection fees and receive approved building permit
6
Construction Inspections
Schedule and pass required inspections throughout construction: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final
7
Certificate of Occupancy
Receive Certificate of Occupancy from Building Official upon successful final inspection and compliance verification

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

Fee	Range	Confidence
ADU Permit Fee	$2,300 – $7,000	Verified
Plan Review Fee	$1,150 – $4,550	Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footing inspection per Florida Building Code

Framing and structural member verification

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

Orlando Permitting Division

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Official page

Orlando Code Chapter 25 (Zoning)

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page

City of Orlando Permitting Division

Verified February 15, 2026

Portal guide

City of Orlando Permits Online Portal

Verified February 15, 2026

Fee schedule

City of Orlando Building Permit Fee Schedule

Verified February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Orlando?: Yes. Orlando requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Orlando?: Processing times in Orlando vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Orlando Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Orlando?: Orlando requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Zoning Verification Letter, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Orlando?: Building without a permit in Orlando can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Orlando?: Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Orlando's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Orlando?: ADU permit fees in Orlando typically range from $3,450 to $11,550, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Orlando.