Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in Palm Harbor, FL

Thanks to recent updates, most ADUs in unincorporated Pinellas County can now be up to 1,000 square feet, increased from the previous 750-square-foot limit. However, ADUs located in flood-prone areas or within the Coastal Storm Area are still limited to 750 square feet. Our team evaluates your property to confirm which cap applies, and we handle all the zoning and permitting to get your unit approved without delay.

Yes — under Pinellas County’s 2024 rules, you may be able to build an ADU that exceeds the 1,000-square-foot limit by up to 20% (i.e., up to 1,200 sq ft) through a staff-level development review. If your proposed size exceeds that, you’ll need to request a variance from the Board of Adjustment & Appeals. We’ll check your eligibility and prepare all documentation needed for approval — no guesswork required.

To qualify as a legal ADU under Pinellas County’s code, the unit must include:

• A separate entrance from the main home
• Its own bathroom and sleeping quarters
• A full kitchen (with a sink, stove or cooktop, and refrigerator)
• If these features aren’t included, the structure may not qualify. As local ADU contractors, we make sure your design includes all required features so the project can be permitted and approved.

No — your ADU does not require a separate address or separate utility meters unless desired. For multigenerational families, a second kitchen within a single-family home is also allowed under certain conditions: one address, one entrance, and shared utilities. If the unit has independent access and its own amenities, it must be classified and approved as an ADU.

As of July 30, 2024, homeowners who build or renovate an ADU to house a parent or grandparent (age 62+) may be eligible for a property tax reduction. The exemption covers the increase in assessed value from the construction or up to 20% of the property's total value, whichever is less. To qualify:

• The family member must use the unit as their primary residence
• The work must be completed before January 1 of the qualifying tax year
• You must file with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser
• We’ll help you track eligibility and provide the documentation needed during and after construction.

Yes — you can rent out your ADU for long-term occupancy, and under the new rules, you can now rent both the primary home and the ADU if the property is used for affordable housing. This means the tenant must earn 80% or less of the area median income, and the homeowner must sign a 20-year Land Use Restrictive Agreement. We can help you determine whether this option fits your investment goals.

If your ADU is over 750 square feet, Pinellas County requires at least one off-street parking space for the unit. Smaller ADUs may be exempt. As part of our permitting and design process, we include parking layout plans and ensure compliance with all local standards — so your project moves forward without interruption.

Construction timelines can vary depending on size, property access, and whether your project qualifies for a staff-level review or needs a variance. Most ADU projects take between 3 to 6 months from permitting to completion. We’ll give you a clear project timeline during the design phase and manage all county communication to keep things moving.