Home › ADU Rules by County › Brevard County
How big a backyard home (accessory dwelling unit) can be in Brevard County, who can build one, and who to call to confirm — from the county's published rules.
Know your main home's size? Get the exact limit for your lot in seconds.
| ADUs allowed? | Yes, with conditions |
|---|---|
| Maximum ADU size | Brevard hasn't published an ADU size cap in our records. Right now it allows guest houses (non-rentable) rather than true ADUs, pending its Dec 1, 2026 ordinance. |
| Owner must live on site? | Not confirmed in our records |
| Manufactured home as an ADU? | Often allowed, subject to the county's ADU and zoning rules |
As of mid-2026 unincorporated Brevard does not allow full ADUs by right — only detached 'guesthouses' for family/temporary guests (no separate meters, cannot be rented). County must adopt a conforming ADU ordinance by Dec 1, 2026 under state law, so this is expected to change. City rules vary: Palm Bay allows ADUs in residential zones; Cocoa does not.
Source: Brevard County; verified Jul 2026 — ordinance in transition.
Inside City Limits
If the property is inside city limits, the city's ADU rules apply instead of the county's.
Before You Build
ADU rules are set by each county and city — Florida law (Fla. Stat. 163.31771) lets local governments allow ADUs but doesn't require it — and they can change, so always confirm the current rule with Brevard County before you build.
Confirm with Brevard County: 321-633-2070 · zoning department website ↗
Zoning is set locally and changes often. Answers are guidance only, not a permit guarantee. Always confirm with the local building/zoning department before purchase.
Common Questions
Yes, with conditions. As of mid-2026 unincorporated Brevard does not allow full ADUs by right — only detached 'guesthouses' for family/temporary guests (no separate meters, cannot be rented). County must adopt a conforming ADU ordinance by Dec 1, 2026 under state law, so this is expected to change. City rules vary: Palm Bay allows ADUs in residential zones; Cocoa does not.
Brevard hasn't published an ADU size cap in our records. Right now it allows guest houses (non-rentable) rather than true ADUs, pending its Dec 1, 2026 ordinance.
Our records don't confirm an owner-occupancy requirement for Brevard County — ask the county zoning department before you buy.
Often yes — many Florida counties allow a manufactured or modular home as an accessory dwelling unit, subject to Brevard County's ADU size, lot, and setback rules. Confirm with the county for your parcel.
Keep Exploring
ADU rules for all 67 Florida counties · ADU-sized homes in our showroom
We'll confirm Brevard County's rules for your property and help you pick a home that fits — free.
Start Here