Home › ADU Rules by County › Highlands County
How big a backyard home (accessory dwelling unit) can be in Highlands 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 | Highlands 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 |
County treats these as 'accessory structures' / guest houses, not true ADUs: a guest house/cottage may not include cooking facilities and may not be rented. No defined ADU size cap in current code. County must allow one rentable ADU by right under state law by Dec 1, 2026. Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid set their own rules.
Source: Highlands County LDR Ch. 12 (guest house provision); verified Jul 2026 — no rentable ADU in code yet.
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 Highlands County before you build.
Confirm with Highlands County: 863-402-6650 · 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. County treats these as 'accessory structures' / guest houses, not true ADUs: a guest house/cottage may not include cooking facilities and may not be rented. No defined ADU size cap in current code. County must allow one rentable ADU by right under state law by Dec 1, 2026. Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid set their own rules.
Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands County's rules for your property and help you pick a home that fits — free.
Start Here