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ADU Rules in Lee County, Florida

How big a backyard home (accessory dwelling unit) can be in Lee 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.

✓ From the county's published rules

Lee County ADU rules at a glance

ADUs allowed?Yes
Maximum ADU size750 sq ft or 35% of the main home, whichever is less
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
What the county rules say: “750 sq ft or 35% of the primary residence's living area, whichever is less”

Allowed in single-family residential zones and Agricultural (AG-2) districts. One accessory apartment OR one ADU per single-family residence. Must be on the same lot as the primary home and match its exterior design (except garage conversions). Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs set their own rules.

Source: Lee County Land Development Code; verified Jul 2026 (owner-occupancy not confirmed).

Inside City Limits

Cities set their own rules

If the property is inside city limits, the city's ADU rules apply instead of the county's.

Before You Build

Confirm the rules first

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 Lee County before you build.

Confirm with Lee County: 239-533-8585 · 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

Lee County ADUs, answered

Can I build an ADU in Lee County, Florida?

Yes. Allowed in single-family residential zones and Agricultural (AG-2) districts. One accessory apartment OR one ADU per single-family residence. Must be on the same lot as the primary home and match its exterior design (except garage conversions). Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs set their own rules.

How big can an ADU be in Lee County?

750 sq ft or 35% of the main home, whichever is less.

Does the owner have to live on the property?

Our records don't confirm an owner-occupancy requirement for Lee County — ask the county zoning department before you buy.

Can a manufactured home be an ADU in Lee County?

Often yes — many Florida counties allow a manufactured or modular home as an accessory dwelling unit, subject to Lee County's ADU size, lot, and setback rules. Confirm with the county for your parcel.

Keep Exploring

More ADU rules & homes

Manufactured & modular homes in Lee County · ADU rules for all 67 Florida counties · ADU-sized homes in our showroom

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