Home › ADU Rules by County › Pinellas County
How big a backyard home (accessory dwelling unit) can be in Pinellas County, who can build one, and who to call to confirm — from the county's published rules.
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| ADUs allowed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum ADU size | 1,000 sq ft standard |
| Owner must live on site? | Yes — in the main home or the ADU |
| Manufactured home as an ADU? | Often allowed, subject to the county's ADU and zoning rules |
Allowed in all unincorporated residential districts (R-A, R-E, R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, RMH, R-4, R-5, RM, RPD). Owner must occupy the primary home or the ADU (verified via homestead exemption). One ADU per parcel; must match the primary home's exterior finish and roof style. Development review fees waived since Jul 2024. Cities (St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo) have separate rules.
Source: Pinellas County Code Ch. 138; verified Jul 2026.
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 Pinellas County before you build.
Confirm with Pinellas County: 727-464-8210 · 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. Allowed in all unincorporated residential districts (R-A, R-E, R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, RMH, R-4, R-5, RM, RPD). Owner must occupy the primary home or the ADU (verified via homestead exemption). One ADU per parcel; must match the primary home's exterior finish and roof style. Development review fees waived since Jul 2024. Cities (St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo) have separate rules.
1,000 sq ft standard.
Yes. Pinellas County requires the owner to live on the property, in either the main home or the ADU.
Often yes — many Florida counties allow a manufactured or modular home as an accessory dwelling unit, subject to Pinellas County's ADU size, lot, and setback rules. Confirm with the county for your parcel.
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