Home › ADU Rules by County › Sumter County
How big a backyard home (accessory dwelling unit) can be in Sumter County, who can build one, and who to call to confirm — from the county's published rules.
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| ADUs allowed? | Yes, with conditions |
|---|---|
| Maximum ADU size | 1,200 sq ft or 40% of the main home, whichever is less |
| Minimum ADU size | 400 sq ft |
| Minimum lot size | 21,780 sq ft |
| 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 |
Sumter's ADU is a 'Family Accessory Cottage' — one per lot of 0.5 acre or more, attached or freestanding, sharing the same access/driveway. KEY RESTRICTION: occupancy limited to family of the principal-structure resident (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of the owner/spouse) — it CANNOT be rented to the public or sold separately. The Villages CDD deed restrictions may add more limits inside that footprint. County must broaden to a rentable ADU under state law by Dec 1, 2026.
Source: Sumter County Family Accessory Cottage program; verified Jul 2026.
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 Sumter County before you build.
Confirm with Sumter County: 352-689-4400 · 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. Sumter's ADU is a 'Family Accessory Cottage' — one per lot of 0.5 acre or more, attached or freestanding, sharing the same access/driveway. KEY RESTRICTION: occupancy limited to family of the principal-structure resident (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of the owner/spouse) — it CANNOT be rented to the public or sold separately. The Villages CDD deed restrictions may add more limits inside that footprint. County must broaden to a rentable ADU under state law by Dec 1, 2026.
1,200 sq ft or 40% of the main home, whichever is less. The minimum ADU size is 400 sq ft.
Yes. Sumter 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 Sumter County's ADU size, lot, and setback rules. Confirm with the county for your parcel.
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