Daytona Beach ADU Rules 2026
Zoning, Permits & Volusia County Rental Market
Daytona Beach allows one ADU by right in single-family zones. Key rules: owner occupancy required, max size is 50% of the primary home, and STR under 30 days is prohibited. Here's the complete 2026 permit guide.
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Daytona Beach adopted a clear ADU ordinance in 2021 — one ADU by right on any lot that permits single-family detached dwellings. The rules are specific: owner occupancy required, max size tied to 50% of the primary home, and short-term rentals under 30 days explicitly prohibited. Long-term demand from the medical, logistics, and motorsport industries makes this a viable rental income play.
Under Florida SB 184 (2025) and Daytona Beach's Land Development Code Section 5.3.C.32, ADUs are permitted by right. Types allowed: detached, attached, and garage conversion. What governs your project is your specific district, lot size, and the 50% floor area rule.
This guide covers everything: Daytona Beach's ADU eligibility rules, the 50% size calculation, setbacks, owner occupancy requirement, the STR prohibition, the 8-step permit process, Volusia County rental income data, and key contacts.
Daytona Beach ADU Rules at a Glance (LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32)
Verify your jurisdiction — Daytona Beach is not alone
Daytona Beach city limits, Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, Holly Hill, and unincorporated Volusia County are separate jurisdictions with different zoning codes. Confirm your city boundary before applying these rules to your property.
In This Guide
- 1. ADU Eligibility & Zoning Districts
- 2. The 50% Floor Area Rule — How to Calculate
- 3. The 8-Step Permit Process
- 4. Required Documents Checklist
- 5. Permit Fees & Timeline
- 6. Renting Your ADU — Volusia County Market
- 7. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- 8. Key Contacts & Resources
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. ADU Eligibility & Zoning Districts
LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32 — the authoritative source
Daytona Beach's ADU rules are codified in Land Development Code Section 5.3.C.32 (2021 ordinance). ADUs are permitted by right on all lots where single-family detached dwellings are permitted. Contact Daytona Beach Planning Division to verify your district's eligibility and confirm current setback standards.
Daytona Beach's residential zoning districts span from low-density single-family to higher-density multifamily. The ADU by-right provision under LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32 applies to qualifying single-family contexts. Confirm your district at the Volusia County GIS portal or by calling Planning Division.
ADU Eligibility Requirements
STR Under 30 Days is Explicitly Prohibited
If Airbnb or VRBO income is central to your ADU business model in Daytona Beach, this ordinance is a hard stop. The LDC explicitly prohibits rentals of less than 30 days for ADUs in residential zones. This is not a gray area — it is written into the code. Daytona Beach ADUs are for long-term rental or owner-occupancy only.
2. The 50% Floor Area Rule — How to Calculate
The 50% rule is Daytona Beach's primary size constraint. Unlike cities with a hard square footage cap, your maximum ADU size is tied directly to the size of your primary home.
How to calculate your maximum ADU size
| Primary Home Size | 50% Rule Max ADU | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 600 sq ft | SB 184 1,000 sq ft floor may apply — verify with city |
| 1,500 sq ft | 750 sq ft | SB 184 1,000 sq ft floor may apply — verify with city |
| 1,800 sq ft | 900 sq ft | SB 184 1,000 sq ft floor may apply — verify with city |
| 2,000 sq ft | 1,000 sq ft | Exactly at SB 184 floor — confirm with Planning Division |
| 2,200 sq ft | 1,100 sq ft | 50% rule controls above this threshold |
| 2,500 sq ft | 1,250 sq ft | 50% rule controls |
| 3,000 sq ft | 1,500 sq ft | 50% rule controls |
| 3,500 sq ft | 1,750 sq ft | 50% rule controls |
These are reference calculations only. The definition of “floor area” (gross vs. heated/cooled) and how garages, covered patios, and bonus rooms are counted can affect the calculation. Confirm with Daytona Beach Planning Division at (386) 671-8165 before finalizing your design.
3. The 8-Step Permit Process
The Daytona Beach permit process follows the standard Florida residential construction pathway. Contact Daytona Beach Building Services for current portal access and submittal requirements.
Verify Jurisdiction and Zoning District
Confirm your property is within Daytona Beach city limits — not Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, Holly Hill, or unincorporated Volusia County. Verify your zoning district at the Volusia County GIS portal (vcgov.org/gis) or by calling Daytona Beach Planning Division.
Calculate Your 50% ADU Size Limit
Obtain your primary home's gross floor area from Volusia County Property Appraiser records at vcpa.org. Multiply by 0.50 to get your maximum ADU size. Confirm how the city measures floor area with Planning Division at (386) 671-8165.
Confirm Setbacks for Your District
Daytona Beach ADUs follow the district's accessory structure setback standards, which vary by zone. Get your exact setbacks before hiring a designer. Call Planning Division at (386) 671-8165 with your address.
Hire a Florida-Licensed Architect
No pre-approved ADU plans are offered. Hire a Florida-licensed architect to prepare signed and sealed drawings within your 50% size limit and applicable setbacks. Budget $3,000–$8,000+ for design fees.
Submit Building Permit Application
Submit your application to Daytona Beach Building Services. Required documents include: completed application, signed and sealed property survey, site plan with all setback dimensions, floor plans, building elevations, structural drawings, energy compliance calculations (RESCHECK), and contractor license and insurance.
Submit Trade Permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work require separate licensed subcontractor permits. Coordinate with your general contractor to ensure all trade permits are pulled before rough work begins.
Record Notice of Commencement (NOC)
Before construction begins, record a Notice of Commencement with the Volusia County Clerk of Courts at volusia.org/clerk. Post a certified copy on-site throughout construction. This is a Florida legal requirement.
Construction, Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy
Build per approved plans. Schedule required inspections through Building Services. After passing final inspection, Daytona Beach issues a Certificate of Occupancy. Do not occupy the ADU before the CO. Establish a unit address and notify USPS. Remember: owner must occupy primary home or ADU per LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32.
4. Required Documents Checklist
Everything needed to submit your Daytona Beach ADU building permit:
5. Permit Fees & Timeline
Estimated Fees
| Fee Type | Amount / Contact |
|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Based on construction valuation — contact Daytona Beach Building Services for current schedule |
| Plan Review Fee | Assessed at submission alongside building permit fee |
| Zoning Review | Included in building permit process; verify with Planning Division at (386) 671-8165 |
| Trade Permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) | Pulled by licensed subcontractors — budget $300–$1,500+ per trade |
| Architect / Designer Fee | $3,000–$8,000+ — no free pre-approved plans available |
| Private Provider Fee (expedited) | Typically $1,500–$5,000 — can significantly reduce review time |
| FPL / Utility Connection | Contact Florida Power & Light (800) 226-3545 and Daytona Beach Utilities |
| Flood Elevation Certificate (if in flood zone) | $500–$1,500 — required for properties in FEMA flood zones |
Estimated Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction check + zoning verification | 1–2 weeks |
| Survey and property records | 1–2 weeks |
| Design and plan preparation (50% size compliance) | 4–10 weeks |
| Permit application preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Standard plan review | 4–8 weeks (verify current queue with Building Services) |
| Expedited via Private Provider | 1–3 weeks for plan review |
| Review comment responses | 1–3 weeks per round |
| Construction | 3–5 months depending on scope |
| Final inspection and CO | 1–2 weeks |
| Total — Standard path | 7–12 months |
| Total — Expedited (Private Provider) | 5–9 months |
6. Renting Your ADU — Volusia County Market
Daytona Beach is a mixed economy — tourism, medical (AdventHealth Daytona Beach, Halifax Health), logistics (I-4 corridor), motorsport/NASCAR, and a growing higher education sector. Long-term rental demand is steady year-round, driven by healthcare workers, students (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune-Cookman), and industrial employment. The STR market is off-limits for ADUs.
Short-term rental income is not available for Daytona Beach ADUs
LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32 explicitly prohibits rentals under 30 days for ADUs in residential zones. Build your financial model entirely on long-term rental income. All analysis below reflects the long-term market.
Long-Term Rental Market
| Studio ADU Estimate | $900–$1,100/month (2025–2026 Daytona Beach market) |
| 1-Bedroom ADU Estimate | $1,050–$1,350/month |
| Key Demand Drivers | Healthcare (AdventHealth, Halifax Health), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune-Cookman University, NASCAR/motorsport industry, I-4 logistics corridor |
| Vacancy Risk | Moderate — tourism-heavy city has seasonal fluctuations, but healthcare and education employment provide year-round demand anchor |
| Rental Season Pattern | Jan–Apr: peak tourism; Sep–Nov: moderate. Healthcare/education tenants provide year-round stability |
| Best Tenant Profile | Healthcare workers, university staff/students, NASCAR industry employees, long-term retirees — these tenants provide 12+ month leases |
| Market Caution | Tourism-heavy markets have more rental seasonality than tech/defense economy cities — target long-term professional tenants for stability |
Long-Term Rental Logistics
7. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Building a financial model on STR income
Daytona Beach explicitly prohibits STR under 30 days for ADUs in residential zones (LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32). If Airbnb income is central to your plan, this is a deal-breaker. Daytona Beach ADUs only work as long-term rental investments.
Miscalculating the 50% floor area limit
The 50% rule ties ADU size to the primary home's floor area. Using the wrong measurement (heated vs. gross, including/excluding garage) can result in a design that fails plan review. Confirm the exact measurement methodology with Planning Division at (386) 671-8165.
Ignoring the owner-occupancy requirement
You must live in either the primary home or the ADU. If you're planning to rent both units and move elsewhere, Daytona Beach's ADU ordinance does not permit this. Confirm the owner-occupancy enforcement mechanism with Planning Division.
Confusing Daytona Beach with neighboring jurisdictions
Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, Holly Hill, and unincorporated Volusia County all have different rules. Confirm your city boundary at vcgov.org/gis before applying any rules from this guide.
Skipping the pre-application zoning verification call
Daytona Beach's setback standards for accessory structures vary by district and are not easily accessible without a direct call. A 15-minute call to (386) 671-8165 gets you exact requirements before you pay a designer.
Not recording the Notice of Commencement
Florida law requires the NOC to be recorded with the Volusia County Clerk and posted on-site before construction. Skipping this creates lien law complications that can delay CO.
HOA restrictions
City permits do not override HOA covenants. Review your CC&Rs before committing to plans — some Daytona Beach HOAs restrict accessory units or rental use.
8. Key Contacts & Resources
Daytona Beach Planning Division
(386) 671-8165 | daytonabeach.com/planning
Daytona Beach Building Services
daytonabeach.com/buildingLDC Sec. 5.3.C.32 (Municode)
library.municode.com/fl/daytona_beachVolusia County GIS Portal
vcgov.org/gisVolusia County Property Appraiser
vcpa.orgVolusia County Clerk (NOC recording)
volusia.org/clerkFlorida Building Code / Private Providers
floridabuilding.orgFL DBPR (licenses)
myfloridalicense.comFlorida Power & Light
(800) 226-3545 | fpl.comFEMA Flood Map Service Center
msc.fema.govFlorida Bar Lawyer Referral
(800) 342-8011 | floridabar.org9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Daytona Beach, Florida?
Yes. Daytona Beach allows one ADU by right on all lots where single-family detached dwellings are permitted, under Land Development Code Section 5.3.C.32 (2021 ordinance). Types allowed: detached, attached, and garage conversion. Owner occupancy in either unit is required, and STR under 30 days is prohibited.
What is the maximum size for an ADU in Daytona Beach?
The maximum ADU size is 50% of the primary home's floor area — there is no separate hard square footage cap. For a 2,000 sq ft home, the ADU cap is 1,000 sq ft. Florida SB 184 (2025) sets a state minimum floor of 1,000 sq ft — confirm with Planning Division at (386) 671-8165 if your calculation falls below this threshold.
Does Daytona Beach require owner occupancy for an ADU?
Yes. LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32 requires the property owner to reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU. You cannot rent both units to third parties while living elsewhere.
Can I use my Daytona Beach ADU for Airbnb or short-term rentals?
No. Daytona Beach's Land Development Code explicitly prohibits short-term rentals under 30 days for ADUs in residential zones. This is a firm restriction. Daytona Beach ADUs are for long-term occupancy only.
What are the setbacks for an ADU in Daytona Beach?
Setbacks follow the underlying district standards for accessory structures and vary by zone. Confirm your exact setbacks with Daytona Beach Planning Division at (386) 671-8165 before hiring a designer.
What is the difference between Daytona Beach and Volusia County ADU rules?
Daytona Beach city limits fall under LDC Sec. 5.3.C.32. Unincorporated Volusia County has separate rules under the county zoning code. Other nearby cities (Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, Holly Hill) each have their own regulations. Confirm your exact jurisdiction at vcgov.org/gis before proceeding.
What LDC section covers Daytona Beach ADUs?
Daytona Beach ADUs are governed by Land Development Code Section 5.3.C.32, adopted via a 2021 ordinance. Key provisions: one ADU by right per qualifying SF lot, max size 50% of primary home floor area, owner-occupancy required, STR under 30 days prohibited.
Important Disclaimers
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Daytona Beach's LDC, fee schedules, and ADU standards can change. Always verify current requirements directly with Daytona Beach Planning Division at (386) 671-8165 and Building Services before making financial commitments.
- The 50% floor area rule is subject to specific measurement definitions — confirm the city's exact methodology before finalizing your design.
- Properties in Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, Holly Hill, or unincorporated Volusia County are NOT covered by this guide — each has separate rules.
- Owner-occupancy enforcement mechanisms may change — verify current enforcement policy with Planning Division.
- Florida SB 184 (2025) provides state-level ADU rights — if a compliant application is denied, consult a Florida land use attorney about state preemption options.
- HOA covenants are independent of government permits — check CC&Rs before proceeding.
- This guide does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Prepared March 2026 | Updated June 2026.
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Also see: Volusia County ADU Rules · ADU Costs in Florida · Florida ADU Laws 2025