ADU Rules & Zoning in Daytona Beach, Florida (2026)
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Key Takeaways: Daytona Beach ADU Rules 2026
- ADU size is capped at 50% of the primary home's floor area — no hard square footage ceiling
- On a 1,800 sq ft home, ADU cap is 900 sq ft; on a 1,200 sq ft home, ADU cap is 600 sq ft
- Owner-occupancy required — you or an immediate family member must live on the property
- Short-term rentals under 30 days prohibited — fines up to $15,000, actively enforced
- Required setbacks: 7 ft side, 7 ft rear — maximum height 20 ft
- Planned Development (PD) zone ADUs only permitted if PD Agreement explicitly allows it
ADUs are NOT Permitted In:
- Commercial zones
- Industrial zones
- Planned Development (PD) zones unless the PD Agreement explicitly allows ADUs
Daytona Beach 2026 ADU Requirements Snapshot
Source refreshed from newest archived Daytona Beach original DOCX extract (2026-03-06 upload). Treat this as operating guidance and verify current adopted code text with Daytona Beach Planning before quoting hard limits.
ADU Size Examples (50% of Primary)
| Primary Home Size | Max ADU Size |
|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 600 sq ft |
| 1,800 sq ft | 900 sq ft |
| 2,400 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft |
Formula applies to floor area of primary dwelling. Verify exact measurement with Daytona Beach Planning.
What this means for your lot
- Use the address checker first to verify parcel-specific zoning.
- Confirm setbacks and lot geometry before spending on plans.
- Check short-term rental rules carefully — they vary significantly by city.
Key gotchas
- Assuming tourism economy means STRs are allowed — residential STR ban fines up to $15,000
- Miscalculating the 50% floor area cap — a 900 sf home limits you to 450 sf ADU
- Ignoring PD Agreement — ADUs only allowed in Planned Development zones if PD Agreement explicitly states it
Building Limits
- Max Size:See Snapshot
- Setbacks:7ft side / 7ft rear
- Detached Allowed?Yes
- Max Height:20 ft
- Build Cost Est.:$65,000–$160,000 new detached; $18,000–$60,000 garage conversion
- Min Rental Period:30 days
Rental Rules
Owner-Occupancy Required: You must live in either the primary home or the ADU.
Short-Term Rentals Prohibited: Minimum 30-day stay required in Daytona Beach.
Estimated Monthly Income
$850–$1,700/month
Based on 2025–2026 Daytona Beach market data
Daytona Beach ADU Permit Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Building Permit Fee | Based on construction valuation — contact Planning at (386) 671-8170 |
| Plan Review | Included in permit fee |
| Impact Fees | Volusia County impact fees $3,000–$7,000+ |
| STR Violation Fine | Up to $15,000 for short-term rental violations in residential zones |
Key ADU Restrictions in Daytona Beach
- ADU size capped at 50% of primary home floor area — no hard square footage ceiling
- Owner-occupancy required — either primary home OR ADU must be owner-occupied at all times
- Short-term rentals under 30 days prohibited with fines up to $15,000 — actively enforced
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Daytona Beach
- Assuming tourism economy means STRs are allowed — residential STR ban fines up to $15,000
- Miscalculating the 50% floor area cap — a 900 sf home limits you to 450 sf ADU
- Ignoring PD Agreement — ADUs only allowed in Planned Development zones if PD Agreement explicitly states it
Eligible Zones in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Daytona Beach?
Yes. Daytona Beach allows one ADU by right on lots where single-family detached dwellings are permitted, including SFR-1 through SFR-5 and RC-1/RC-2 districts. PD-zoned properties require confirmation from the specific PD Agreement.
What is the maximum ADU size in Daytona Beach?
There is no hard square footage ceiling — your ADU is capped at 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. A 1,800 sq ft home supports up to a 900 sq ft ADU. A 1,200 sq ft home supports up to 600 sq ft. Measure your primary home's floor area before designing.
Do I need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU in Daytona Beach?
Yes. Daytona Beach requires owner-occupancy — you or an immediate family member must live in either the primary home or the ADU at all times.
Can I use my Daytona Beach ADU as an Airbnb?
No. Daytona Beach prohibits short-term rentals under 30 days in residential zones despite the city's tourism economy. Fines reach $15,000 for violations and enforcement is active. Your ADU must be rented for a minimum of 30 days per stay.
How long does the Daytona Beach ADU permit process take?
5–10 months total: 1–2 weeks for zoning verification, 4–10 weeks for plan preparation with a Florida-licensed designer, 4–8 weeks for building permit review, plus inspections and Certificate of Occupancy. Call Daytona Beach Planning at (386) 671-8170 or email Planning@DaytonaBeach.gov for pre-application guidance.
Daytona Beach Planning Department
City of Daytona Beach Planning Division
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This page provides general information based on current ordinances and publicly available data as of March 2026. Zoning rules change — verify all requirements with your local planning department before making financial commitments.