ADU Zoning in Duval County, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Duval County backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
Duval County ADU — Key Facts
- Jacksonville and Duval County are consolidated — same ADU rules apply across both (LDR Chapter 656)
- Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach are SEPARATE municipalities with their own codes
- Max ADU size is 1,000 sq ft OR 50% of primary dwelling, whichever is less
- No owner-occupancy requirement — both units may be rented
- Short-term rentals (<30 days) prohibited in residential zones; long-term rental income $1,100–$1,800/month
- FEMA flood zones (AE/VE) cover most of Duval east of St. Johns River — elevation certificate required
- All permits flow through JaxEPICS portal (epics.coj.net); incomplete applications restart the review clock
Unincorporated Duval County Rules
*These rules apply if your address is NOT inside a specific city limit.
Duval County ADU Permit Process
- 1Confirm consolidated Jacksonville-Duval jurisdiction (not Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, or Jax Beach).
- 2Verify FEMA flood zone status at msc.fema.gov — most of Duval east of St. Johns River sits in AE zone requiring elevation certificate.
- 3Hire a Florida-licensed PE or RA for sealed plans.
- 4Submit complete application through JaxEPICS portal (epics.coj.net) — incomplete submissions are returned and restart the review clock.
- 5Multi-department plan review: Building, Zoning, Public Works, Fire Marshal.
- 6Respond to correction comments within 60 days to avoid permit expiration.
- 7Pass inspections (foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, final).
- 8Obtain Certificate of Occupancy. Typical permit timeline: 4–8 weeks for compliant applications, 6–14 months total from design to CO.
Timeline: JaxEPICS review: 4–8 weeks. Total project: 6–14 months. Flood zone elevation work adds 2–4 weeks.
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Cities in Duval County
Duval County ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from Duval County homeowners about ADU rules, permits, and costs.
Can I build an ADU in Duval County, Florida?
Yes. Duval County is consolidated with the City of Jacksonville, so the same ADU rules apply across the entire jurisdiction (except for Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach, which have their own codes). ADUs are permitted by right in RSC-1, RSC-2, RLD-60, RLD-80, RLD-100, RMD-A, and RMD-B residential zones under Jacksonville LDR Chapter 656. Verify your specific zoning at the Jacksonville GIS portal.
What is the maximum ADU size in Jacksonville-Duval?
1,000 sq ft OR 50% of the primary dwelling's living area, whichever is less. For a primary home of 1,800 sq ft, the ADU is capped at 900 sq ft (50% controls). For a primary of 2,500 sq ft, the cap is 1,000 sq ft (the absolute limit controls). The unit is further limited to 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom (or studio layout).
Do I need to live in the primary home to build an ADU in Jacksonville?
No. The local land development code does not impose an owner-occupancy mandate. You may rent both the primary home and the ADU to separate tenants. However, short-term rentals under 30 days are not permitted in single-family residential zones — Code Enforcement actively cites violations. Plan around long-term rental income only.
Are there special rules for ADUs in Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, or Jacksonville Beach?
Yes — those three municipalities are independent of consolidated Jacksonville-Duval and maintain their own zoning codes and permitting offices. Atlantic Beach permits ADUs as 'guest houses' with separate size limits and setbacks. Jacksonville Beach allows accessory dwelling units under its own Land Development Code. Neptune Beach permits ADUs with restrictions. Always check your exact address jurisdiction before designing.
What's the FEMA flood zone impact on Jacksonville ADU permits?
Most of Duval County east of the St. Johns River sits in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone AE or VE). ADUs in flood zones must comply with Base Flood Elevation +1 ft requirements, requiring elevated foundations, breakaway walls, and a signed elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor. Budget an additional $15,000–$40,000 for elevation work and $400–$800 for the elevation certificate.
Florida ADU Laws 2026 — What State Law Does and Doesn't Do
How §163.31771 works, and what your local government controls.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
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