ADU Zoning in Palm Beach County, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Palm Beach County backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
Palm Beach County ADU — Key Facts
- Palm Beach County has 39 incorporated municipalities + unincorporated areas — each with separate rules
- Unincorporated PBC permits 'Accessory Quarters' up to 1,000 sq ft OR 30% of primary (whichever is less)
- West Palm Beach is uniquely restrictive — ADUs ONLY permitted in SF14 zoning (small share of city's land)
- SF3, SF7, and SF11 in West Palm Beach do NOT permit accessory apartments by right
- No owner-occupancy mandate in unincorporated PBC
- Long-term rental minimum 6 months + 1 day in most PBC residential zones (STR effectively banned)
- Long-term rental income range: $1,600–$2,400/month across Palm Beach County
Unincorporated Palm Beach County Rules
*These rules apply if your address is NOT inside a specific city limit.
Palm Beach County ADU Permit Process
- 1Determine exact municipality — Palm Beach has 39 incorporated cities each with separate codes.
- 2Verify zoning district eligibility (unincorporated PBC: AR/RR/RT/RS/RM; West Palm Beach: SF14 only).
- 3Hire Florida-licensed PE/RA.
- 4Submit application — unincorporated PBC via the Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building portal; West Palm Beach via city portal; other municipalities via their own portals.
- 5Multi-department plan review.
- 6Pass inspections.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Occupancy. Typical timeline: 5–11 months from design to CO.
Timeline: Plan review: 5–9 weeks. Total project: 5–11 months. Coastal high-hazard area parcels add 2–4 weeks for additional review.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
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Cities in Palm Beach County
Boca Raton
Boynton Beach
Delray Beach
Jupiter
West Palm Beach
Palm Beach County ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from Palm Beach County homeowners about ADU rules, permits, and costs.
Can I build an ADU in Palm Beach County?
It depends on your exact municipality. Unincorporated Palm Beach County permits 'Accessory Quarters' up to 1,000 sq ft in AR, RR, RT, RS, RM, and PUD residential districts. The City of West Palm Beach is uniquely restrictive — ADUs are ONLY permitted in SF14 zoning, which is a small share of the city's residential land. Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, and other municipalities each have separate codes. Verify your jurisdiction and zoning first.
Why is West Palm Beach so restrictive on ADUs?
West Palm Beach permits accessory apartments ONLY in the SF14 zoning district. The city's other single-family districts (SF3, SF7, SF11) — which cover most of the city's residential parcels — do not permit accessory apartments by right. Many ADU candidates discover too late that their West Palm Beach parcel is in SF3 or SF7, not SF14. Always verify SF14 status with the city's GIS portal before designing.
What is the maximum ADU size in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
1,000 sq ft OR 30% of the primary dwelling's living area, whichever is less. For a primary home of 2,000 sq ft, the cap is 600 sq ft (30% controls). For a 3,500 sq ft primary, the cap is 1,000 sq ft (the absolute limit). The 30% rule is more restrictive than most Florida counties — most use 50%.
Can I rent my Palm Beach County ADU short-term on Airbnb?
Generally no. Most Palm Beach County municipalities require a minimum 6-month + 1-day lease in residential zones, effectively banning short-term rentals. Some coastal cities (Lake Worth Beach, parts of Palm Beach Gardens) have specific STR registration programs with additional licensing. Plan around long-term rentals — typical rents are $1,600–$2,400/month.
How do I know if my property is in unincorporated Palm Beach County or a specific city?
Use the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser website (pbcgov.org/papa) to look up your parcel. The 'Municipality' field will indicate whether you're in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, or one of the other 39 incorporated cities, or in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Each has separate ADU rules and permit portals.
Florida ADU Laws 2026 — What State Law Does and Doesn't Do
How §163.31771 works, and what your local government controls.
ADU Zoning in Other Florida Metros
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
— and get a free Palm Beach County ADU guide for your area.
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