Addressing Housing Affordability in Florida: The Role of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Home prices and rentals have become increasingly unaffordable in Florida. This white paper explores the benefits of allowing alternative housing options, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), for homeowners and communities. ADUs are small homes that share the same property as a larger single-family dwelling, often referred to as the “primary dwelling.” They can take various forms, including detached cottages, primary dwelling or garage additions, remodeled upstairs or basement spaces, or garage conversions.

ADUs offer a market-based solution to increase affordable housing choices across diverse neighborhoods without requiring taxpayer subsidies. They provide flexibility to meet the needs of people with different incomes and at various life stages, including retirees, empty-nesters, families with young children, parents needing care, first-time homebuyers, and those seeking temporary housing for friends and loved ones.

This white paper introduces model legislation, including the “ADU Homeowner & Housing Choice Legislation” and the “Florida ADU Model Act (Model Act) and Property Taxes.”

An executive summary of the white paper is available HERE, and you can read the full report HERE.