Types of ADUs Florida Legacy Construction Builds in Central Florida
Florida Legacy Construction builds six types of accessory dwelling units across Central Florida. Each type suits different property layouts and homeowner needs.
- Detached Backyard Cottage – A separate small structure built in the yard, sometimes referred to as a granny flat or backyard cottage. These work well as guest houses or rental units, particularly on larger lots in areas like Ocala, Leesburg, and The Villages.
- Garage Conversion – An existing garage is converted into a livable space. Because the walls and roof are already in place, this tends to be one of the more affordable ADU options. It suits homeowners who regularly park outside or have an underused garage.
- Above-Garage or Carriage House – Living space is added on top of an existing garage or workshop. This approach is common in newer neighborhoods around Lady Lake, Mount Dora, and Clermont, as it avoids using yard space.
- House Addition – A new section is added directly onto the existing home, sharing a wall. This makes utility connections more straightforward and can help with cooling costs during Florida's hot summers. It works well on smaller lots where yard space is limited.
- Basement Conversion – Basements are uncommon in Central Florida due to the high water table, but some older properties in areas like downtown Ocala or historic Mount Dora have them. Florida Legacy Construction can convert these into usable living space.
- Interior Conversion – A portion of the main home is walled off and converted into a separate unit, complete with its own kitchen and bathroom. This is a practical option for families with unused rooms who want to generate rental income or house a family member nearby.
How Central Florida Homeowners Use ADUs
There are several common reasons homeowners in Central Florida choose to build an ADU with Florida Legacy Construction.
Rental Income – There is consistent demand for smaller rental units across the region, from college students to retirees and healthcare workers. Depending on location and unit size, monthly rents in areas like Ocala, Clermont, The Villages, and Mount Dora generally range from around $800 to $1,850.
Family Housing – Many families build an in-law suite or detached ADU so older parents can live nearby while maintaining their own space and privacy. Adult children returning home also benefit from having a separate unit rather than sharing the main house.
Home Office – With more people working remotely, a detached or converted ADU provides a quiet, dedicated workspace separate from the main home.
Short-Term Rentals – Near destinations like Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs, and Mount Dora, short-term vacation rentals can generate strong returns. However, local regulations on short-term rentals vary across Central Florida cities, so it is worth checking the rules before proceeding.
As a general illustration, a $150,000 ADU renting for $1,200 per month could generate around $12,000 per year after taxes and maintenance, potentially paying for itself within 12 to 13 years while also increasing the property's overall value.
ADU Costs and Local Regulations in Central Florida
The cost of building an ADU depends on the type, size, and materials chosen. Garage conversions typically fall in the $60,000 to $90,000 range, while interior conversions generally run $80,000 to $120,000. Most ADUs cost between $150 and $250 per square foot to build.
Several factors affect the final cost:
- Foundation work – Florida's sandy soil and high water table can add drainage and foundation costs.
- AC and electrical – Running new lines or adding separate meters typically adds $5,000 to $15,000.
- Plumbing – Connecting to existing septic or sewer systems adds roughly $8,000 to $20,000.
- Permits and engineering – Fees in Marion, Lake, or Sumter County generally add $5,000 to $15,000.
Each county and city in Central Florida has its own ADU rules. Marion County generally allows ADUs on properties with sufficient land, while The Villages has strict HOA restrictions that limit most detached ADU options. Lake County cities like Leesburg and Clermont have been relatively open to ADUs, and Sumter County rules tend to be more flexible in rural areas. Across the region, common standards include minimum lot sizes of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, maximum ADU sizes of 800 to 1,200 square feet, and a requirement that the owner live on the property.
Florida Legacy Construction manages the full process — from the initial property visit and design planning through permits, construction, inspections, and final walkthrough. They work with architects and engineers familiar with Central Florida building codes and handle HOA approvals and county paperwork on behalf of the homeowner.
From start to finish, the typical ADU project takes 6 to 12 months, with permitting alone often taking 2 to 4 months. Garage conversions generally move faster than new detached builds. Adding an ADU will likely increase property taxes modestly, though rental income typically offsets this over time.