ADU Builders in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Pinellas County FL
Design, permits and construction for accessory dwelling units across Tampa Bay, from one licensed local team.
Unlock your property's full potential with Tampa Bay ADU, St. Petersburg's trusted local partner in accessory dwelling unit design, permitting, and construction. Whether you're building a backyard cottage for rental income, a granny flat for multigenerational living, or converting your garage into a fully independent living space, we simplify every step so you can build with confidence and maximize your investment.
Licenses: CBC1262892, CCC1334232, CAC1821934, CFC1431813, MRSA5411, MSR5437
Tampa ADU design, permits and construction in one contract
Tampa Bay ADU handles your project from the first feasibility questions to the final walkthrough. We evaluate your lot and goals, design the right ADU for your property, handle zoning and permit applications in Tampa, St. Petersburg or unincorporated Pinellas, and coordinate construction through final inspection. You get one experienced team, one point of contact and one schedule, with clear communication at every step. From first visit to move-in, most ADU projects take about 9 to 18 months, depending on the city, the design and the site.
EVERYTHING WE HANDLE
01 Property & Feasibility
We evaluate your property, goals, budget, and site conditions to determine what type of ADU may work best for your needs and lot.
Typical Time: 1–3 weeks
02 Design & Permitting
We coordinate the ADU design, plans, zoning requirements, permitting, and other details needed to move your project toward approval.
Typical Time: 4–10 months
03 Construction Coordination
We help keep the construction process organized, coordinating timelines, contractors, inspections, and key project decisions through completion.
Typical Time: 4–8 months
Our ADU Projects
Explore our completed ADU projects and see how thoughtful design, planing, and construction can transform a property.
Find the Right ADU Solution
Every property is different, and building an ADU starts with understanding what’s possible. We help homeowners throughout Tampa Bay navigate the process with confidence and find the right approach for their property, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Why St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay homeowners choose Tampa Bay ADU
We build smarter, more flexible living spaces that create genuine opportunity and long-term value for Tampa Bay homeowners.
Deep local expertise in Tampa Bay, FL zoning and permitting
We navigate St. Petersburg's 800 sq ft ADU limits, Pinellas County's updated 1,000 sq ft regulations, and Tampa's Special Use overlay requirements with ease
Integrated design-build process
One team, one vision, seamless execution from concept to completion
Transparent communication at every stage
You'll always know where your project stands
Hurricane-resistant, high-quality construction
Built to Florida Building Code standards for Tampa Bay's coastal climate
Proven track record
Successfully permitted and built dozens of ADUs throughout St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay
What does an ADU cost in Tampa Bay?
It depends on the type, the site and what your city requires. The City of Tampa has said the average ADU there typically costs under 100,000 dollars (FOX 13); a fully custom detached unit usually costs more. We give you a real number for your lot after the feasibility review.
What moves the price
Type of ADU
A garage conversion reuses the slab and walls; a detached cottage costs the most.
Utilities
New sewer, water and electric connections, often with a panel upgrade.
Flood zone
An elevated foundation adds roughly 15,000–40,000 dollars.
Size & finishes
Square footage, materials and finish level set the rest.
About Tampa Bay ADU – Your St. Petersburg ADU Specialists
We founded Tampa Bay ADU to make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) more accessible, affordable, and beautifully integrated into St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay's diverse neighborhoods. As local ADU experts based in St. Petersburg, we understand Pinellas County's unique zoning regulations, permitting requirements, and architectural standards that make Tampa Bay different from anywhere else in Florida.
Our team of licensed architects, engineers, and ADU contractors brings decades of combined experience across St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater to streamline your project — from initial design concepts and city permitting to construction and final certificate of occupancy.
Why Tampa Bay homeowners build ADUs
An accessory dwelling unit is one of the most flexible, sustainable, and profitable additions you can make to your Tampa Bay property. Here's what local homeowners are discovering:
Increase Property value
Homes with ADUs in St. Petersburg and Tampa sell for 20-35% more than comparable properties without them. That's potentially $75,000–$150,000+ added to your home's value
Rental income
Tampa Bay ADUs produce $1,200–$2,500+ monthly rental income ($14,400–$30,000+ annually), helping offset your mortgage and property taxes
Address Tampa Bay Housing Problems
With Tampa needing 26,000+ affordable housing units, ADUs provide a practical solution while benefiting your family financially
Create Space for Multigenerational Living
House aging parents, adult children, or extended family members while everyone maintains independence and privacy
Maximize underutilized property
Transform empty backyard space, detached garages, or unused areas into valuable, functional living space
Eco-Friendly Building Options
Incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and smart home technology to reduce environmental impact and utility costs
Whether you're planning a granny flat in St. Petersburg, a guest house in Tampa, or a backyard cottage in Clearwater, Tampa Bay ADU helps you design a space that adds genuine comfort, flexibility, and financial opportunity.
Our ADU Projects in Tampa Bay
Real spaces. Real possibilities. Explore a selection of our recent ADU projects across Pinellas and Hillsborough County and see how homeowners are adding space, value, and new possibilities to their properties.
START HERE
Your Tampa Bay
ADU Guide
Building an ADU in Tampa Bay means different rules depending on which city your lot sits in, and most of what's written online treats the whole region as one set of numbers. This guide breaks it down city by city: what's allowed, how far your ADU has to sit from the property line, what it costs to build, and what it costs to keep running once it's done.
The Tampa Bay ADU Journey – Stress-Free from Start to Finish
Building an ADU in St. Petersburg or Tampa may feel complex but we make it simple, transparent, and completely stress-free. Here's what your journey looks like with Tampa Bay ADU:
Step 1: Consultation & Site Evaluation
We start by understanding your goals, budget, and timeline while conducting a thorough evaluation of your St. Petersburg or Tampa property. We'll determine the best ADU type, optimal placement, and whether your lot qualifies under current zoning regulations. Use the City of St. Petersburg's ADU Eligibility Tool or let us handle the research for you.
Step 2: Custom Concept & Design
Our experienced design team creates a custom ADU plan that fits your space, maximizes your budget, and complies with local St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, or Tampa regulations. We blend function with style, incorporating energy-efficient features, smart storage solutions, and architectural details that complement your main home.
Step 3: Permitting & City Approvals
We handle all city applications, zoning reviews, site plans, and required documentation so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy. Whether you're building in St. Petersburg's NT zones, Pinellas County's residential districts, or Tampa's ADU overlay areas, we manage the entire approval process.
Step 4: Construction & Project Management
Once approved, our licensed construction team takes over. We manage scheduling, coordinate inspections, source quality materials, and maintain constant communication to keep you informed throughout the build. Your Tampa Bay ADU is delivered on time and within budget.
Step 5: Move-In Ready & Income-Generating
Your new accessory dwelling unit is complete — ready for family members, long-term renters, or Airbnb guests (where permitted). You'll receive all final inspections, certificates of occupancy, and a comprehensive project handoff. Start generating $1,200–$2,500+ monthly rental income or enjoy priceless multigenerational living.
Tampa Bay ADU Service Areas
We design, permit, and build accessory dwelling units across Pinellas and Hillsborough County. Find your city below to learn more about local ADU options.
ADU questions from Tampa Bay homeowners
Not everywhere. In the City of Tampa, a full ADU needs a special use permit and is allowed only in designated neighborhoods: Seminole Heights, Lowry Park, East Tampa, Tampa Heights, Sulphur Springs, Temple Crest, Wellswood and part of Riverside Heights. Outside those areas you can build an Extended Family Residence of up to 600 sq ft, but only a family member can live in it and it can’t be rented. Not sure where your lot falls? Send us your address and we’ll check it before you pay for any design.
Most of our projects run [$80,000 to $250,000+] for design, permits and construction. The biggest swings come from three things: the type (a garage conversion reuses the slab and walls, so it costs less than a detached cottage), utility connections, and flood zone, where an elevated foundation alone can add 15,000–40,000 dollars. The City of Tampa has said the average ADU there runs under 100,000 dollars; a fully custom detached unit usually costs more. You get a real number for your lot after the feasibility review. See our ADU cost guide.
In the City of Tampa, a full ADU can be up to 950 sq ft and an Extended Family Residence up to 600 sq ft. St. Petersburg, Clearwater and unincorporated Pinellas County each set their own size, setback and height limits, so what fits also depends on your lot. Our zoning guide has the rules city by city.
Plan on about [9 months to 18 months] from first visit to move-in. Permitting is usually the longest and least predictable step: it depends on the city’s review queue and on how many rounds of comments the plans get. Construction itself takes about [ 3 to 6 months.]. You get a schedule for your project after feasibility, and we handle the back-and-forth with the city.
It depends on the city and the type of unit. In Tampa, an Extended Family Residence can’t be rented at all. For full ADUs, long-term and short-term rental rules differ between Tampa, St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, so if renting is your goal, tell us at the start: it can change which type of ADU makes sense for your lot. If you do rent, notify your insurer, since standard homeowner policies don’t always cover tenants. See short-term rental rules by city.
Yes. We’re based in St. Petersburg and build across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo and Pinellas Park. Each city has its own ADU rules and permit process, and we handle the applications in all of them.
Start Your Tampa Bay ADU Journey Today
Ready to unlock your St. Petersburg or Tampa property's hidden potential? Let's turn your underutilized backyard, garage, or lot into a flexible, high-value accessory dwelling unit that works for your family and your financial goals.