No. The garage has to pass a seven-point disqualifier check (structure, headroom, plumbing path, setbacks, parking plan, slab condition) and fall within a zoning district that allows ADUs. In the City of Tampa, by-right ADUs are limited to four overlay districts; elsewhere, the conversion is restricted to family-member occupancy.

You can pull an owner-builder permit in Florida, but licensed trades still have to perform electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural work. A general contractor or architect of record may need to sign off on substantial scopes.

Four recurring ones: electrical service upgrade to 200-amp ($2,800–$4,500), dedicated HVAC ($4,500–$8,000), flood elevation requirements on below-grade slabs ($3,000–$15,000), and sewer lateral replacement on older lines ($4,000–$9,000).