Gulfport, FL ADU Rules & Requirements
Gulfport recently established new rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), creating a new ADU section in the city's zoning code. Because the ordinance is new, homeowners should confirm the requirements that apply to their property before beginning an ADU project.
How Large Can a Gulfport ADU Be?
800
SQ FT
Maximum
Maximum living area
Gulfport limits an ADU to 800 square feet of living area
The 800-square-foot measurement excludes garages, carports, porches, patios, and other unenclosed areas.
Source: Gulfport Code §22-6.15(e)(4), Ordinance No. 2026-04.
Does the Owner Have to Live on the Property?
Yes, Owner Occupancy Is Required
The property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the ADU as the owner's permanent residence.
Principal Dwellingt
Owner can live here
Permanent Residence
The owner does not have to live specifically in the ADU. The requirement can be satisfied by occupying either residential unit.
ADU
Owner can Live here
Does Gulfport Require a Larger Lot for an ADU?
No separate ADU lot minimum
Gulfport does not require a separate minimum lot size specifically for an ADU beyond the minimum lot size already required for the principal dwelling.
The important distinction
The ADU does not create a new minimum lot-size requirement. Your property must still meet the applicable lot requirements for the principal dwelling.
Gulfport ADU Setback Requirements
For detached ADUs:
Side or rear of the principal dwelling
Detached ADUs must be located to the side or rear of the principal dwelling unit.
ADUs must also comply with the applicable development standards and required yard setbacks of the property's underlying zoning district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gulfport does not require a separate ADU-specific minimum lot size beyond the minimum lot size required for the principal dwelling.
A detached ADU must be located to the side or rear of the principal dwelling and must comply with the applicable setback and development standards of the underlying zoning district.
ADUs are permitted as an accessory use to single-family dwellings, but they are not permitted in the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA). Other applicable development standards must also be met.
Planning an ADU in Gulfport?
Gulfport's ADU rules provide a clear framework, but your property's zoning, location, existing home, and site conditions still matter.