Florida Senate Approves Allowing More Garage Apartments to Boost Affordable Housing

The bill now heads to the Florida House after passing the Senate unanimously.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Florida Senate has unanimously approved a proposal to boost affordable housing through the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often referred to as "granny flats" or "carriage houses", on single-family home lots. The bill would require every county and municipality to enact an ordinance involving these units by December 1st and prohibit "undue" parking restrictions while allowing certain land donated to local governments for affordable housing to be used to house military families.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to increase the supply of affordable housing options in Florida by making it easier for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units to their properties. As housing costs continue to rise, especially in high-demand areas, this could provide more workforce housing near jobs.

The details

The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, would give permission for garage apartments and other accessory dwelling units to be built on lots where they were once prohibited. The bill would require local governments to enact ordinances regulating these units by December 1st and prohibit them from imposing "undue" parking restrictions. The bill also allows certain land donated to local governments for affordable housing to be used to house military families.

  • The Florida Senate unanimously approved the bill on February 4, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Florida House for consideration.

The players

Sen. Don Gaetz

The Republican state senator from Niceville who sponsored the bill to allow more accessory dwelling units in Florida.

Gainesville

A city in Florida that already allows accessory dwelling units on single-family home lots.

Tampa

A city in Florida that already allows accessory dwelling units on single-family home lots.

Orlando

A city in Florida that already allows accessory dwelling units on single-family home lots.

St. Petersburg

A city in Florida that already allows accessory dwelling units on single-family home lots.

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What they’re saying

“ADUs can increase workforce housing because ADUs cost less to build, they cost less to rent and are often located in areas where workers need to live and be close to their jobs.”

— Sen. Don Gaetz, Bill Sponsor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Florida House, where a similar measure (HB 313) has two more committee stops before it can reach the floor.

The takeaway

This legislation represents an effort by Florida lawmakers to address the state's affordable housing crisis by making it easier for homeowners to add accessory dwelling units to their properties. If passed, it could provide more workforce housing options in high-cost areas near jobs.