Florida’s Housing Crisis: Could ‘Granny Flats’ Be the Game-Changer?

TALLAHASSEE, FL — As Florida faces skyrocketing housing costs, lawmakers are pushing for a new solution, making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as “granny flats” or “mother-in-law suites.”

The idea is simple: Allow homeowners to add small, separate living spaces on their property, either as detached units or converted parts of existing homes. Supporters say this would create more affordable rental options and help address the housing crunch across the state.

New Bills Aim to Boost ADU Construction

Two proposed bills, Senate Bill 184 (SB 184) and House Bill 247 (HB 247), are making their way through Florida’s legislature. If passed, they would require local governments to allow ADUs in single-family neighborhoods, something that’s currently optional.

Senator Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), who introduced the bill, argues that ADUs provide a practical way to increase housing supply. “They cost less to build, they cost less to rent, and they help workers live closer to their jobs,” Gaetz explained.

A similar bill is moving through the Florida House, introduced by Representative Bill Conerly (R-Lakewood Ranch), and has already gained strong support.

What This Means for Homeowners

If these bills become law, homeowners across Florida could gain the right to build ADUs without needing special permission from local governments. This could mean extra rental income or space for family members, particularly aging parents or young adults struggling with high rent.

However, not all communities will be affected. The law wouldn’t apply to planned unit developments (PUDs) or master-planned communities, which often have their own restrictions.

Rules to Prevent Abuse

Some lawmakers worry that these units could be turned into short-term vacation rentals, worsening Florida’s rental market issues. To prevent that, the proposed law would ban ADUs from being rented for less than a month at a time.

Additionally, homeowners would still qualify for their homestead tax exemption, but the ADUs themselves would be taxed separately.

A Growing Movement for Housing Solutions

This push for ADUs comes after the Live Local Act of 2023, which focused on creating more workforce housing. Now, legislators hope that allowing smaller, affordable units in residential areas will be the next step in solving Florida’s housing crisis.

Groups like AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Americans for Prosperity support the initiative, saying it’s a smart way to add housing without needing massive new developments.

As Florida’s population continues to grow and housing costs rise, these bills could offer a practical way to give residents more affordable places to live. The question now is whether lawmakers will move quickly enough to make it happen.