All ADUs are Foundation-Built · Fully Permitted · Florida Building Code Compliant
Turn Your Property Into an Income-Producing Asset
Add a legal, permitted ADU in Central Florida with a structured, expert-led approach. Foundation-built and optimized for the Florida climate.
$1,400–$2,500
Est. Monthly Rental Income
$130K–$200K+
Typical ADU Build Cost
100% Permitted
Florida Building Code Compliant
Find out if your property qualifies for an EarthNest ADU.
Answer 10 quick questions. We'll show you your recommended path, estimated cost range, and next steps — in under 2 minutes.
What We Build
What Is an ADU?
An ADU — Accessory Dwelling Unit — is a legal second home built on your existing residential property. Think of it as a fully independent living unit: its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and everything a renter needs to call it home.
Every ADU we build is a permanent, foundation-built structure that goes through the full county permitting process. No shortcuts. No gray areas.
What We Build
- Foundation-built permanent structure
- Fully permitted by the county
- Florida Building Code compliant
- Custom-designed for your lot
- Site-evaluated and zoning verified
What We Don't Do
- Tiny homes on wheels
- RV-style or temporary units
- Non-permitted structures
- One-size-fits-all solutions
Every property is different. Before any work begins, we conduct a full site evaluation covering zoning, setbacks, utility access, and feasibility — at no cost to you.
Our ADU Models
Three Models. Clear Pricing. Your Choice.
We don't do vague quotes. Here are our three defined ADU models with transparent pricing so you can make informed decisions before we even speak.
EarthNest 20ft Studio
~160 sq ft
Studio / Flex Space
$80K – $120K+
Not listed for this model
- 20ft container hybrid / modular
- Concrete slab foundation
- Engineered to Florida Building Code wind load requirements for Central Florida
- Closed-cell spray foam insulation
- Full kitchen & bath included
Private guesthouse for family, home office, detached studio, or hobby space — not intended as a rentable ADU in Orange County (unincorporated).
WARNING: At ~160 sq ft, this unit does not meet Orange County's 400 sq ft minimum for a permitted ADU. It is best suited for non-rental uses such as a guesthouse, office, or studio. Eligible uses vary by jurisdiction — we'll confirm during your free site evaluation.
EarthNest 40ft 1-Bedroom
~320 sq ft
Studio + Sleeping Area
$120K – $175K+
Not listed for this model
- 40ft container hybrid / modular
- Concrete slab foundation
- Engineered to Florida Building Code wind load requirements for Central Florida
- Closed-cell spray foam insulation
- Separate bedroom + living area
Guesthouse, extended family suite, home office with sleeping quarters — may qualify as a permitted ADU in select jurisdictions outside Orange County unincorporated (verified during free site evaluation).
WARNING: At ~320 sq ft, this unit falls below Orange County's 400 sq ft ADU minimum. Eligible as a permitted ADU in some surrounding jurisdictions. Your free site evaluation will confirm what's possible on your specific property.
Traditional Site-Built ADU
Custom
Studio, 1BR, or 2BR
$130K – $200K+
$1,400 – $2,500/mo
- Traditional stick-built or CMU block
- Concrete slab foundation
- Engineered to Florida Building Code wind load requirements for Central Florida
- Matches primary home style
- Fully custom design & layout
Permitted rentable ADU in Orange County and surrounding jurisdictions, seamless aesthetic match, larger units, maximum appraisal value.
Not sure which model fits your property? We'll help you decide.
Start With a Free EvaluationADU Calculator
ADU Investment Calculator
Conservative, location-aware underwriting for Central Florida ADU projects.
Section 1 — Your Property and Build
In Orange County (unincorporated), minimum ADU size is 400 sq ft. Maximum is 1,000 sq ft or 45% of your primary home's living area, whichever is less.
Includes design, permitting, construction, and inspection. Does not include land cost. Final cost confirmed after free site evaluation.
Section 2 — Financing
= $30,000
Loan amount: $120,000
Est. monthly loan payment: $967
Section 3 — Monthly expenses and assumptions
These are conservative estimates. Actual expenses vary. Review with a CPA before making financial decisions.
Start by selecting your location and ADU type to view investment results.
Want numbers specific to your property?
The calculator gives you a market-rate estimate. A free site evaluation gives you actual zoning, buildable area, and a real cost range for your specific lot.
What Orange County Requires
Official Permitting Requirements
We follow every Orange County regulation exactly. Here's what the county requires for each ADU type, sourced directly from orangecountyfl.net.
Orange County Eligibility Requirements — Know Before You Build
Before any building permit can be issued, Orange County requires ADU projects to meet the following baseline eligibility standards. EarthNest Florida verifies all of these during your free site evaluation.
Owner-Occupancy / Homestead Requirement
The primary single-family dwelling and the ADU must remain under single ownership at all times. The owner must occupy either the primary home or the ADU as their principal residence. The property must be homesteaded. A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until homestead status is confirmed.
Special Exception Approval
In most Orange County residential and agricultural zoning districts, an ADU requires approval as a Special Exception — a separate zoning review process — before a building permit can be applied for. EarthNest Florida coordinates this step as part of your project process.
ADU Size Limits
- Minimum: 400 sq ft of living area
- Maximum: 45% of the primary home's living area OR 1,000 sq ft — whichever is less
- Exception: Lots 2 acres or larger have a maximum of 1,500 sq ft
- Maximum: 2 bedrooms
Lot Size Requirement
A detached ADU may only be built on a lot that is at least 1.5x the minimum lot area required for a single-family dwelling in that zoning district.
Setbacks — Detached ADU
- 1-story: Minimum 5 ft from rear property line
- 2-story: Minimum 15 ft from rear property line
- Minimum 10 ft separation between the ADU and primary dwelling
- Side setbacks: Must meet principal structure minimums for the zoning district
Short-Term Rental Restriction
Orange County prohibits short-term rentals (under 30 days) in most residential zones. ADUs may only be rented under standard long-term residential leases. Short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) are not a permitted income strategy for ADUs in Orange County (unincorporated).
Note: Requirements vary by municipality. The City of Orlando, Osceola County, Seminole County, and Lake County each operate under their own ADU rules. EarthNest Florida reviews the specific requirements for your parcel as part of the free evaluation.
Source: Orange County Zoning Code Section 38-1426 and orangecountyfl.net/PermitsLicenses/Permits/ResidentialAccessoryDwellingUnit.aspx
Type 1 — Attached ADU
Addition to primary residential unit
Submission Requirements
- Site plan or survey showing location
- Lot Grading/Drainage Plan + finished floor elevation
- Construction Plans by FL Licensed PE or Architect
- Existing AND proposed floor plans (all rooms labeled)
- Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening (EERO) in every sleeping room
- Fire separation between units per FL Building Code
- Construction Documents
- Energy Calculations + ACCA Manuals J, S, D + EPL card (if HVAC)
- Mechanical duct layout (if installing/modifying)
- Truss engineering by FL Licensed PE (if applicable)
- Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet
Type 2 — ADU Alteration
Convert existing space in primary unit
Submission Requirements
- Construction Plans by FL Licensed PE or Architect
- Existing + proposed floor plans (all rooms labeled)
- Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening (EERO) in sleeping rooms
- Fire separation between units per FL Building Code
- Construction Documents
- Energy Calculations + ACCA Manuals + EPL card (if HVAC)
- Mechanical duct layout (if modifying ductwork)
- Truss engineering (if applicable) — signed & sealed
- Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet
Type 3 — Detached ADU
Separate structure (EarthNest Model)
Submission Requirements
- Site plan or survey showing location
- Lot Grading/Drainage Plan + finished floor elevation
- Construction Plans by FL Licensed PE or Architect
- Fire separation (when applicable) per FL Building Code
- Construction Documents
- Energy Calculations + ACCA Manuals + EPL card (if HVAC)
- Mechanical duct layout (if modifying ductwork)
- Truss engineering (if applicable) — signed & sealed
- Truss layout from manufacturer
- Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet
The Permit Application Process
- All applications submitted via Orange County Fast Track Online Services portal
- A licensed contractor MUST accept permit issuance
- Owner-builder exemption available under F.S. 489.103(7)(a)
- All permits require inspections, including mandatory final inspection
- Inspections scheduled & managed via Fast Track portal
Questions? Contact Orange County
Zoning & Site Plan Questions:
(407) 836-3111Zoning@ocfl.netBuilding Inspections & Permit Status:
(407) 836-5550Building Safety Division
Important Disclaimer
ADU permitting requirements are sourced from Orange County's official permit information page and are subject to change. Requirements vary by project type, zoning, site conditions, and local amendments. Always verify current requirements directly with Orange County at orangecountyfl.net or by calling Orange County Zoning at (407) 836-3111 or Building Inspections at (407) 836-5550 before beginning any project. EarthNest Florida handles all zoning verification and permitting coordination as part of your free property evaluation.
Investor Deal Breakdown
See the Full Picture Before You Build
Real numbers. Real scenarios. Understand exactly what an ADU investment looks like in Central Florida.
Model — Traditional Site-Built ADU (1BR)
Most Popular Permitted OptionADU Monthly Rent
$1,400 – $2,500/mo
Combined Rental Potential
$2,600 – $4,500/mo
Rent both units — the main house plus the ADU — for maximum monthly cash flow.
Forced Appreciation
Instant Equity on Completion
A permitted ADU adds permanent value. You build equity the day the project completes.
Disclaimer: All figures are illustrative estimates only and are not guaranteed. Container unit price reflects unfinished unit cost only. Total installed cost includes site preparation, foundation, permitting, utility connections, insulation, HVAC, and interior finishing. Final project costs vary based on site conditions, local jurisdiction requirements, and design selections. Rental income projections reflect current Orlando-area market conditions and are not guaranteed. EarthNest Florida does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice.
Our Process
From Concept to Keys — 7 Steps
Every project follows the same structured approach. You always know where you are in the process and what comes next.
Start Step 1 — Free EvaluationProperty Evaluation
We visit your property and assess lot size, access, drainage, utility hookups, and overall build viability — free of charge.
Zoning & Feasibility
We review your property's zoning classification, confirm homestead eligibility, verify the special exception approval requirement, check setbacks and lot size minimums, confirm ADU size limits based on your primary home's square footage, and verify HOA restrictions if applicable — before any design work begins.
Special Exception Filing
For most Orange County residential properties, we prepare and submit the Special Exception application to Orange County's Planning Division on your behalf. This is the required zoning approval step before a building permit can be applied for. We manage the timeline and follow-up so you don't have to.
Design
You choose your layout and style. We work with our design team to produce engineered plans tailored to your property and preferences.
Permitting
We submit all required documents to Orange County and manage the full permit process. No surprises. No shortcuts.
Build
Our vetted construction team builds your ADU to Florida Building Code standards with quality materials and clear timelines.
Rent or Sell
Once your ADU passes final inspection, you're ready to rent it out — or use it to increase your property's market value.
EarthNest Florida
20ft Container + Hybrid Modular
The EarthNest Model
Eco-Conscious Design Built for Florida
The EarthNest line includes two container-based flex units and a fully custom site-built ADU — each engineered specifically for Central Florida's climate. Our Traditional Site-Built ADU is our primary permitted rental product. Our 20ft and 40ft container units serve as guesthouses, home offices, and flex-use spaces, or as permitted ADUs in qualifying jurisdictions outside Orange County unincorporated. Your free site evaluation determines exactly what's permittable on your property.
Every EarthNest unit is mounted on a permanent foundation, fully permitted, and built to Florida Building Code. Units are engineered to Florida Building Code wind load requirements for Central Florida. We emphasize efficiency, sustainability, and cost-conscious design — not exaggerated claims.
Florida Climate Adaptation
Designed specifically for Central Florida's heat and humidity with passive cooling strategies, deep overhangs, and optimized ventilation.
Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam provides superior thermal resistance, moisture resistance, and structural integrity in the Florida climate.
Energy-Efficient Systems
Mini-split HVAC systems, LED lighting, and energy-conscious appliances keep operating costs low without sacrificing comfort.
Eco-Conscious Materials
Moisture and pest-resistant materials selected for durability and sustainability in Florida's demanding environment.
Who We Are
Strategy Meets Execution
We bring together two critical disciplines — real estate intelligence and construction expertise — under one roof.
Tiffany Baughn
Director of Operations
Client Focused Group | Licensed Realtor
- Real estate strategy & deal sourcing
- Investor relations & partnerships
- Marketing & lead generation
- Client experience & communication
Our goal is to make ADU development accessible, profitable, and stress-free for every homeowner and investor we work with.
Michael Francis
Construction Operations Lead
Build Execution & Site Management
- Contractor coordination & oversight
- Site feasibility assessment
- Build execution & quality control
- Timeline & budget management
Every project gets built right the first time. Permitted, inspected, and built to last in the Florida climate.
Get Started
See If Your Property Qualifies
Fill out the form and we'll review your property details, run a zoning check, and reach out within one business day to schedule your free site evaluation.
Quick Pricing Reference
Builder & Partner Program
Grow With a Reliable Project Pipeline
We're building a network of trusted contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to support our growing project volume in the Orlando / Orange County area.
If you're a builder or trade professional who does quality work, values process, and wants consistent project flow — we want to hear from you.
What We Offer Partners
- Consistent ADU project pipeline
- Pre-permitted plans & clear scopes
- Organized project management
- On-time payment schedules
- Long-term relationship focus
General Contractors
We're looking for licensed GCs in Central Florida who want a steady pipeline of permitted ADU builds. If you build quality work, we want to talk.
Specialty Subcontractors
Plumbers, electricians, framers, HVAC — we need reliable subs who understand residential ADU work and Florida code.
Material Suppliers
We source locally when possible. If you supply lumber, spray foam, insulation, or modular components, let's explore a preferred vendor relationship.