Quick answer: In unincorporated Lee County, a single-family home can generally have one accessory apartment or ADU, with size capped as a percentage of the main home and one extra parking space, and ADUs may be rented. In unincorporated Collier County, guesthouses generally cannot be rented for commercial gain and are limited to family members or caregivers. Cities set their own rules, so check your address.
Last updated: November 2026 · Written by the Miniopolis LLC team (Florida State Certified General Contractor CGC1531810)
Rules change. This is a general guide; confirm with your building and zoning department before you design.
Lee County (Unincorporated)
- One per home: each single-family residence may have one accessory apartment (attached, no kitchen) or one accessory dwelling unit.
- Size: living area is capped at a percentage of the main home’s living area (50% in the code, with a proposed amendment to 60%).
- Parking: one additional off-street space.
- Rentals: ADUs are defined as units that could be rented or leased.
- Fees: ADUs pay applicable impact fees.
Cities in Lee County
Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach have their own zoning codes. Lot size, setbacks and whether a kitchen is allowed vary.
Collier County (Unincorporated)
- Guesthouses: may house relatives or caregivers, but renting a guesthouse for commercial gain is prohibited.
- 2025 pilot: commissioners declined to move forward with a pilot that would have allowed guesthouse rentals in the Urban Estates.
- City of Naples: has its own guest house permit checklist and zoning rules.
Build an ADU or Guest House With Miniopolis
Our 1 bed, 1 bath model is designed to work as an ADU or guest house where allowed, and we also build custom ADUs and SIP ADU kits. We check your zoning before design. See also ADUs in Tampa Bay.
Sources
- Lee County: Accessory apartments and ADUs amendment summary
- Gulfshore Business: Collier County guesthouse pilot program
- City of Naples: Guest house checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Lee County?
Generally yes in unincorporated Lee County: one accessory apartment or ADU per single-family home, subject to size, parking and impact fees.
Can I rent out a guest house in Collier County?
In unincorporated Collier County, renting a guesthouse for commercial gain is generally prohibited. Guesthouses may house relatives or caregivers.
Do cities like Cape Coral and Naples follow county ADU rules?
No. Cities have their own zoning codes, so rules can differ by address.
Talk to a Southwest Florida Builder
Miniopolis LLC is a Florida State Certified General Contractor (CGC1531810) in Fort Myers. Send us your lot address for a free lot review, see custom homes on your lot, get preapproved, or call (239) 329-8804.