Eco-conscious ADU in Central Florida backyard

All ADUs are Foundation-Built · Fully Permitted · Florida Building Code Compliant

Central Florida ADU Specialists

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.

Get Free Property Evaluation Learn How It Works

$1,200–$2,500

Est. Monthly Rental Income

$80K–$150K+

Typical ADU Build Cost

100% Permitted

Florida Building Code Compliant

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Step 1 of 8

Find out if your property qualifies for an EarthNest ADU.

Answer 8 quick questions. We'll show you your recommended path, estimated cost range, and next steps — in under 2 minutes.

Where is your property located?

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.

20ft container studio ADU on permanent foundation

Most Affordable Entry

EarthNest 20ft Studio

Size

~160 sq ft

Layout

Studio

Installed

$80K – $120K+

Rent

$900 – $1,400/mo

20ft container hybrid / modular
Concrete slab foundation
180 MPH wind-load engineered
Closed-cell spray foam insulation
Full kitchen & bath included

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners, guest suite, first ADU investment

40ft container one-bedroom ADU in Florida

EarthNest 40ft 1-Bedroom

Size

~320 sq ft

Layout

1-Bedroom

Installed

$120K – $175K+

Rent

$1,200 – $1,800/mo

40ft container hybrid / modular
Concrete slab foundation
180 MPH wind-load engineered
Closed-cell spray foam insulation
Separate bedroom + living area

Best For

Investors maximizing rental income, full living unit

Fully Custom

Traditional Site-Built ADU

Size

Custom

Layout

Studio, 1BR, or 2BR

Installed

$130K – $200K+

Rent

$1,400 – $2,500/mo

Traditional stick-built or CMU block
Concrete slab foundation
180 MPH wind-load engineered
Matches primary home style
Fully custom design & layout

Best For

Seamless aesthetic match, larger units, maximum appraisal value

Not sure which model fits your property? We'll help you decide.

Start With a Free Evaluation

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.

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

(407) 836-5550 Zoning@ocfl.net

Building Safety Division: Inspections and permit status

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 (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 2 — 40ft 1-Bedroom

From Concept to Keys — 6 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 Evaluation

Property Evaluation

We visit your property and assess lot size, access, drainage, utility hookups, and overall build viability — free of charge.

Zoning & Feasibility

We review county zoning codes, setback requirements, HOA restrictions (if any), and confirm whether an ADU can be legally built on your lot.

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 eco-conscious hybrid container ADU model

EarthNest Florida

20ft Container + Hybrid Modular

The EarthNest Model

Eco-Conscious Design Built for Florida

The EarthNest ADU is our signature product: a 20ft container or hybrid modular unit engineered specifically for Central Florida's climate. This is not an off-grid fantasy — it's a practical, efficient, and beautifully designed permanent ADU.

Every EarthNest unit is mounted on a permanent foundation, fully permitted, and built to Florida Building Code. 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.

Explore the EarthNest for Your Property

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

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.

No obligation — 100% free evaluation

We cover Orange County and surrounding areas

All evaluations include zoning & setback review

We run a zoning check BEFORE your first call

Quick Pricing Reference

20ft Studio$80K – $120K+

40ft 1-Bedroom$120K – $175K+

Traditional Site-Built$130K – $200K+

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

Inquire About Partnership

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.