Senate rules committee backs state-level ADU bill after amendments

The Senate Rules Committee voted to report CS for SB 48 favorably after adopting two amendments that narrowed local government procedures for approving accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Senator Gates, the bill sponsor, said the measure requires local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs — also described in testimony as carriage houses or granny flats — while preserving local control over setbacks, construction and permitting. The bill requires ADU rentals to have leases of 30 days or more and preserves a homeowner’s homestead exemption for the portion of the property where the owner maintains a permanent residence.

Committee members adopted two amendments. The first amendment allows ADUs to be approved without a public hearing, variance, conditional‑use permit or special exception so long as a conforming site plan is submitted; the second amendment clarified that local governments are not required to adopt a standalone ADU ordinance when they otherwise are prohibited from limiting new dwelling units.

Multiple stakeholder groups including the Florida Home Builders Association, Florida Realtors, United Way of Florida Tampa Bay Partnership and AARP waived in support. Senator Osgood underscored housing shortages and said ADUs are a fast, low‑cost way to expand supply while relying on existing infrastructure.

By the committee roll call the bill as amended was reported favorably and will move to the Senate calendar for further consideration.

Sources and provenance: Sponsor explanation, adopted amendments and roll‑call report in committee transcript.