ADU Rental Income in Florida — What to Expect
- Studio ADU (200–400 sq ft): $1,400–$1,900/month
- 1-Bedroom ADU (400–700 sq ft): $1,800–$2,800/month
- 2-Bedroom ADU (700–1,000 sq ft): $2,400–$3,500/month
- Studio ADU: $1,200–$1,700/month
- 1-Bedroom ADU: $1,600–$2,400/month
- 2-Bedroom ADU: $2,000–$3,000/month
- Studio ADU: $1,300–$1,800/month
- 1-Bedroom ADU: $1,700–$2,600/month
- 2-Bedroom ADU: $2,100–$3,200/month
- ADU construction cost: $180,000
- Monthly rent: $2,000
- Annual rent: $24,000
- Expenses (vacancy, maintenance, insurance): ~$4,800/year (20%)
- Annual net: $19,200
- Payback: ~9.4 years
- Miami Beach and many Broward cities have strict STR regulations and licensing requirements
- Palm Beach County STR rules vary significantly by city
- Always verify local STR licensing before planning for vacation rental use
One of the most common questions homeowners ask before building an ADU is: "How much rent can I actually charge?" Here's a realistic look at ADU rental income across South Florida.
Rental Ranges by County (Long-Term, 2026)
Miami-Dade County
Highest-demand areas: Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Wynwood, Doral, Kendall
Broward County
Highest-demand areas: Fort Lauderdale (downtown/beach), Hollywood, Hallandale Beach
Palm Beach County
Highest-demand areas: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach (downtown)
Estimating Your Payback Period
A simple formula:
Payback = Total ADU cost ÷ Annual net rental income
Example:
After payback, the ADU generates pure cash flow and has added substantial property value.
What Affects Rental Demand
1. Proximity to employment centers — ADUs near Brickell, Fort Lauderdale downtown, or Boca Raton office parks rent fastest
2. Separate entrance — tenants strongly prefer private entry
3. Parking — one dedicated parking space dramatically improves rentability
4. Kitchen quality — full kitchen vs. kitchenette affects achievable rent by $200–$400/month
5. Privacy — units with no shared walls or visible sightlines to main house command premium rents
Short-Term Rental Considerations
Some homeowners consider Airbnb or VRBO for higher per-night rates. Be aware:
ADU4Florida's feasibility review can help you understand what rental approach is realistic for your property and location.