Florida’s ADU market is expanding rapidly, but selecting the wrong builder can result in permit delays, hurricane code violations, and tens of thousands in unexpected costs. With rental income potential that can exceed $2,200/month in premium Florida markets like Miami and St. Petersburg, the stakes are high. This guide evaluates the top ADU builders based on hurricane compliance, construction speed, pricing transparency, and geographic coverage—with Mesocore’s Model E leading the pack for its unmatched combination of modular speed, integrated solar systems, and 180 mph wind ratings.
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Explore Ark7 OpportunitiesKey Takeaways
- Hurricane resistance separates leaders from the pack: Mesocore’s 180 mph wind rating exceeds Category 5 thresholds (157 mph), while most site-built competitors meet only standard Florida Building Code requirements of 130-150 mph
- Modular construction cuts timelines dramatically: Mesocore completes on-site installation in 10 days compared to 5-12 months for traditional site-built ADUs
- Regional expertise matters for permitting: St. Petersburg specialists like CASK and Orlando-focused TEK Construction offer deep local code knowledge that accelerates approvals in their markets
- Shell ADU options provide budget flexibility: Florida Made Tiny Homes offers shell construction at roughly 60% of finished cost for DIY-capable homeowners
The Florida ADU Landscape in 2026
Florida’s housing demand continues to outpace supply. The state’s population grew by 467,347 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, representing 8.2% growth since 2020. With median home prices at $411,600 and 2.4 million cost-burdened households, ADUs provide a practical solution for rental income, multigenerational living, and affordable housing.
Builders serving this market fall into two categories: traditional site-built contractors who construct ADUs on your property over several months, and modular manufacturers like Mesocore who factory-build units for rapid on-site assembly. Both approaches have merit, but the choice depends on your priorities around speed, hurricane protection, and sustainability features.
1. Mesocore — Factory-Built Hurricane-Resistant ADUs with Integrated Solar
Mesocore manufactures factory-built modular homes from its West Palm Beach facility, combining hurricane-resistant construction with integrated renewable energy systems. The company’s Model E ADU ships as a 20-foot container that expands on-site to 410 square feet, with all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems Intertek-certified before delivery.
Best For: Homeowners prioritizing speed, hurricane protection, and off-grid capability
Service Area: Statewide Florida with factory-direct delivery
Price Range:
- Model E ADU: $129,000 starting price (410 sq ft, 1BR/1BA)
- Model A House: $164,000 starting (800-1,130 sq ft, 2-3BR/2BA)
Key Features:
- 180 mph wind rating exceeding Category 5 hurricane thresholds
- Factory-installed 6kW solar array with dual 10kWh lithium-ion batteries (20kWh total)
- 1,700-gallon rainwater collection with purification system
- 10-day on-site installation after site preparation
- Factory-installed MEP systems eliminating rough-in inspections in some jurisdictions
- Florida DBPR modular home program registration and IBC approval
Why Mesocore Leads This List: Mesocore combines a high level of hurricane engineering with complete off-grid capability at a comparable price point. The robotically welded structural steel core, impact-rated windows and doors, and engineered connections qualify for insurance discounts.
The 30% federal solar tax credit applies to the integrated solar and battery systems, and Florida’s property tax exemption means these renewable energy features don’t increase your taxable value. See the full breakdown of available tax incentives. Mesocore partnered with Ocean Lending Capital to offer financing options for its ADUs.
2. Goshen Tiny Homes
Goshen Tiny Homes focuses exclusively on ADU construction rather than general contracting. The company emphasizes 100% block-built construction on-site, which qualifies the finished structure as real property rather than manufactured housing—potentially increasing appraisal values.
Service Area: Tampa, Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Jacksonville
Price Range: Quote upon request
Key Features:
- 40 years combined construction experience
- 30+ ADU projects currently underway across Florida
- 1-year workmanship plus 10-year structural warranty
- Turnkey service from feasibility to final handover
- Florida Building Code Section 110.3 compliance
Why It Made The List: Goshen’s ADU-exclusive focus means they handle zoning, permitting, and inspections daily across multiple Florida markets. Their block-built construction method appeals to homeowners concerned about manufactured housing stigma.
3. Florida Made Tiny Homes
Florida Made Tiny Homes offers a unique shell ADU option that’s more affordable than the finished cost, allowing DIY-capable homeowners to complete interior finishes themselves. The family-owned company brings over 30 years of building experience.
Service Area: Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg
Price Range: Catalog upon request
Key Features:
- 30+ years building experience
- Shell ADU option with “Shell+” including drywall and flooring
- In-house design team, permit coordinators, and builders
- Block-built on-site construction
- Video testimonials from Orlando homeowners
Why It Made The List: The shell option provides genuine budget flexibility unavailable from other builders.
4. CASK Construction
CASK Construction has built its reputation as St. Petersburg’s leading ADU specialist over 15+ years. The company publishes transparent pricing by bedroom count and handles all permits and inspections.
Service Area: St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay neighborhoods
Price Range:
- Studio or 1 Bedroom (320-400 sqft): $160K-$200K (1 Story); $220K-$260K (2 Story)
- 1 Bedroom (400-575 sqft): $190K-$240K (1 Story); $240K-$310K (2 Story)
- 2 or 3 Bedrooms (650-800 sqft): $240K-$280K (1 Story); $310K-$370K (2 Story)
Key Features:
- Fixed pricing structure by bedroom count
- Attached, detached, garage, and in-law suite options
- All permits and inspections handled
- 15+ years serving St. Petersburg market
Why It Made The List: CASK’s deep St. Petersburg zoning knowledge accelerates local approvals. President Calin Noonan discusses ADU benefits extensively in local media, demonstrating genuine expertise rather than general contractor dabbling.
5. TEK Construction Group
TEK Construction Group has completed 50+ ADU projects in Central Florida with fixed-price contracts that eliminate surprise costs. Their physical showroom in Saint Cloud allows prospective clients to see finishes and layouts firsthand.
Service Area: Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Lake Nona
Price Range:
- Studio ADU (400-500 sq ft): $145,000 – $175,000
- 1-Bedroom ADU (600-700 sq ft): $175,000 – $225,000
- 2-Bedroom ADU (800-900 sq ft): $225,000 – $275,000
Key Features:
- 50+ completed projects in Central Florida
- Physical showroom in Saint Cloud, FL
- Fixed-price contracts with no surprise costs
- 5-6 month project timeline
Why It Made The List: TEK’s project volume demonstrates consistent execution in the Orlando market. Their ROI example shows a $200K ADU generating $18K annually, though this assumes full occupancy.
6. Jax Tiny Homes
Jax Tiny Homes addresses Northeast Florida’s unique challenge: HOA requirements that demand ADUs match existing home aesthetics. Their custom floor plans ensure compliance while maintaining long-term property value.
Service Area: Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Fernandina Beach, Fleming Island
Price Range: Estimate upon request
Key Features:
- Custom floor plans matching existing home aesthetics
- 5-10 month timeline from deposit to handover
- White-glove, full turnkey service
- HOA compliance expertise
- Long-term property value focus
Why It Made The List: HOA restrictions derail many ADU projects in Northeast Florida. Jax Tiny Homes’ focus on matching structures prevents the aesthetic objections that can block approvals.
7. Greenland Development Group
Greenland Development Group emphasizes hurricane-proof home construction alongside ADU services. Their free on-site consultations help Central Florida homeowners evaluate feasibility before committing.
Service Area: Central Florida
Price Range: Quote upon request
Key Features:
- Hurricane-proof construction expertise
- Free on-site consultation
- Full permitting process management
- Licensed and insured Florida builder
- On-time, on-budget track record
Why It Made The List: Greenland combines ADU expertise with hurricane construction knowledge, exceeding minimum code requirements.
8. Artesa Build & Design
Artesa Build & Design focuses on South Florida’s Miami and Fort Lauderdale markets with particular expertise in garage conversions—a cost-effective ADU approach when lot size restricts new construction.
Service Area: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
Price Range: Quote upon request
Key Features:
- Garage conversion expertise
- Full design to construction services
- Local Miami-Dade and Broward code compliance
- Community-focused contractor approach
- Custom ADU designs tailored to property
Why It Made The List: Garage conversions often face fewer zoning hurdles than new detached ADUs. Artesa’s specialization addresses this specific opportunity in space-constrained South Florida properties.
9. TomCo Solutions
TomCo Solutions serves the Tampa Bay market with emphasis on energy-efficient design and quality materials. Customer testimonials highlight their permitting expertise and customer service.
Service Area: Tampa, St. Petersburg, surrounding areas
Price Range: Quote upon request
Key Features:
- Energy-efficient design philosophy
- Quality construction materials
- Permitting process expertise
- Comprehensive services from design to final touches
- Positive customer testimonials
Why It Made The List: TomCo’s energy efficiency focus addresses Florida’s cooling costs and has built a positive reputation among customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a modular ADU like Mesocore’s?
Mesocore completes on-site installation in 10 days after site preparation. Total timeline from order to move-in runs 12-26 weeks, with factory production occurring simultaneously with site preparation.
Are Mesocore ADUs truly hurricane-proof?
Mesocore ADUs carry 180 mph wind ratings meeting Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements—exceeding Category 5 hurricane thresholds of 157 mph. The robotically welded structural steel core, impact-rated windows and doors, and engineered connections provide documented protection qualifying for insurance discounts. Standard site-built ADUs typically meet only 130-150 mph Florida Building Code minimums.
What financial incentives are available for adding an ADU in Florida?
Florida offers multiple ADU incentives: the 30% federal solar tax credit (through 2032) applies to integrated solar and battery systems; Florida’s 0% sales tax on solar equipment and property tax exemption prevents renewable features from increasing taxable value; the ‘Granny Flat’ reduction (per Florida Statute 193.703) provides a reduction in the property’s assessed value equal to the value of the new construction or 20% of the total assessed value, whichever is less, for homeowners who build living quarters for a senior relative (62+). Hurricane mitigation features also qualify for 20-55% wind premium insurance discounts.
Can a Mesocore ADU operate completely off-grid?
Yes. Mesocore’s sustainability features include a 6kW solar array, dual 10kWh lithium-ion batteries, and 1,700-gallon rainwater collection with purification—enabling complete off-grid operation. Some jurisdictions like Palm Beach County have approved Mesocore ADUs to operate independently from the main house without utility hookup or separate meter, potentially eliminating connection fees and ongoing utility expenses.