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The Florida legislature is considering the use of accessory dwelling units (ADU) to help solve the state’s affordable housing shortage.

News Service of Florida reports panels within the state’s House and Senate passed bills that would enable localities to allow the addition of ADUs – sometimes referred to as “granny dwellings” – in single-family residential areas. Current state law says that localities can allow the addition of ADUs, but the new laws would require them to allow the dwellings to be added.

“ADUs (accessory dwelling units) increase workforce housing because ADUs cost less to build, they cost less to rent and they’re often located in urban areas where workers need to live in order to be close to their jobs,” said State Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), a sponsor of the legislation, who added residents would not lose their homestead property exemptions if they add granny flats — although the ADUs would be subject to property taxes.

Under the legislation, ADUs would not be allowed in planned unit developments or master planned communities. The legislation would also prevent the ADUs from being used as short-term vacation rentals. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) noted the ADUs could address ongoing shortages in affordable housing.

“We have a real affordable housing crisis in the state of Florida, and a big part of that crisis has everything to do with supply, or lack of supply,” Smith said. “Bringing in these ADUs to help add to the housing supply is a great idea that should be encouraged.”