The program is a component of the county's larger Housing for All initiative.

Orange County has launched “Ready, Set, Orange,” an innovative initiative aimed at accelerating the construction of affordable housing.

As part of the county’s broader Housing for All program, this new effort provides residents with access to eight pre-designed floorplans—four for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and four for small single-family homes. The goal is to lower barriers to homeownership by streamlining the permitting process, thereby reducing both costs and construction time.

Carter Gresham, Chief Planner for Orange County, noted that the county invested $10,000 to $15,000 for each floor plan. He explained that this initiative eliminates the need to hire an architect and simplifies the design process.

Gresham explained, "The county covered that expense themselves, so it doesn’t have to come from the wallets and pocketbooks of single-family homeowners and residents of Orange County."

Accessory Dwelling Units are included in the Ready, Set, Orange initiative as well. Gresham noted that although the ADU code was introduced in Orange County in 2019 and initially gained significant momentum, many people struggled with knowing how to start the process of constructing an ADU.

Gresham explained, "This allows people to see how ADUs could actually be developed on their property and helps them better visualize these units on their site."

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which are smaller independent living spaces located on the same lot as a single-family home, have been authorized in Orange County since 2019. The benefit of an ADU is that it provides a flexible living solution for extended family members or rental opportunities without requiring an addition to the existing structure.

The “Ready, Set, Orange” program addresses the increasing demand for affordable housing options, bridging the gap between large single-family homes and multi-family buildings.

Gresham explained, “The goal is to diversify our housing options by including more townhomes, smaller accessory dwelling units, and smaller single-family homes. This approach offers more opportunities for new arrivals to the area, as well as for current residents looking to relocate within Orange County. It provides a wider range of housing choices and types.”

The floorplans available range from 531 to 708 square feet for ADUs and from 1,150 to 1,483 square feet for single-family homes.

Participants in the program will still need to buy the lot and cover construction costs.

Gresham added, “We’ve effectively removed some of the initial soft costs associated with hiring and working with an architect to create these floorplans. However, the actual construction and permitting processes will proceed as usual, though with some streamlining.”

Wes Robbins, President of the Greater Orlando Builders Association and owner of W. Robbins and Company, described the program as a positive development.

“We’ve been urging Mayor Demings and the county commissioners for years to assist with housing affordability, and this program seems like a win-win for everyone,” Robbins said.

He noted that while the cost of building materials has stabilized since the sharp increases of 2020, prices are still rising annually.

Robbins believes that "Ready, Set, Orange" is a promising option for those looking to build a starter home, though he cautions that costs will vary depending on the finishes.

“The appliance package alone can be quite pricey,” Robbins said. “But new home construction today will likely cost several hundred thousand dollars, so it’s important to plan accordingly.”

The county aims to encourage more residents to build affordable homes by offering pre-designed plans and clear guidelines, helping to alleviate the housing shortage and increase homeownership opportunities.

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