Guide to Short-Term Rental Laws in Florida

Florida has established itself as one of the top states for short-term rental investments in the US market. With generally less restrictive regulations than many other states, The Sunshine State offers attractive opportunities for vacation rental owners. However, navigating the complex web of state, county, and city regulations is crucial to operating legally and avoiding costly penalties.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about short-term rental laws in Florida, from state-level requirements to specific city regulations in popular destinations.

Understanding Short-Term Rental Laws in Florida

Navigating Florida's short-term rental regulations can feel like traversing a complex maze, with rules that change dramatically as you cross from one jurisdiction to another. Unlike states with uniform statewide regulations, Florida's approach gives significant power to local authorities to shape their own short-term rental landscape.

Florida's regulatory framework operates on three distinct levels, each adding its own layer of requirements:

  • State laws establish baseline requirements including licensing and safety standards
  • County regulations often implement additional taxes and registration requirements
  • City ordinances can vary dramatically, with some cities being extremely permissive while others effectively prohibit short-term rentals

This multi-tiered approach creates a patchwork of regulations across the state, with neighboring communities sometimes taking completely opposite approaches. For instance, while Fort Lauderdale welcomes short-term rentals with relatively minimal restrictions, nearby Clearwater Beach effectively prohibits them in residential areas. Understanding these local nuances is crucial because they don't just affect compliance—they fundamentally determine whether your investment strategy is viable in a specific location. Even properties just blocks apart might fall under dramatically different rules depending on municipal boundaries and zoning designations.

Definition of a Short-Term Rental in Florida

Understanding precisely what constitutes a "short-term rental" under Florida law is the crucial first step for anyone considering entering this market. The definition isn't just legal jargon—it determines whether your property falls under vacation rental regulations or if it might be classified differently, potentially subjecting you to an entirely different set of rules and requirements.

For legal and tax purposes, Florida classifies short-term rentals as "vacation rentals" and defines them through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The state's definition hinges primarily on rental frequency and duration rather than property type or how it's marketed. This means even if you're only occasionally renting your home, you might still be operating a regulated vacation rental in the eyes of the law.

According to state law, a vacation rental refers to any unit or group of units rented more than three times a year for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month. This includes:

  • Individual units in condominiums or cooperatives
  • Single-family homes
  • Townhouses
  • Duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes

The state further categorizes short-term rentals into two main types, which affects how they're licensed and regulated:

  1. Vacation rental condos: Units located in condominiums or cooperatives that are rented transiently
  2. Vacation rental dwellings: Single-family homes, townhouses, or units in duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes that are rented temporarily

Notably, timeshare projects are excluded from this definition and are subject to different requirements. This distinction matters because attempting to operate a property under the wrong classification could result in compliance issues, fines, or even forced closure of your rental business. Pay careful attention to these definitions when determining whether your property qualifies as a vacation rental under Florida law.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Florida

Launching a short-term rental business in Florida isn't simply a matter of buying a property and listing it online. The process requires careful planning, multiple registrations, and a thorough understanding of the regulatory landscape. Many aspiring hosts have discovered too late that their dream investment property sits in a zone that prohibits vacation rentals or requires specific operational procedures they hadn't anticipated.

Setting up a short-term rental business in Florida involves several key steps, each requiring attention to detail and careful documentation:

1. Research Local Regulations

The success of your vacation rental often hinges on understanding the regulatory landscape before you purchase. Experienced investors in Florida know that researching regulations isn't just about compliance—it's about feasibility. Some cities have effectively banned non-owner-occupied short-term rentals through zoning restrictions or minimum-stay requirements, rendering certain investment strategies impossible in those areas.

Before purchasing a property or starting operations, thoroughly investigate state, county, and city regulations that apply to your specific location. This preliminary research may reveal restrictions that fundamentally alter your business model or expected return on investment. Many prospective hosts have purchased properties only to discover they cannot legally operate them as short-term rentals, resulting in significant financial losses or forcing them to pivot to long-term rentals with lower returns.

2. Obtain Required Licenses

Florida stands apart from many states in requiring a centralized state-level vacation rental license, creating an additional layer of regulation and oversight. This licensing process isn't merely a formality—it involves specific documentation, fees, and compliance requirements that must be regularly maintained.

Florida is one of the few states that require a state-level vacation rental license from the DBPR. Additionally, most counties and cities impose their own licensing or registration requirements, which often involve separate applications, fees, and renewal timelines. These local requirements frequently include property inspections to verify compliance with safety and operational standards. Maintaining all necessary licenses in good standing is crucial, as operating without proper licensing can result in significant fines and potential business closure.

3. Register for Taxes

The tax obligations for Florida short-term rentals can be complex, involving multiple registrations at different governmental levels. Many new hosts are surprised by the variety of taxes they must collect and remit, sometimes resulting in unexpected tax liabilities if not properly managed from the beginning.

Short-term rental owners must register with:

  • The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) to pay state sales tax (6%)
  • Local tax authorities to pay discretionary sales surtax (0.5%-1.5%)
  • County authorities to pay Tourist Development Taxes (also known as "bed tax")

While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit some taxes in certain jurisdictions, hosts are ultimately responsible for ensuring all tax obligations are met. Setting up proper accounting systems from the start helps ensure you're collecting and remitting the correct amounts and keeping the documentation you'll need for tax filings and potential audits.

4. Secure Proper Insurance

Standard homeowner's insurance policies typically exclude or severely limit coverage for commercial rental activities, creating a significant risk for unprepared hosts. The unique risks of short-term rentals—from guest injuries to property damage—require specialized coverage beyond what traditional policies offer.

While not always legally required, proper short-term rental insurance is essential to protect against:

  • Property damage
  • Liability issues
  • Loss of rental income

Many hosts discover insurance gaps only after an incident occurs, often resulting in out-of-pocket expenses that can be devastating. While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer some host protection programs, these typically have significant limitations and exclusions. A comprehensive short-term rental insurance policy tailored to your specific property and situation provides crucial protection for your investment.

5. Comply with Safety Regulations

Safety regulations for short-term rentals in Florida aren't just about legal compliance—they're about protecting guests and your business from potentially catastrophic incidents. The state maintains specific requirements designed to ensure guest safety, particularly for vacation properties that may see frequent turnover with guests unfamiliar with the property's layout and features.

Ensure your property meets all safety standards, including:

  • Smoke detectors in every unit
  • Carbon monoxide detectors (where applicable)
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Swimming pool safety features (if applicable)
  • Building code compliance

Regular maintenance and documentation of safety features isn't just good practice—it's often required for licensing and can provide critical liability protection. Many jurisdictions require annual inspections to verify continued compliance, and failure to maintain safety standards can result in license suspension or revocation.

6. Designate a Responsible Party

The requirement for a local responsible party reflects the reality that absentee management of short-term rentals can create problems for communities and guests alike. Having someone available to address issues quickly can prevent small problems from escalating into major complaints or emergency situations.

Many jurisdictions require designating a local contact person who can respond to issues 24/7. This requirement ensures that someone is available to handle emergencies, neighbor complaints, or guest issues promptly. For out-of-state owners, this often means hiring a local property manager or designating a trusted local contact. Some cities have strict response time requirements, mandating that the responsible party be able to physically reach the property within 30-60 minutes of being contacted about an issue.

Florida Short-term Rental Licensing Requirements

The licensing process for Florida vacation rentals can be one of the most confusing aspects for new hosts, particularly those who may have experience operating rentals in other states where regulations are less structured. Understanding the different license types and requirements is essential for legal operation and can impact everything from your business structure to your marketing approach.

Florida State Vacation Rental License

Florida's state-level licensing requirement creates a standardized framework that applies regardless of local regulations. This system categorizes properties based on type, ownership structure, and management approach, with different license classifications designed to accommodate various business models in the vacation rental industry.

Florida requires a state-level Vacation Rental License from the DBPR for any property rented more than three times per year for periods of less than 30 days. The license types include:

  • Single license: For one property owned and operated by the same individual or entity
  • Group license: For multiple units within a single building or complex operated by a licensed agent
  • Collective license: For a group of houses or units in separate locations (limited to 75 units and counties within a single district)

The licensing process has evolved to become more streamlined in recent years, with online applications now being the standard approach. Most applications are processed relatively quickly—typically within 1-2 business days—and licenses are delivered electronically upon approval. However, the application requires specific documentation and attestations that must be prepared in advance to avoid delays.

Applying for a license typically requires:

  • Owner or operator information and address
  • Rental property location and details
  • Balcony inspection certificate (when applicable)
  • Human trafficking awareness training certification
  • License fees ($50 application fee + $10 HEP fee + annual license fee based on property type)

Many first-time hosts are surprised by requirements like human trafficking awareness training or balcony inspections, but these reflect Florida's commitment to guest safety and welfare, particularly given the state's high tourism volume and unfortunate history with human trafficking in the hospitality industry.

Local Florida Licenses and Permits

Local licensing requirements in Florida create an additional layer of regulation that varies dramatically from one jurisdiction to another. These local permits often focus on issues of particular concern to communities, such as noise, parking, occupancy limits, and waste management—areas where short-term rentals have historically created friction with permanent residents.

In addition to the state license, most Florida cities and counties require their own permits, which may include:

  • Local business tax receipts
  • Short-term rental certificates
  • Special use permits
  • Zoning compliance certificates

The application processes, documentation requirements, and costs for these local permits vary widely. Some jurisdictions have relatively simple registration processes that can be completed online in minutes, while others require in-person applications, multiple inspections, and public hearings. Understanding these local requirements is essential during the planning phase, as they can significantly impact your startup timeline and costs. In some cases, local permit processes can take weeks or even months to complete, potentially delaying when you can begin hosting guests and generating revenue.

Florida Short-term Rental License Renewals

The ongoing maintenance of your licenses and permits represents one of the most critical yet frequently overlooked aspects of running a Florida vacation rental business. Missing renewal deadlines can lead to operating without proper licensing—even if unintentional—potentially resulting in significant penalties. Successful hosts typically create systematic reminders and processes to ensure timely renewals across all their required licenses.

State License Renewal

Florida's vacation rental license renewal system is organized by geographic districts, creating staggered renewal deadlines throughout the year. This approach helps the state manage the administrative workload of processing renewals, but it means hosts need to be attentive to their specific deadline based on location rather than their initial application date.

Florida vacation rental licenses are valid for either 6 months or one year. The renewal date depends on your location within the state:

  • District 1 (Miami): October 1
  • District 2 (Fort Lauderdale): December 1
  • District 3 (Tampa): February 1
  • District 4 (Orlando): April 1
  • District 5 (Jacksonville): June 1
  • District 6 (Panama City): June 1
  • District 7 (Ft. Myers): December 1

Experienced hosts recommend setting calendar reminders at least 30-45 days before these deadlines to ensure sufficient time to complete the renewal process. While renewals are generally straightforward when completed online, unexpected issues can arise that might delay processing. Starting early provides a buffer to resolve any complications without risking a lapse in your license. The state sends renewal reminders via email, but these can sometimes be filtered as spam or missed among other communications, making personal tracking systems essential.

Local License Renewal

Local license renewals add another layer of complexity to vacation rental management, as they typically operate on different schedules than state licenses. Some jurisdictions align their renewal periods with calendar or fiscal years, while others base them on the anniversary of your initial application. This can result in hosts having to manage multiple renewal cycles throughout the year.

Local permits typically require annual renewal, though some jurisdictions may have different timeframes. Renewal usually involves:

  • Submitting updated information
  • Paying renewal fees (generally lower than initial application fees)
  • Passing any required inspections

Many local authorities are less systematic about sending renewal reminders than the state, placing the responsibility squarely on property owners to track deadlines. Professional property managers often create comprehensive compliance calendars for their clients, tracking all license and permit renewal dates, required inspections, and fee schedules to ensure continuous compliance.

Failure to renew licenses on time can result in fines and potential suspension of rental operations. Beyond the immediate financial penalties, operating with expired licenses can invalidate your insurance coverage and create legal vulnerability. Some jurisdictions impose "cooling off" periods for properties that allow licenses to lapse, potentially preventing you from accepting bookings for weeks or months until reinstatement is complete—a costly consequence during peak tourism seasons.

Required Documents for Florida Short-term Rentals

The paperwork associated with Florida vacation rentals can quickly become overwhelming for unprepared hosts. Creating an organized system for maintaining and accessing these essential documents not only ensures compliance but also streamlines operations when questions arise or renewals come due. Many professional hosts maintain both digital and physical document storage systems, with secure cloud-based solutions providing accessibility while protecting sensitive information.

Operating a short-term rental in Florida requires maintaining various documents, each serving a specific regulatory or operational purpose. These documents aren't just for initial licensing—they form the foundation of your ongoing compliance and may be requested during inspections, audits, or in response to complaints. Having these materials readily accessible can mean the difference between a quick resolution and a prolonged regulatory headache.

Required documentation typically includes:

  • Proof of property ownership (deed or tax receipt)
  • Florida DBPR vacation rental license
  • Florida DOR tax registration
  • Federal EIN or Social Security Number
  • County tax registration
  • Certificates of inspection (balcony, interior, etc.)
  • Property information (floor plans, site plans, parking plans)
  • Insurance documentation
  • Owner and operator identification
  • Local responsible party contact information

Beyond regulatory compliance, these documents also serve practical purposes in your business operations. For example, floor plans and property information are valuable for cleaning staff, maintenance contractors, and emergency responders. Similarly, having readily accessible contact information for responsible parties ensures that issues can be addressed promptly, potentially preventing small problems from escalating into major complaints or regulatory violations. Experienced hosts often maintain a digital "property binder" that contains all essential documents, with appropriate portions shared with staff, service providers, and guests as needed.

Taxes for Florida Short-Term Rentals

The tax landscape for Florida vacation rentals is multifaceted and can be challenging even for experienced hosts. Many new operators are surprised by the variety of taxes they must collect, report, and remit—each with different rates, filing frequencies, and responsible agencies. The complexity often necessitates professional accounting assistance, especially for hosts with multiple properties or those operating across different jurisdictions.

Florida short-term rental owners must navigate a complex web of tax obligations that extends well beyond standard income taxes. These various taxes serve different purposes—from funding general government operations to supporting tourism development and infrastructure projects that benefit visitors and the hospitality industry. Understanding these different tax categories is crucial for proper financial planning and compliance.

Florida State and County Taxes

The layered tax system in Florida means that vacation rental stays are typically subject to multiple taxes that can add 10% or more to the cost of a guest's stay. This creates both collection challenges for hosts and potential competitive considerations in markets where different jurisdictions have varying total tax rates.

  • State Sales Tax: 6% payable to the Florida DOR
  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 0.5%-1.5% depending on the county
  • Tourist Development Tax: Typically 2%-6% depending on the county (also known as "bed tax")
  • Rental Income Tax: State and federal income tax on rental earnings
  • Property Tax: Standard property taxes plus any special assessments

While booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo automatically collect and remit some taxes in certain Florida jurisdictions, the ultimate responsibility for tax compliance remains with the property owner. This often creates confusion when platforms collect some but not all required taxes, leaving hosts to manually collect and remit the remainder. Savvy operators typically create detailed spreadsheets or use specialized software to track tax obligations, collections, and payments across all applicable tax categories.

Florida Tax Deductions

The tax advantages of short-term rental properties represent one of their most significant financial benefits compared to traditional long-term rentals or other investment vehicles. When properly documented and claimed, these deductions can substantially reduce your effective tax rate and improve your property's overall return on investment.

Short-term rental owners can benefit from various tax deductions, including:

  • Property depreciation
  • Mortgage interest
  • Property insurance
  • Marketing and advertising expenses
  • Property management fees
  • Cleaning and maintenance costs
  • Furniture and appliances
  • Utility bills
  • Professional service fees (accounting, legal, etc.)

Tax optimization strategies like cost segregation studies can further enhance these benefits by accelerating depreciation deductions. This approach involves having a specialized engineer analyze your property to identify components that can be depreciated over shorter periods (5, 7, or 15 years) rather than the standard 27.5 years for residential real estate. While such studies involve upfront costs, they can generate significant tax savings, particularly in the early years of ownership when properties often require the most investment in furnishings and improvements.

Statewide Rules for Florida Short-Term Rentals

Florida's statewide regulations create a baseline standard for vacation rental operations that applies regardless of local rules. These requirements primarily focus on health, safety, and sanitation—areas that directly impact guest welfare and the state's tourism reputation. While some of these rules may seem basic, they represent the minimum compliance threshold and are regularly enforced through inspections and in response to complaints.

All Florida short-term rentals must comply with these state requirements, which reflect the state's commitment to maintaining quality standards in its tourism accommodations. Florida's economy depends heavily on tourism, and negative experiences in unclean or unsafe vacation rentals can impact the state's reputation as a premier destination. These rules have evolved over time in response to industry trends, guest expectations, and emerging concerns like human trafficking awareness.

State requirements include:

  • Display current licenses in a visible location
  • Maintain clean, safe properties in good condition
  • Provide clean bedding, linens, and properly sanitized dishes
  • Keep properties free of vermin
  • Obtain balcony inspection certificates for buildings three stories or higher
  • Provide human trafficking awareness training to housekeeping staff
  • Install smoke detectors in every rental unit
  • Have at least one specialized smoke detector for hearing-impaired guests per 50 units
  • Maintain safe electrical systems (no extension cords)
  • Comply with the Life Safety Code
  • Install automatic fire sprinklers in vacation rental condominiums when required

The requirement for human trafficking awareness training reflects a growing recognition of the hospitality industry's potential role in identifying and preventing trafficking activities. This relatively recent addition to vacation rental regulations demonstrates how the regulatory landscape continues to evolve in response to broader social concerns. Similarly, requirements for specialized smoke detectors for hearing-impaired guests highlight the state's commitment to accessibility in tourism accommodations. Professional hosts typically go beyond these minimum requirements, recognizing that exceeding basic standards contributes to better guest experiences, higher ratings, and ultimately greater profitability.

Short-Term Rental Laws by City

As we explore Florida's city-specific regulations, we discover a regulatory landscape as diverse as the state itself. Each major tourism destination has developed its own approach to managing vacation rentals based on local priorities, community feedback, and the unique character of its neighborhoods. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for investors seeking to identify viable markets for short-term rental properties.

1. Miami, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Miami's approach to vacation rentals reflects its position as both a global tourism destination and a city of distinctive residential neighborhoods. The regulations attempt to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with quality-of-life concerns for permanent residents, particularly in residential areas where tourism impacts can be most disruptive.

Miami-Dade County has evolved detailed regulations for short-term rentals over the past decade, creating different standards for different areas based on land use designations. The county distinguishes between heavily touristed areas, where vacation rentals face fewer restrictions, and primarily residential neighborhoods, where owner-occupancy requirements help ensure that the character of these communities is preserved. This bifurcated approach attempts to channel short-term rental activity toward areas with appropriate infrastructure and away from purely residential zones.

Key Regulations:

  • Certificate of Use required from Miami-Dade County
  • For properties in Estate or Low Density Residential areas, the responsible party must reside in the property for more than 6 months per year
  • Maximum occupancy of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons (maximum 12 total)
  • Annual inspections required
  • Compliance with waste management, noise, and swimming pool safety regulations

The occupancy limits are particularly important in Miami, as overcrowding has historically been a significant source of neighbor complaints. These standards aim to prevent investors from marketing properties to large groups in ways that create noise, parking, and other community disruptions. Annual inspections provide ongoing verification of compliance with safety and operational standards, allowing the county to identify and address issues before they impact guests or neighbors.

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.0%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

License Fees: $136.17 for Certificate of Use

Miami's enforcement approach has become increasingly strict in recent years, with the city employing dedicated enforcement staff and utilizing data scraping of booking platforms to identify unlicensed operators. Fines start at $100 for first violations but can quickly escalate for repeat offenders or those operating without proper licensing. The city views proper regulation as essential to maintaining its reputation as a premium destination while protecting residential neighborhoods.

2. Orlando, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Orlando's approach to short-term rentals reflects its unique position as one of the world's premier family tourism destinations. The city has crafted regulations that acknowledge the economic importance of vacation rentals while simultaneously protecting residential neighborhoods from commercialization. This balancing act manifests in a two-tiered regulatory system that treats owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals very differently.

Orlando has developed a distinctive regulatory framework that draws a sharp line between home shares and commercial dwelling units. This approach represents the city

3. Tampa, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Tampa has relatively permissive short-term rental regulations, defining them as rentals for less than 7 days.

Key Regulations:

  • No additional city-specific permits required beyond state licenses
  • Short-term rentals allowed in permitted residential and commercial zoning districts
  • Must comply with state licensing and tax requirements

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.5%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

4. Jacksonville, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Jacksonville has strict zoning regulations for short-term rentals.

Key Regulations:

  • Short-term rentals allowed only in Commercial Zone and Historic Core Zone
  • Land use permit required from the Planning and Development Department
  • Compliance with health, safety, and tax regulations

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.5%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

5. Fort Lauderdale, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Fort Lauderdale has some of the most lenient regulations in Florida, allowing short-term rentals in almost all areas.

Key Regulations:

  • Vacation rental registration required
  • Prohibited only in accessory dwellings in RS-8 and RS-15 zoning districts
  • Minimum safety requirements for pools, spas, smoke detectors, etc.
  • Maximum occupancy of 2 persons per sleeping room
  • Responsible party must be designated

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.0%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

License Fees: $350 registration fee + $75 inspection fee; $160 annual renewal

6. Clearwater Beach, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Clearwater has highly restrictive regulations that effectively prohibit true short-term rentals.

Key Regulations:

  • Rentals for less than 31 days prohibited in residential districts
  • Monthly rentals possible in residential areas
  • Short-term rentals may be viable in commercial zones

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.0%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

7. Sarasota, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Sarasota allows short-term rentals but requires minimum stays of one week.

Key Regulations:

  • Minimum stay of 7 full days and 7 full nights required
  • Vacation rental certificate of registration required for non-owner-occupied rentals
  • Biennial renewal (every odd-numbered year)
  • Maximum occupancy of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons (maximum 10-12 total)

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.0%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

License Fees: $500 application fee, $350 renewal fee

8. Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Destin and Fort Walton Beach share regulations that permit short-term rentals in specific zoning districts.

Key Regulations:

  • Allowed only in designated zoning districts (BRMU, CBR, CMU, GRMU, etc.)
  • City registration required for single-family dwellings
  • Compliance with parking, noise, signage, and waste management regulations

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.0%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

License Fees: $500-$700 depending on property size

9. St. Petersburg, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

St. Petersburg effectively prohibits short-term rentals through severe rental frequency limitations.

Key Regulations:

  • Properties outside Resort Facilities Overlay districts limited to 3 rentals per 365 days
  • Properties rented more than 3 times per year must operate as licensed hotels/motels

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.0%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

10. Kissimmee, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Kissimmee distinguishes between existing dwellings and new developments designed for short-term rentals.

Key Regulations:

  • Short-term rentals in existing homes not allowed in residential districts unless in designated overlay districts
  • New short-term rental developments must:
    • Be at least 2 acres with 12+ dwelling units
    • Have direct access to collector/arterial roads
    • Include buffer zones with vegetation or walls
    • Be subject to a property owners' association

Tax Rates:

  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.5%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6.0%

Bottom Line

Successfully operating a short-term rental in Florida requires careful attention to the complex web of regulations at state, county, and city levels. While Florida offers many opportunities for vacation rental investments, the regulatory landscape varies dramatically across the state.

Before investing in a short-term rental property:

  1. Research thoroughly - Understand all applicable regulations at every level of government
  2. Consult professionals - Work with local real estate attorneys and property managers familiar with short-term rental regulations
  3. Budget appropriately - Account for all licensing, tax, and compliance costs
  4. Stay informed - Monitor regulatory changes, as short-term rental laws continue to evolve

By understanding and complying with all relevant regulations, you can build a successful and legally sound short-term rental business in Florida's lucrative vacation market.

Written by Chad Phillis | Published: Mar 26, 2025

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