Florida Short-Term Rental Regulations by City

Short-term rentals (stays under 28 days) are strictly regulated in the City of Marathon under Chapter 8, Article II of the Municipal Code. Hosts must obtain a city-issued Vacation Rental License, undergo an annual safety inspection, and adhere to a 7-night minimum stay requirement.

Islamorada (Village of Islands) has some of the strictest vacation rental regulations in Florida, requiring a 7-night minimum stay and a high annual registration fee of $1,250. All rentals must be registered with the Village Planning department, obtain state lodging licenses, and pass annual fire safety inspections.

The City of Marco Island requires all vacation rentals to register annually and pass a fire safety inspection. The program, established by Ordinance 22-08, mandates strict occupancy limits and noise regulations to preserve neighborhood character.

Unincorporated Osceola County allows short-term rentals primarily within a designated Short-Term Rental Overlay district. Hosts must obtain a one-time County Vacation Rental Permit, a state DBPR license, and maintain a 6% Tourist Development Tax account.

Pompano Beach requires a specific Vacation Rental License, a local Business Tax Receipt, and state-level licensing for all short-term rentals. The city enforces strict occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2, max 10) and requires annual safety inspections.

Short-term rentals in the City of Sanibel are strictly regulated and generally prohibited for durations of less than 28 consecutive days in residential zones. All rental properties must obtain an annual Dwelling Rental License and remit a local 5% Resort Tax directly to the city in addition to county and state taxes.

Unincorporated Bay County requires all vacation rentals to register with the Planning & Zoning Department and obtain state-level lodging licenses. Hosts must collect a 5% Tourist Development Tax in addition to state sales tax and adhere to specific occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Davenport, FL does not have a specific municipal short-term rental ordinance but requires hosts to obtain a City Business Tax Receipt. Hosts must also comply with Florida state regulations, including licensing with the DBPR and remitting a 7% Tourist Development Tax to Polk County.

The City of Destin strictly regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory annual registration program and specific occupancy limits. Hosts must obtain both state and local licenses and adhere to a guest occupancy formula of 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional guests.

Short-term rentals in Delray Beach are regulated as 'Vacation Rentals' and require annual registration with the City Code Enforcement Division. Registration involves passing a fire safety inspection and maintaining active state and county business licenses.

Unincorporated Gulf County requires all short-term vacation rentals to obtain an annual certificate and undergo safety inspections. The county enforces strict occupancy limits and requires a local responsible party to be available 24/7.

Short-term rentals in Indian Rocks Beach are governed by Ordinance 2023-01, which requires an annual license and a city inspection. Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not exceeding 10 total.

Short-term rentals (Vacation Rentals) in Madeira Beach are permitted in specific high-density residential and commercial zones but are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 low-density zones. Owners must obtain both a state lodging license and a city-specific Vacation Rental Registration/Business Tax Receipt.

The City of Mexico Beach requires all short-term rentals to obtain a local Vacation Rental License and an annual safety inspection. While the city manages zoning and licensing locally, the 5% Tourist Development Tax is remitted to Bay County.

The City of Panama City Beach requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual Vacation Rental Certificate and pay a local 1% privilege tax. This is separate from and in addition to Bay County and Florida State licensing and tax requirements.

The City of Hollywood, FL requires all vacation rental hosts to obtain a specific Vacation Rental License under Chapter 119 of the Municipal Code. This includes an initial $500 fee, annual inspections, and strict adherence to occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

St. Pete Beach requires all vacation rentals to obtain a local Business Tax Receipt and maintain state/county licenses. While allowed city-wide, properties in most residential districts are strictly limited in how many times they can be rented per year (maximum of 3 times per 12-month period in certain zones).

The City of Fernandina Beach requires a Resort Rental Permit for all stays under 30 days, which is only allowed in specific high-density and commercial zones. Hosts must undergo an annual safety inspection, maintain a local contact available 24/7, and adhere to strict occupancy limits (max 10 guests).

Unincorporated Miami-Dade County requires all vacation rental hosts to obtain an annual Certificate of Use (CU) and a Local Business Tax Receipt. Regulations are strictly limited to single-family, duplex, and townhome properties, with multi-family buildings generally excluded from the county's STR framework.

Unincorporated Manatee County requires all vacation rentals to obtain a Vacation Rental Certificate and register with the Tax Collector. Regulations include strict occupancy limits (max 10 guests) and safety requirements like emergency lighting.

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Palm Beach County are regulated by the ULDC and require state licensing from DBPR and local registration for TDT and Business Tax Receipts. A 6% Tourist Development Tax applies to all rentals under 6 months.

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Monroe County (the Florida Keys) are heavily regulated and generally require a minimum stay of 7 nights. Owners must obtain a county-issued Vacation Rental Permit, a state DBPR license, and maintain active tax accounts for Tourist Development Tax.

Unincorporated Walton County requires all short-term rentals to obtain an STR Certificate and register with the Tax Collector for Tourist Development Taxes. The ordinance imposes strict occupancy limits (generally 12 persons) and requires a 24/7 local contact.

Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are PROHIBITED in the majority of St. Petersburg residential zones. Hosts in residential areas are limited to only three (3) rental contracts per 12-month period, regardless of the length of the stay.

The City of St. Augustine heavily regulates short-term rentals within city limits, requiring a specific municipal registration, a Florida state license (DBPR), and a county tax account. Registration involves a significant one-time fee and a mandatory fire safety inspection.

Fort Walton Beach does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance but requires all hosts to obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt. Hosts must also register for the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax and Florida State Sales Tax.

The City of Fort Lauderdale requires all vacation rentals to be registered annually with the Code Compliance Department and pass a safety inspection. Hosts must also hold active state licenses from the DBPR and Department of Revenue while adhering to strict occupancy and noise regulations.

The City of Sarasota requires all vacation rentals to register annually, with specific requirements for properties located on the barrier islands (St. Armands, Lido, Bird Key). Regulations include a minimum stay of 7 nights in certain districts and strict occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10.

Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in the City of Miami Beach except in specific zoning districts (primarily RM-2, RM-3, and Commercial districts). Violations of these zoning laws carry extreme fines starting at $20,000.

Short-term rentals in the City of Miami are permitted but strictly regulated through the zoning code. Hosts must obtain a State of Florida license, a County tax account, and a City Certificate of Use including a fire inspection.

The City of Treasure Island requires all vacation rentals (stays under 6 months) to obtain a local Business Tax Receipt and undergo a fire safety inspection. Hosts must also maintain active state lodging licenses and county tax accounts.

Short-term rentals are regulated in the City of Apalachicola under Section 101-168 of the Land Development Code. Hosts must obtain a city-specific Vacation Rental Permit, pass a safety inspection, and remit a 2% local Transient Occupancy Tax in addition to county and state taxes.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea requires all vacation rentals to register annually with the town and undergo a fire safety inspection. Hosts must also maintain valid state licenses from the DBPR and pay a total tax of 12% (6% state, 6% county) for stays under six months.

The City of Anna Maria strictly regulates vacation rentals through Chapter 108, requiring annual registration and rigorous safety inspections. Occupancy is strictly limited to 8 persons total, and owners must designate a 24/7 local responsible party to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.

Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are strictly limited in Key West to properties with a 'Transient License' or those located in specific commercial/transient-vetted zones. Operating a rental under 30 days without this specific license is illegal and carries a $5,000 per day fine.

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Boca Raton but require a specific municipal license, safety inspections, and registration with both the State of Florida and Palm Beach County. Regulations focus on occupancy limits (max 12), safety compliance, and the appointment of a 24/7 local responsible party.

Short-term rentals in the City of Cocoa Beach are regulated under Chapter 27 of the municipal code, requiring annual registration and a life-safety inspection. Hosts must maintain state and county-level business licenses in addition to the city permit and collect a local 7% Tourist Development Tax.

Cape Coral requires all short-term rental owners to register with the City Clerk and pass a life safety inspection. Hosts must also hold a state DBPR license and be registered with Lee County for Tourist Development Tax collection.

Short-term rentals (Vacation Rentals) are permitted in Daytona Beach but are strictly limited to specific Tourist, Redevelopment, and Mixed-Use zones. Rentals in traditional single-family residential zones are generally prohibited, and the city requires a local license, state license, and county tax account to operate legally.

Short-term rentals in Indian Shores are permitted only in specific zoning districts (primarily RM-15, RM-20, and CT), effectively prohibiting them in single-family residential zones (RS-7.5). Hosts must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the town, along with state and county registrations.

Kissimmee regulates short-term rentals strictly through a designated overlay district and a mandatory licensing process. Hosts must maintain both state and city licenses and ensure their property is within a zone where transient lodging is explicitly permitted.

Pembroke Pines requires short-term rentals to obtain a city Vacation Rental License, a state public lodging license, and register for county tourist taxes.

The City of Miramar requires a comprehensive registration process including state licensing, county tax compliance, and city-level business permits and safety inspections.

Coral Springs requires a City Vacation Rental Certificate, annual inspections, and strict adherence to occupancy and noise standards under Land Development Code Section 250160.

The City of Ocala is currently transitioning from a restrictive zoning-based prohibition in residential areas to a regulated registration system requiring a business tax receipt and state licensing.

Short-term rentals are permitted in Clermont for whole-house single-family and duplex units provided they obtain a city vacation rental permit and pass a life safety inspection.

Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are generally prohibited in single-family zones on Siesta Key, but are permitted in multi-family (RMF) zones subject to a mandatory registration program and a $500 fee.

Jupiter Island requires mandatory annual permitting and strict safety compliance for all short-term rentals under Ordinance No. 402.

Unincorporated Pinellas County does not require a local county-level short-term rental permit or registration. However, all hosts must comply with Florida state law by obtaining a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and registering for both state and local taxes.

Port St. Joe does not currently have a dedicated municipal short-term rental permit; however, the city is actively drafting new regulations as of late 2024. Hosts must still comply with Florida state requirements, including obtaining a DBPR vacation rental license and paying a combined 12% in state and local tourist taxes.

Unincorporated Sarasota County requires all vacation rentals (stays of 30 days or less) to register with the county and pay a $500 initial fee. Hosts must also hold active Florida DBPR licenses and pay a 6% Tourist Development Tax on all bookings.

The City of Bradenton has no dedicated municipal ordinance regulating or requiring a permit for short-term rentals. Hosts are instead regulated by Florida state law and must obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

The City of Fort Myers does not currently have a specific municipal ordinance regulating or prohibiting short-term rentals. Hosts must instead focus on compliance with Florida State (DBPR) licensing and Lee County Tourist Development Tax requirements.

Santa Rosa County requires all short-term rentals in unincorporated areas to register with the Development Services Department. While there is currently no county permit fee, hosts must maintain state-level licenses from the DBPR and collect a 5% Tourist Development Tax.

Unincorporated Escambia County does not currently have a local short-term rental permit or registration requirement. Hosts must instead focus on compliance with Florida state regulations (DBPR licensing) and the collection of the 4% Tourist Development Tax and 6% State Sales Tax.

In unincorporated Lee County, vacation rentals are permitted but require mandatory registration with the County Department of Community Development under Ordinance 21-14. Hosts must also hold active state licenses from the DBPR and collect a 5% Tourist Development Tax in addition to state sales tax.

Unincorporated Franklin County does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration program. Hosts are primarily regulated through the Tax Collector's office and must pay a 2% Tourist Development Tax on all stays of 6 months or less.

The City of Tampa does not have a local short-term rental permit; instead, it relies on Florida state licensing through the DBPR. While local zoning code does not explicitly list 'short-term rental' as a permitted residential use, state law (FS 509.032) preempts cities from banning STRs or regulating stay durations.

The City of West Palm Beach requires all vacation rentals to obtain a local Business Tax Receipt and register with the Finance Department. While the city does not levy its own occupancy tax, hosts must collect and remit 6% Palm Beach County Tourist Development Tax and 6% Florida State Sales Tax.

The City of Vero Beach does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance but requires hosts to register and remit a 4% local Transient Occupancy Tax in addition to county and state taxes. Hosts must also hold a valid State of Florida lodging license and comply with general business licensing and noise regulations.

Jupiter does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, meaning they are largely unregulated at the municipal level beyond standard rental rules. However, hosts must comply with Florida State licensing requirements (DBPR) and Palm Beach County's 6% Tourist Development Tax.

In unincorporated Broward County, hosts must obtain a Vacation Rental Registration and pass a safety inspection. This is in addition to state-level licensing and a local Business Tax Receipt. The 6% Tourist Development Tax must be collected on all stays under 6 months.

Unincorporated Collier County does not require a specific local short-term rental permit, but hosts must hold a State of Florida Vacation Rental License and a County Tourist Development Tax account. A 5% Tourist Development Tax applies to all rentals of 6 months or less, in addition to state sales tax.

Jacksonville does not currently require a specific city-level short-term rental permit; however, all hosts must comply with Florida state law by obtaining a DBPR vacation rental license. As a consolidated city-county, hosts must register with the Duval County Tax Collector to pay the 6% Tourist Development Tax.

Port St. Lucie does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, but hosts must obtain city and county business tax receipts, a state vacation rental license, and register for local tourist taxes.

Tallahassee has relatively permissive short-term rental regulations, requiring a state-level vacation rental license and a local business tax receipt without strict zoning bans in residential areas.

As of October 1, 2021, the City of Gainesville no longer requires any permits, licenses, or registrations for short-term rentals under 30 days.

Brandon is an unincorporated area governed by Hillsborough County, which allows short-term rentals subject to a 7-night minimum stay, state licensing, and local tax registration.

Short-term rentals in Spring Hill are regulated by Hernando County and the State of Florida, requiring a state lodging license and county tax registration.

Lakeland follows a 'hands-off' approach to short-term rentals, relying on Florida state law for primary regulation while requiring local business tax receipts at both the city and county levels.

Short-term rentals in Seaside are governed by the Walton County Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance, requiring state licensing, county certification, and local responsible party designation.

Short-term rentals in Navarre Beach are regulated by Santa Rosa County and require both state licensing and county registration under the 2024 Vacation Rental Ordinance.

Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated area governed by Walton County, which requires an annual Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) certificate, safety inspections, and specific tax registrations.

Short-term rentals in Miramar Beach are governed by Walton County's Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) ordinance, requiring both a county certificate and a state license.

Short-term rentals in Rosemary Beach are regulated by Walton County and the State of Florida, requiring a mandatory Certificate of Compliance and a state lodging license.

Grayton Beach is an unincorporated community governed by Walton County, which requires all short-term rentals to obtain a county-level Vacation Rental Certificate in addition to state licensing.