What is the TOT tax rate in Islamorada?

**5% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Islamorada. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the Village. Consult the Village of Islamorada's finance department for specific instructions on tax collection and remittance procedures.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Islamorada?

**No**, renters are not authorized to host on Airbnb in Islamorada. The regulations require the property owner to register the vacation rental and comply with all requirements. Renters are not permitted to sublease or operate a short-term rental without the property owner's direct involvement.

Islamorada, FL Short-Term Rental Laws

Q: Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Islamorada?

**Yes**, Islamorada requires a Vacation Rental Registration for all short-term rentals. You need to register with the Village Planning department, obtain state lodging licenses, and pass annual fire safety inspections. The annual registration fee is $1250, making it one of the highest in Florida.

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Islamorada?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Islamorada, but with strict regulations. These include a 7-night minimum stay requirement. All rentals must be registered with the Village Planning department, obtain state lodging licenses, and pass annual fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with local ordinances.

Q: How much does an STR permit cost in Islamorada?

**$1250** is the annual fee for the required Vacation Rental Registration in Islamorada. This fee is required to register with the Village Planning department, obtain state lodging licenses, and pass annual fire safety inspections. This annual fee must be paid to legally operate a short-term rental.

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Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 38 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Week minimum stay: 7 nights
•High permit fee: $1250
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Islamorada, you must first ensure your property is in a zone that allows 'Vacation Rentals' and that you can meet the 7-night minimum stay requirement. You will need to apply for a Village Vacation Rental Registration which costs $1,250 annually and requires a fire safety inspection. Additionally, you must obtain a state lodging license and a local business tax receipt before taking any bookings. Be sure to display your permit number clearly on your listing to avoid heavy fines.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$1,250

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.7-night minimum stay requirement is strictly enforced; rentals less than 7 days are prohibited.
2.The annual registration fee ($1,250) is significantly higher than most other Florida jurisdictions.
3.Maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with a hard limit of 10 people total.
4.A local 24/7 contact person must be available to respond to complaints within one hour.
5.Vacation rentals are prohibited in affordable housing units or deed-restricted communities.
6.One off-street parking space is required for every 4 guests permitted.
7.Village permit numbers must be included in the first line of all online advertisements/listings.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

•Islamorada prohibits STRs in the following property types: Affordable housing units, Deed-restricted units.
•Islamorada does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Islamorada: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Islamorada: Vacation rentals are prohibited in affordable housing units or deed-restricted communities.

Requirements(21)

•Islamorada has different permit classes: Standard Residential Vacation Rental. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
•Islamorada STR warning: Village permit numbers must be included in the first line of all online advertisements/listings.
•Islamorada, FL has different permit classes: Standard Residential Vacation Rental. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application Process(11)

•Islamorada STR permit - Step 4: Fire and Life Safety Inspection. Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the Islamorada Fire Rescue department. Time: 1-2 weeks.
•Islamorada STR permit - Step 1: Obtain State Licenses. Apply for a Florida DBPR license for a Public Lodging Establishment and register for a Sales Tax ID with the FL Department of Revenue. Time: 2-3 weeks. Cost: 50.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Islamorada: The annual registration fee ($1,250) is significantly higher than most other Florida jurisdictions.
•Islamorada charges a registration fee of $1250 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 (A $100 late fee applies to renewals submitted after the deadline.).

Taxes(2)

•Florida has a state sales tax of 7.5% that applies to STR rentals.
•Islamorada charges a Tourist Development Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 183 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the 5% Tourist Development Tax and 6% State Sales Tax in Monroe County.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Islamorada occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Islamorada limits stays to a maximum of 28 nights.
•Islamorada, FL occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Islamorada requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Hard-wired smoke detectors required in certain units, Posted evacuation map, Pool safety drain covers.

Penalties(3)

•Islamorada, FL: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Islamorada: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Islamorada exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Islamorada: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Florida Markets

Orlando

Florida

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in the City of Orlando are strictly regulated under 'Home-Sharing' rules, which require the property to be the host's primary residence. Hosts must be present on-site during the rental and are only permitted to rent out a portion of their home (e.g., a spare bedroom) rather than the entire unit.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Fort Myers

Florida

Permissive

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.

0.1% total tax

Hollywood

Florida

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

St. Pete Beach

Florida

Moderate

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).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Islamorada

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

Requirements(21)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Florida Markets

Orlando

Fort Myers

Hollywood

St. Pete Beach

Islamorada

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Islamorada?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Islamorada?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Islamorada?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Islamorada?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Islamorada?

Related Content

Other Florida Markets

Orlando

Fort Myers

Hollywood

St. Pete Beach