Step 1
Register with Florida Department of Revenue
Obtain a Florida Sales Tax number to remit the 6% state sales tax and 1.5% county surtax.
1-2 weeksFree
Documents needed
- SSN or FEIN
- Property address
Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
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.
To host a short-term rental in Ocala, you must obtain a state lodging license and a local business tax receipt. While older rules restricted rentals in residential zones, new 2025 ordinances allow them where residential uses are permitted, provided you register with the city. You are also personally responsible for collecting and paying the 4% county tourist tax, as Marion County does not collect this through platforms like Airbnb.
Step-by-step guide for Ocala
Obtain a Florida Sales Tax number to remit the 6% state sales tax and 1.5% county surtax.
Register the property as a Vacation Rental Dwelling or Condo with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Create a TDT account with the Marion County Tax Collector to remit the 4% tourist tax monthly.
Apply for a BTR with the Ocala Growth Management Department. This includes a building and fire safety inspection.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM