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

**Yes**, Orlando requires a Home-Sharing Registration for short-term rentals. You need to obtain this registration, which currently costs $275. This permit is essential for legally operating a short-term rental, and failure to obtain it may result in penalties. Make sure that you apply. (52 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Orlando, FL?

**6% TOT** is the current tourist occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Orlando. You are responsible for collecting this tax from your guests and remitting it to the city. Payment schedules and methods can be found on the city's official website, so always verify information there. (50 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Orlando, FL?

**Yes, but with restrictions**. Orlando allows home-sharing, but the property must be your primary residence. You need to be present on-site during the rental period. Renting out an entire property that is not your primary residence is prohibited. Check local zoning laws for specific restrictions. (51 words)

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Orlando?

**Yes**, you must live in your property to rent it out on Airbnb in Orlando. The city's regulations require that the short-term rental be the host's primary residence. The host needs to be present during the rental period. This is often referred to as 'home-sharing'. (52 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Orlando?

**Yes**, tenants can host on Airbnb in Orlando, provided they meet all other requirements. The property must be their primary residence, and they must obtain the required Home-Sharing Registration. Renters should have permission from their landlord. Always confirm with your landlord before listing. (51 words)

Orlando, FL Short-Term Rental Laws... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

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.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Host presence required (hosted-only)
•Standard permit fee: $275
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Orlando, you must live in the house you are renting and be there while guests are staying. You cannot rent out your entire house while you are away; you can only rent out a room or a section of your primary home. You need to pay an initial $275 registration fee to the city and collect a total of 12.5% in taxes, though platforms like Airbnb usually handle the tax collection for you.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$275

Processing Time

Instant to 5 business days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.ENTIRE HOME RENTALS PROHIBITED: You cannot rent out a whole house if you are not there; you must be present.
2.PRIMARY RESIDENCE ONLY: You must live in the home for more than 6 months of the year to qualify for a permit.
3.BOOKING LIMIT: Only one booking (one group) is allowed at a time; you cannot rent to multiple separate groups simultaneously.
4.ADU RESTRICTION: Accessory Dwelling Units (like backyard cottages) may only be used for home-sharing if the host lives in the ADU or the main house.
5.CHECK YOUR JURISDICTION: If your address says Orlando but is in Unincorporated Orange County, these city rules do not apply, but different county rules do.
6.RENEWAL FEE: The permit must be renewed annually for $125.
7.GUEST CAP: Generally limited to two people per booking.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

•Orlando: ENTIRE HOME RENTALS PROHIBITED: You cannot rent out a whole house if you are not there; you must be present.
•Orlando, FL: The permit holder must personally manage the listing - third-party property managers may not be allowed.
•Orlando: BOOKING LIMIT: Only one booking (one group) is allowed at a time; you cannot rent to multiple separate groups simultaneously.

Requirements(22)

•Orlando: PRIMARY RESIDENCE ONLY: You must live in the home for more than 6 months of the year to qualify for a permit.
•Orlando, FL: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
•Orlando, FL has different permit classes: Single Residential Host Account. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application Process(10)

•How to set up an STR in Orlando: To host an Airbnb in Orlando, you must live in the house you are renting and be there while guests are staying. You cannot rent out your entire house while you are away; you can only rent out a room or a section of your primary home. You need to pay an initial $275 registration fee to the city and collect a total of 12.5% in taxes, though platforms like Airbnb usually handle the tax collection for you.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Orlando: RENEWAL FEE: The permit must be renewed annually for $125.
•Orlando charges a registration fee of $275 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $125 (Renewal fee is $125/year after the initial $275 registration fee.).

Taxes(2)

•Orlando charges a Tourist Development Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 180 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 6% TDT; however, hosts are still required to register a TDT account with the Orange County Comptroller.
•Florida has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Orlando, FL occupancy calculation: Limited to two guests per booking or per room registered.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Orlando enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
•Orlando: GUEST CAP: Generally limited to two people per booking.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Orlando requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing emergency exits must be posted, Window and door safety requirements.

Penalties(3)

•Orlando enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine per day. Second offense: $250 fine per day. Third offense: $500 fine per day. Daily fine: $100-$500. Maximum fine: Uncapped based on duration of violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Orlando: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(4)

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Rosa County

Florida

Permissive

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Orlando

Gold Standard Verification

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(22)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(4)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Florida Markets

St. Pete Beach

Hollywood

Fort Myers

Santa Rosa County

Orlando

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 Orlando?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Orlando, FL?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Orlando, FL?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Orlando?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Orlando?

Related Content

Other Florida Markets

St. Pete Beach

Hollywood

Fort Myers

Santa Rosa County