Is Florida a good place to open a short-term rental? Below are resources for regulations/guidelines, business license information, and local attractions to help start your research so you can answer that question.
*You’ll also want to conduct your own research to keep up with changing regulations or restrictions in your area and ensure you’re running a legal short-term rental.*
What draws tourists to Florida?
Besides the popular and most famous attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Florida offers visitors plenty of sunshine, stunning beaches, vast state parks to enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, cultural and historical attractions, many aquariums, zoos, something for the entire family.
Florida Short-Term Rental Market
Florida's Short-Term Rental Definition
Any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment but that is not a timeshare project.
State Requirements
Florida requires a license for short-term rentals unless you’re not renting the entire property. If renting just a room or rooms but not renting the entire property that doesn’t classify as public lodging and therefore, doesn’t require a license. Like other states, many Florida local counties and cities do have their their own laws in addition to the state requirements.
If it’s applicable to your short-term rental you will need to complete a DBPR HR-70 form, Certificate of Balcony Inspection. There are also strict sanitation and safety rules and regulations that vacation rentals must follow.
Do I Need to Register My Short-term rental?
Short-term rentals need to be licensed through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Short-Term Rental Local Ordinances
Below are some of the popular locations that draw tourists to Florida. Each city or county may have their own short-term rental laws. Click on each to view the local ordinances.
Florida Attractions
This map displays some of the local attractions and activities that regularly draw visitors to Florida.
Take a look at the location of these attractions in relation to some of the popular cities and maybe even some smaller markets in close proximity. This can provide a good place to start with your market research and eventually carving out a niche for your short-term rental.
Considering Florida?
Research The Numbers
Find Host Resources
Understanding the steps to get started, how to design the space for your target guests, creating a great guest experience are all important considerations. Visit our hosting hub for resources that can help you on your journey.
