Short-Term Rental Regulations in Florida (FL)
Florida has a moderate level of short-term rental regulation. Some restrictions. STR operators must register with the state. A license or permit is required. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Florida requires a DBPR vacation rental license for rentals under 30 days. Safety inspection required. HB 1537 (2024) expanded state preemption, limiting local governments from banning STRs but allowing reasonable regulations. Platforms collect and remit state sales tax and tourist development tax. Local regulations vary significantly.
Full Requirements Summary
Florida has 3 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | Yes | State has specific STR legislation |
| Registration Required | Yes | Must register with state/local authority |
| License Required | Yes | Must obtain a license or permit |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | Yes | Property must pass safety inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Florida
STR regulations vary by city within Florida. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Beach | Very Heavy | Whole-home STRs prohibited in most residential zones. Only in designated resort areas. Fines up to $20,000 for repeat violations. DBPR license still required. |
| Key West | Heavy | Transient license required. Only allowed in specific zoning districts. Cap on number of transient licenses. Very competitive market. |
| Orlando | Moderate | STR permit required. Must be in an approved zone. DBPR license needed. Tourist development tax of 6% on top of state sales tax. |
| Tampa | Moderate | STR registration required. DBPR license mandatory. Tourist development tax applies. Enforcement has increased. |
| Fort Lauderdale | Light | STR permitted in most zones with DBPR license. Local business tax receipt needed. Tourist tax applies. |
How Florida Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Florida with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Florida stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (FL) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Georgia (GA) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Illinois (IL) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Louisiana (LA) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Maine (ME) | Moderate | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Florida?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Florida. You must register with the state. A license or permit is required. The state's overall restriction level is moderate. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Florida?
Yes, Florida requires a license or permit for short-term rental operators. Individual cities in Florida may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Florida?
Yes, Florida has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Florida has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Miami Beach has the most restrictive STR regulations in Florida with a very heavy restriction level. Whole-home STRs prohibited in most residential zones. Only in designated resort areas. Fines up to $20,000 for repeat violations. DBPR license still required.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Florida?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Florida state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Florida, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.