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Navigating Florida’s STR Regulations in 2025: What Hosts Need to Know

August 13, 2025

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Florida’s short-term rental (STR) market is hotter than ever, attracting investors from around the globe. But in 2025, success isn’t just about bookings—it’s about staying on the right side of a patchwork of laws that can make or break your business.

This guide walks you through statewide rules and key local ordinances in major markets like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Orlando, Tampa, and the Florida Keys. You’ll learn exactly what licenses you need, the latest regulatory changes, and how to avoid costly enforcement actions—all while optimizing your investment strategy.

Florida Statewide STR Rules: The Foundation

Who Needs a License?

In Florida, if you rent a property more than three times per year for fewer than 30 days at a time, you need a Vacation Rental License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

  • License Categories: Single-unit, condo unit, group, or collective licenses.
  • Renewals: Annually, with inspection requirements for taller buildings and pool safety compliance.
  • Display Rules: Many localities require your DBPR license number in every listing.

Taxes & Fees

  • State Sales Tax: 6% on rental income.
  • Tourist Development Taxes: 2–6% depending on the county.
  • Platforms: Airbnb and Vrbo collect most state/county taxes automatically—but not all local ones.

State Preemption Law

Florida law prevents most cities from banning STRs outright, but local governments can still regulate operations, safety, and taxes.

2025 Legislative Climate

In 2024, Senate Bill 280 sought to centralize STR regulation statewide, creating uniform rules and capping local authority. Governor DeSantis vetoed it, preserving local control.

What this means for hosts: You must follow both Florida’s state rules and the rules of the city or county where your property is located. Expect future bills to revisit this debate.

City-by-City Compliance Guide

Miami

  • Certificate of Use (CU) and Business Tax Receipt (BTR) required.
  • STRs banned in most low-density residential zones.
  • Occupancy: Typically 2 guests per bedroom, max 12.
  • Inspections mandatory; non-compliance can lead to $1,000+ fines.

Miami Beach

  • STRs banned in most residential areas; only allowed in specific tourist districts.
  • Requires City BTR and Resort Tax account.
  • Strict enforcement with fines up to $1,000/day.

Fort Lauderdale

  • Certificate of Compliance required.
  • Noise monitoring devices now mandatory.
  • Unlicensed operation fines can hit $5,000–$15,000/day.

Hollywood

  • Vacation Rental License required for any <30-day rental.
  • Noise monitoring and strict occupancy caps.
  • Ads must display both state and city license numbers.

Orlando

  • Primarily “home-sharing” only; host must live on-site.
  • Short-Term Rental Permit required.
  • One booking at a time; no whole-home STRs in most residential zones.

Tampa

  • No special city STR license—follow state rules.
  • Zoning: Many residential areas require 7-night minimum stays.
  • Business Tax Receipt required from Hillsborough County.

Florida Keys (Monroe County & Key West)

  • Many zones ban rentals under 28 days.
  • Eligible areas require Special Vacation Rental Permit + local manager license.
  • Key West transient licenses are scarce and highly valuable.

Enforcement Realities: What’s at Stake

  • Miami Beach: Over $8M in fines issued in 5 years.
  • Fort Lauderdale: Up to $15,000/day fines for repeat offenders.
  • Keys: Daily $1,000 fines and liens for unpermitted rentals.
  • Platform Cooperation: Airbnb may remove non-compliant listings at city request.

Investor Takeaways & Risk Mitigation

  1. Choose STR-friendly zones from the start.
  2. Get licensed at every level—state, county, city.
  3. Install required safety equipment: smoke detectors, pool barriers, noise monitors.
  4. Advertise honestly—display all license numbers.
  5. Have a local contact ready to respond within 60 minutes.
  6. Plan for change—be ready to pivot to 30+ day rentals if laws tighten.

Florida’s STR market remains one of the most profitable in the U.S.—but only for those who master its legal terrain. By understanding both state law and city-specific rules, you not only avoid costly penalties but also position your rental business for sustainable, long-term growth. In 2025, compliance isn’t a hurdle—it’s your competitive advantage.

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