Within the last few years, numerous Florida cities and counties have enacted additional Airbnb laws and regulations to monitor the booming short-term rental industry in the state.  Florida remains the number one destination for short-term vacation rentals, with Miami Beach being the top destination in the country.  

Most cities will require hosts to register their property with the city or county and pay appropriate resort taxes. A full breakdown of laws and regulations can be found below. 

Palm Beach County Approves Additional Tax Registration Airbnb Laws 

As of 2019, Palm Beach County in Florida has adopted additional Airbnb laws to better document short-term rentals in the area. All rentals must submit an application and be approved by the county before the rental service. The application includes the following: 

  • A Business Tax Receipt account number 
  • Tourist Development Tax account number  

The Business Tax Receipt and Tourist Development Tax account can both be registered through the Palm Beach County website.  To register, hosts will have to provide proof of identity and the property control numbers for each listing property—which can be located on the county tax collection website. 

Owners must pay taxes based on the occupancy of their rental monthly. If no rental activity occurs in a given period, owners must still submit a tax return to the county showing no activity. 

Restrictive Airbnb Laws in Miami Beach—Here’s What You Need to Know 

Despite the restrictive Airbnb Laws enacted by Miami Beach, it remains the number one destination spot for short-term rentals. The rental business is booming, with just under 8K rentals during quarter two of 2022. If your short-term rental is part of that 8K, here is what’s required in order to maintain good standing according to the city ordinance: 

  • Proper zoning authorization and approval  
  • A certificate permitting the use of the property as a short-term rental 
  • Compliance with all fire and safety codes 
  • A Business Tax Receipt 

In addition, the city ordinance limits the areas within Miami Beach and the number of times a rental can be leased in a seven-day period. No unit may be rented more frequently than once every seven days.  

While these regulations are restrictive, the market isn’t slowing down in Miami Beach and offers a huge opportunity for short-term rentals.  

Orlando Amends Airbnb Laws—Now Includes Property Registration Requirements 

As of July 1st, 2018, Airbnb laws have been amended to allow short-term rentals in the city with a permit. In order to register your short-term rental and receive a permit, you will need to provide the following information: 

  • The city resident applying for the Home Sharing Registration (registrant) must live on-site and be present when hosting guests. 
  • The registrant must provide two forms of proof of residence to establish primary residency. 
  • The registrant must verify the total number of bedrooms on the property and how many will be devoted to home sharing, as only 50 percent or less can be devoted to hosting guests. 
  • Only a single booking is allowed at one time.  
  • If within a mandatory homeowner association (HOA), an approval letter from your HOA with your registration is required. 
  • If the registrant is not the property owner, they must provide notarized permission from the landlord or owner to operate. 
  • Hotel/motel taxes are to be collected from guests. Airbnb automatically collects these taxes; however, Vrbo and other listing sites may not, and it is the host’s job to collect them.  
  • Registrant is required to apply online, as well as pay an annual fee of the following: 
    • First-year: $275 
    • Each year after: 
      • $100, if the owner lives on the property 
      • $125, if non-owner occupied property 

Other restrictions laid out in the city ordinance include a guideline for online advertising, such as on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. All listings and advertising must include the rental permit number. 

To register with the City of Orlando, visit their website and provide the appropriate documentation.  

Airbnb Laws and regulations in Fort Pierce, Florida- What Short-Term Rental Hosts Need to Know 

Fort Pierce, Florida, had finalized additional Airbnb laws and regulations as of July 14th, 2021. These laws seek to balance community concerns and short-term rental advocates. To operate a short-term rental, an owner must be aware of the following: 

  • Adherence to all fire and safety codes, including the requirements of the smoke and carbon monoxide detection and notification system 
  • If a rental contains a pool or hot tub, it must conform to the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, Chapter 515 
  • Owner and local service emergency information must be available to guests, including either a provided landline or cell phone with the ability to call 911 
  • An owner may designate a property manager or responsible person to manage the rental unit. This person must reside on the property while it is being let to guests 
  • All short-term rentals are required to hold a permit with the City of Fort Pierce, and a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) 

Additional information can be found on the Fort Pierce website.  

Airbnb Laws Updated in Hollywood, FL 

As of January 20th, 2021, new Airbnb laws have taken effect in Hollywood, FL. Many of these laws come at the behest of community concern, given the city’s increased tourism. Short-term vacation rentals will now have to: 

  • Short-term rentals are subject to parking limitations and trash container requirements  
  • All short-term vacation rentals are required to hold a license with the city of Hollywood. 
  • A designated agent that is available 24/7 to respond to issues and complaints that may occur at the property 
  • A noise monitoring system at the property 
  • A certificate of insurance coverage to cover liability for injury or harm to occupants and other invitees 

Hollywood specifically requires hosts to secure and provide proof of appropriate coverage for their Airbnb and encourages hosts to ensure they have the right policy, as “a standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy may not necessarily provide such liability coverage” as defined in the ordinance. Additional information can be found on the Hollywood, FL, website. 

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