Florida Short-Term Rental Rules: What Hosts Need to Know (2026)

Florida is one of the most popular destinations for short-term rental operators, and the regulatory landscape reflects that. The state has a framework for STR licensing, but cities and counties also impose their own rules. If you are hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or any other platform in Florida, understanding both levels of regulation is essential.

State-Level Requirements

Florida requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). A "vacation rental" in Florida is defined as any unit rented for periods of less than 30 days, more than three times per year. The DBPR license requires the property to pass a health and safety inspection. Operators must also collect and remit Florida's 6% state sales tax and any applicable county tourist development tax.

Miami-Dade County Rules

Miami-Dade County requires short-term rental operators to register with the county and comply with the county's zoning code. In unincorporated areas, STRs are subject to specific zoning district rules. The City of Miami allows short-term rentals in most commercial and mixed-use zones but restricts them in single-family residential neighborhoods. Miami Beach has some of the strictest STR rules in the state, limiting short-term rentals to certain zoning districts and requiring a resort tax certificate.

Registration and Taxes

Beyond the state DBPR license, most Florida municipalities require additional local registration or permitting. In Miami-Dade, operators must register with the county tax collector for the 6% county tourist development tax. The total tax burden on a short-term rental in Miami-Dade can exceed 13% when combining state sales tax, county tourist tax, and any additional local assessments. Platforms like Airbnb collect some of these taxes automatically, but hosts are responsible for confirming that all required taxes are being remitted.

Occupancy and Noise Rules

Florida short-term rental properties are subject to the same noise ordinances as any other residential property. This is a common point of friction in neighborhoods where tourist renters may not be familiar with local quiet hours. Many Florida cities have introduced enhanced penalties for noise violations at short-term rental properties. Occupancy limits are typically set by the local fire code based on the number of bedrooms and available exits.

Enforcement Trends in 2026

Florida has seen a push-pull dynamic between state preemption and local regulation. The state previously limited cities' ability to ban short-term rentals outright, but recent legislative changes have given municipalities more flexibility to regulate STR operations, including the ability to impose registration requirements, safety standards, and occupancy limits. In 2026, several Miami-Dade municipalities are expected to tighten enforcement using platform monitoring tools that identify unregistered listings.

Tips for Hosts

Start by obtaining your DBPR license and registering with your county's tax collector. Check with your city for any additional local permits or zoning requirements. Provide your guests with a printed copy of relevant house rules, including quiet hours and parking instructions. Designate a local contact person who can respond to issues quickly. Staying ahead of the rules is much easier than dealing with fines after the fact.