How Kissimmee Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide

Kissimmee maintains 83 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kissimmee falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Rental Registration

Kissimmee does not maintain a city-specific rental registration program. Landlords must obtain a Business Tax Receipt under Ch. 40 if managing rentals as a business. Florida F.S. §83.40-83.682 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) governs the landlord-tenant relationship statewide.

Key details: Rental Registration: None (city). BTR Required: If business. State Statute: F.S. Ch. 83 Part II. Habitability: Sec. 9-280–9-296. Eviction Notice: 3 days nonpayment / 7 days breach.

BTR violations: Sec. 1-22(b)(11) — $250. Habitability violations under Sec. 9-296 — Code Enforcement Board $250/$500 daily. State F.S. §83.51 enforcement via tenant rent-withholding or county court.

Rent Control

Florida F.S. §125.0103(2) flatly prohibits all local rent control — the 2023 Live Local Act deleted the old housing-emergency referendum exception. Kissimmee has no rent control and cannot adopt it.

Key details: Rent Control: Prohibited. Preempting Statute: F.S. §125.0103(2). Exceptions: None — removed 2023. Price Gouging: F.S. §501.160 (emergencies).

No city rent control ordinance to violate. Rent gouging during declared emergencies may be addressed via F.S. §501.160 price-gouging statute.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Kissimmee gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

The Bottom Line

Kissimmee's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Kissimmee is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Kissimmee can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.