Indiantown's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Indiantown, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Permit Requirements

Short-term vacation rentals (under 30 days) in Indiantown require a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) vacation rental license under Fla. Stat. ch. 509, plus a Martin County local business tax receipt. Indiantown has no separate STR registration ordinance.

Key details: State License: DBPR Vacation Rental License. County BTR: Martin County Tax Collector. Tourist Tax: 5% (Martin County). Preemption: Fla. Stat. 509.032(7).

Operating without a DBPR license is a 2nd-degree misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. 509.291 (up to $500 fine and/or 60 days jail). Failure to collect/remit taxes can trigger DOR enforcement and civil penalties. DBPR may suspend or revoke the license for repeat violations.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators in Indiantown must collect and remit 6% Florida sales tax, 0.5% Martin County discretionary surtax, and 5% Martin County Tourist Development Tax on all stays under 30 days. Total tax burden: approximately 11.5%.

Key details: FL Sales Tax: 6%. Martin Co. Discretionary Surtax: 0.5%. Tourist Development Tax: 5%. Total Approx.: 11.5%.

Failure to collect or remit transient rental taxes is enforced by the Florida DOR and Martin County Tax Collector. Penalties include unpaid tax, interest at 1% per month, and penalties up to 50% of the unpaid tax under Fla. Stat. 212.12. Persistent non-compliance can result in license revocation.

Compared to other cities, Indiantown takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Noise Rules

Short-term rentals in Indiantown remain subject to the adopted Martin County Code Ch. 67, Art. 10 (Noise) and Sec. 67.305 quiet-hour rules. The Village retains enforcement authority over noise, nuisance, and parking even though it cannot prohibit STRs outright.

Key details: Quiet Hours (Construction): 9 PM - 7 AM (Sec. 67.305). Standard: Plainly audible at property line. DBPR Escalation: Available via Fla. Stat. 509.261. Owner Liability: Property owner can be cited.

Code Compliance and MCSO can issue noise citations at STR addresses. Special Magistrate fines apply under Fla. Stat. 162.09. Persistent issues are reported to DBPR, which can suspend or revoke the vacation rental license under Fla. Stat. 509.261.

Occupancy Limits

Vacation rental occupancy in Indiantown is governed by Florida DBPR licensing rules under Fla. Stat. ch. 509 and the Florida Building Code minimum room standards. Fla. Stat. 509.032(7) preempts most local STR occupancy caps.

Key details: Preemption: Fla. Stat. 509.032(7). Bedroom Standard: 2 persons per bedroom + 2 common. DBPR Posting: Required. Large Group Threshold: >10 occupants (FBC Sec. 425).

Operating over DBPR limits can trigger license action. Persistent over-occupancy may also be reported as a Building Code occupancy violation.

The Bottom Line

Indiantown's short-term rentals 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 Indiantown is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Indiantown's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.