Winter Haven's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Winter Haven, Florida, there are 3 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

Winter Haven does not currently have a city-specific short-term rental (Airbnb/Vrbo) ordinance beyond requiring a Business Tax Receipt under Chapter 9. State requirements include a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Vacation Rental license under FS Ch. 509 for any whole-unit rental under 30 days, more than three times per year.

Key details: Local Code: Ch. 9 BTR + Ch. 21 zoning. State License: DBPR Vacation Rental (FS Ch. 509). State Sales Tax: 6%. County Tourist Tax: 5%. Combined Tax: 11%.

Operating without a state license is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS §509.151. Operating without a city BTR is enforced under Ch. 9 with daily fines up to $250 through Code Compliance. Unpaid tourist tax can lead to lien and lockout under Polk County collection.

Noise Rules

Winter Haven STR properties must follow the same Chapter 12 nuisance noise rules and Sec. 12-39 motor-vehicle sound restrictions as any other property. Repeated noise complaints can lead to BTR revocation under Chapter 9 and DBPR license action under FS Ch. 509.

Key details: Local Rule: Ch. 12 nuisance noise. Vehicle Rule: Sec. 12-39 (50 ft audible). Disorderly Guest Statute: FS §509.144. BTR Revocation: Ch. 9 + FS §509.032(7). Code Compliance: 863-291-5697.

Ch. 12 nuisance citations escalate to Special Magistrate fines up to $250/day under FS Ch. 162. Vehicle bass-thump under Sec. 12-39: $100/$250/$500. Hosts can also lose their state vacation rental license under FS §509.261 for repeat code violations.

Taxes & Fees

Winter Haven STR operators must collect and remit 11% in combined taxes: 6% Florida state sales tax (FS Ch. 212) and 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax (FS §125.0104). DBPR licensing under FS Ch. 509 is required separately, with initial fees around $250 and biennial renewals about $150.

Key details: Sales Tax: 6% (FS §212.03). Tourist Tax: 5% (FS §125.0104). Combined: 11%. DBPR License Fee: ~$250 initial / $150 biennial. Polk Tax Collector: 863-534-4700.

Failure to register or remit tourist development tax is a third-degree felony under FS §125.0104(8). Sales tax non-remittance is enforced by Florida DOR under FS Ch. 212 - 100% civil penalty plus interest. BTR violations: Ch. 9 + daily fines up to $250.

The Bottom Line

Winter Haven'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 Winter Haven is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Winter Haven's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.