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Short-Term Rentals

How Zephyrhills Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Zephyrhills maintains 14 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Zephyrhills falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Occupancy Limits

The City of Zephyrhills has not adopted a vacation-rental-specific occupancy ordinance. Florida Statutes 509.032(7)(b) preempts city STR-specific regulation enacted after June 1, 2011, so occupancy is governed by the operator's DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling license under FS 509.241 and any Pasco County registration. Confirm with the Zephyrhills Planning Department at 813-780-0000.

Key details: City STR Ordinance: None on file. State Preemption: FS 509.032(7)(b). DBPR License: FS 509.241. Pasco TDT: 5% + 6% state. Planning Dept: 813-780-0000.

Operating without a DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling license under FS 509.241, failing to register with Pasco County Growth Management, or not remitting the 5% Pasco Tourist Development Tax can lead to state license revocation, county fines, and back-tax assessments. Confirm enforcement with the Zephyrhills Planning Department at 813-780-0000.

Zephyrhills is more permissive than most cities when it comes to occupancy limits. That said, there are still limits.

Taxes & Fees

Short-term rentals in Zephyrhills are subject to Pasco County's 5% Tourist Development Tax, Florida's 6% sales tax, and 1% county surtax. Total tax rate is approximately 12%. Tax is collected and remitted to the Pasco County Tax Collector.

Key details: Pasco TDT: 5% (Ordinance 22-15). FL Sales Tax: 6%. County Surtax: 1%. Total: ~12%.

The Bottom Line

Zephyrhills'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 Zephyrhills is broadly strict or permissive.

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