Taxes & Fees: Lakeland vs Winter Haven
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Lakeland, FL and Winter Haven, FL?
Lakeland and Winter Haven have similar restriction levels.
Lakeland, FL
Polk County
Florida Sales Tax is 6% on transient rentals. County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) adds 5 to 6%. Total tax typically 11 to 13%. Platforms auto-collect.
View full Lakeland rules →Winter Haven, FL
Polk County
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.
View full Winter Haven rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakeland | Winter Haven |
|---|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6% + surtax | - |
| County TDT | 5 to 6% varies | - |
| Platforms | Auto-collect most taxes | - |
| Filing | Monthly or quarterly | - |
| 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 |
| Platform Collection | - | Airbnb/Vrbo auto-remit most |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakeland FAQ
What tax do I owe?
6% state sales tax plus county surtax and Tourist Development Tax. Total varies by county (11 to 13% typical).
Does Airbnb handle taxes?
Platforms collect and remit state sales tax and most county TDT automatically. Verify with your county.
Winter Haven FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Winter Haven's taxes for me?
Yes for most stays - Airbnb collects and remits both the 6% Florida state sales tax and the 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax. You still must register your property with Polk County for the Tourist Development Tax.
How much is the DBPR vacation rental license?
Initial application is approximately $50 plus a $200 per-unit dwelling/condo license fee. License renews biennially at about $150 per unit.
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