Bradenton, FL Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

The registration lifecycle in Article III of Chapter 22 runs on a calendar year. Under Sec. 22-53(b), certificates of registration are issued on a calendar year basis and stay current and valid until the end of the calendar year unless suspended. Sec. 22-54(a) makes every certificate expire on December 31. Renewal applications are filed no earlier than August 1 and no later than October 1, and inspections and the determination of compliance are finished by December 31. If no changes have occurred at the vacation rental since the most recent certificate, the renewal does not need a fresh set of the items in paragraphs (1) through (19) of Sec. 22-52(b). Sec. 22-52(a), read separately, says renewal filings go in a minimum of 90 days before expiration.

A certificate cannot be issued or renewed while fines or liens for violations of the article, or of any provision of the City of Bradenton Code of Ordinances pertaining to the vacation rental, remain unpaid (Sec. 22-54(b)). Sec. 22-53(d) holds an initial certificate until outstanding penalties or unsatisfied liens are paid or satisfied. An incomplete application is rejected, and the applicant has 20 calendar days to supply missing information, pay unpaid registration or inspection fees, or address code compliance penalties before the application is deemed withdrawn (Sec. 22-52(c)).

Mid-year changes need an amendment under Sec. 22-55: an increase in bedrooms, an increase in temperature-controlled living space, an increase in maximum occupancy, or an increase or decrease in the number of parking spaces or a change in their location. Sec. 22-56 covers sales: the new owner applies within 15 days, the previous certificate becomes null and void on the 16th day if no application is made, and a change of ownership triggers an inspection. Sec. 22-58(b) skips the inspection at renewal unless the rental has not been inspected within the five years before the renewal date. Sec. 22-59 leaves fees to a schedule adopted by resolution of the city council and maintained by the city clerk, and Sec. 22-57 says a certificate creates no vested rights or estoppel.