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Palm Beach County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Host Platform Liability (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Hosting platforms and booking services
Core duty
Verify host's TDT + BTR before listing
Ad rule
TDT/BTR numbers on every advertisement
Coverage area
Unincorporated Palm Beach County only
Penalty default
Up to $500 fine, 60 days jail

Summary

Airbnb, Vrbo and other hosting platforms operating in unincorporated Palm Beach County must verify each host holds an active Tourist Development Tax account and Business Tax Receipt before listing a short-term rental, and post both numbers on every ad.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Prior to accepting a Short Term Rental for listing on a Hosting Platform or through a Booking Service, both shall require the Host to provide a valid TDT account number and BTR that is active and registered with the Tax Collector's Office. The BTR and TDT account number must be provided on each piece of advertisement.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Palm Beach County Code § 17-117(c), any Hosting Platform or Booking Service, Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and similar sites, must confirm a host holds a valid, active Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account and Business Tax Receipt (BTR) with the county Tax Collector before accepting a short-term rental listing, and both numbers must appear on every advertisement. Platforms must also collect TDT taxes on all rental activity and pass the funds to the host, who remits them to the Tax Collector. This applies only in unincorporated Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter set their own rules.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 17-117 can trigger BTR/TDT revocation, forcing a host to wait a year before re-registering; unspecified offenses default to the county's general penalty of up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail per day, per Code § 1-11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airbnb have to verify my rental is registered in Palm Beach County?
Yes. Under § 17-117(c), Hosting Platforms and Booking Services must confirm you hold an active TDT account and Business Tax Receipt from the Tax Collector before they can list your short-term rental.
Does this rule apply in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?
No. Section 17-117 governs only unincorporated Palm Beach County; West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter regulate short-term rentals under their own city codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Palm Beach County

Short-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsNight CapsFew RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome Restrictions

All Palm Beach County rules

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Host Platform Liability in Cities Across Palm Beach County

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