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Sarasota, FL Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Single-family cap
2/bedroom + 2, max 10
Multi-family cap
2/bedroom + 2, max 12
Children under 6
Excluded from headcount
Legacy listings
Phase down 16 to 14 by 2026

Summary

City of Sarasota caps overnight vacation rental occupancy at two guests per bedroom plus two, topping out at 10 in single-family zones and 12 in multi-family zones; children under six don't count.

Maximum occupancy for vacation rentals in residential single-family zone districts shall be two (2) persons per bedroom, plus two (2) additional persons per property or ten (10) persons, whichever is less. Children under six (6) years of age shall not be included in the calculation of maximum occupancy. Maximum occupancy for vacation rentals in residential multiple-family zone districts shall be two (2) persons per bedroom, plus two (2) additional persons per property or twelve (12) persons, whichever is less.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

City of Sarasota Code chapter 34.5 caps vacation rental sleepovers at two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants, topping out at 10 total in the seven single-family zone districts (RSF-E through RSF-4, RSM-9, RTD-9) and 12 in the multiple-family districts (RMF-1 through RMF-7); children under six don't count toward the total. Vacation rentals lawfully operating before the ordinance was adopted get a temporary higher cap of 16 guests, phasing down to 14, before falling to the standard limit by the end of 2025 (coastal islands) or 2026 (mainland). Owner-occupied rentals are exempt entirely.

Violations & Fines

Advertising or hosting above the cap violates §§ 34.5-16 and 34.5-18; each day of overoccupancy is a separate violation, and a special magistrate can suspend the registration certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many overnight guests can a Sarasota vacation rental have?
Two per bedroom plus two more, capped at 10 in single-family zones and 12 in multi-family zones under City Code § 34.5-16(a); kids under six aren't counted.
Do older Sarasota vacation rentals get a higher occupancy limit?
Rentals operating before the ordinance can keep a temporary higher cap of 16, stepping down to 14, before reverting to the standard limit under § 34.5-16(b)-(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sarasota

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All Sarasota rules

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