Hillsborough County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Formula
- 2 per bedroom + 2
- Cap
- 12 occupants
- Under 3
- Not counted
- Posting
- Required inside
- Fine
- 250-500
Summary
Hillsborough County STRs limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed 12 total occupants. FL Fire Code capacity applies to larger homes.
(7) PREEMPTION AUTHORITY. — (a) The regulation of public lodging establishments and public food service establishments, including, but not limited to, sanitation standards, inspections, training and testing of personnel, and matters related to the nutritional content and marketing of foods offered in such establishments, is preempted to the state. This paragraph does not preempt the authority of a local government or local enforcement district to conduct inspections of public lodging and public food service establishments for compliance with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code, pursuant to ss. 553.80 and 633.206 . (b) A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals.
Full Breakdown
STR registration requires declared maximum occupancy. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, capped at 12. Children under 3 not counted. FL Fire Prevention Code occupancy load applies to homes configured as group rentals. Exceeding posted occupancy is a registration violation. Contact Hillsborough County at (813) 272-5900 for enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding occupancy: 250 first, 500 second, registration review on third.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview
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