Short-term rental permit rules in Sarasota, FL — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Sarasota Ch. 34.5 requires a Certificate of Registration plus a Local Business Tax Receipt before any short-term (under 30 days) rental can advertise or operate. The property must pass an inspection and the owner must designate a 24/7 responsible party who can physically reach the property within one hour.
The Ch. 34.5 application package includes property identification, owner contact, designated responsible-party contact (with name, address, and 24/7 phone), proof of Florida DBPR vacation rental license, evidence of Florida sales tax registration, and a Local Business Tax Receipt application. The Development Services Department inspects the unit for occupancy compliance, life-safety (smoke detectors per F.S. §553.883, CO detectors where required, egress), parking, trash, and signage. The minimum stay under Ch. 34.5 is 7 full days and 7 full nights, which functionally raises the floor above the 30-day Florida-statute STR definition for City purposes. Owner-occupied rentals and condos are exempt.
Failure to obtain a Certificate before advertising/operating is a strict violation with daily fines under F.S. §162.09 (up to $1,000/day repeat). Renting below the 7-day minimum, exceeding occupancy, or losing responsible-party availability can each trigger separate citations.
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