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Hernando County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

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

Short-term rental permit rules in Hernando County, FL, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.

Key Facts

State preemption
No local STR ban allowed
County registration
Required with the Clerk
Safety plan
DBPR-approved May 2020
State license
DBPR transient lodging license

Summary

Florida preempts local STR bans under Fla. Stat. §509.032(7)(b), so Hernando County cannot prohibit vacation rentals. It does require each rental to register with the Clerk, follow the county Vacation Rental Safety Plan, and hold a state DBPR license.

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

A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals. This paragraph does not apply to any local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before June 1, 2011.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

State law bars Hernando County from banning vacation rentals or capping their duration or frequency (Fla. Stat. §509.032(7)(b)). After the DBPR approved the county's Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan on May 23, 2020, Hernando began requiring hosts to register each rental with the Hernando County Clerk's office, set up Tourist Development Tax collection, and comply with safety and sanitation standards. Operators also need a Florida DBPR transient public lodging license, a Department of Revenue sales tax number, and a county business tax receipt. Verify current zoning with the county Planning Department before listing.

Violations & Fines

Renting without registering or without a DBPR license exposes the host to county code enforcement and state DBPR action. The county can require registration but, by state law, cannot revoke the right to operate a compliant rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hernando County ban my Airbnb?
No. Fla. Stat. §509.032(7)(b) bars the county from prohibiting vacation rentals or limiting their duration or frequency. It can require registration, safety compliance, and tax collection.
What do I need to run an STR in Hernando County?
Register with the Hernando County Clerk, hold a Florida DBPR lodging license and sales tax number, collect the 5% Tourist Development Tax, and meet the county safety plan.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hernando County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions

All Hernando County rules

How Hernando County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hernando County to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview

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