Wellington, FL Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)
Key Facts
- 2nd violation
- Suspension up to 30 calendar days
- 3rd violation
- Suspension up to 180 days
- 4th violation
- Suspension up to 365 days
- 5th violation
- Revocation up to two years
- Fast-track suspension
- Planning director acts on felony-linked incidents immediately
- Refunds
- No refund of permit fee for suspended period
Summary
Wellington runs an escalating strike system for vacation rental violations. Under LDR Sec. 6.2.2.A.5.e.ii, the special magistrate can suspend a vacation rental special use permit for up to 30 days on a second violation within six months, up to 180 days on a third, and up to 365 days on a fourth, with revocation available on a fifth.
ii.Suspension: In addition to the fines and other penalties described herein, or provided by law, the special magistrate may enter an order for suspension upon the finding of violation(s) in accordance with the following:a)Upon a second violation and/or two citations [paid or adjudicated] within a six-month period—Up to a period of 30 calendar days.b)Upon a third finding of violation and/or three citations [paid or adjudicated] within a six-month period—Up to a period of 180 days.c)Upon a fourth finding of violation and/or four citations [paid or adjudicated] within a six-month period—Up to a period of 365 days.
Full Breakdown
The Village of Wellington enforces its vacation rental standards through a graduated suspension ladder rather than flat fines alone. Sec. 6.2.2.A.5.e.ii lets the special magistrate suspend a vacation rental special use permit for up to 30 calendar days on a second violation or two paid or adjudicated citations within a six-month window, up to 180 days on a third, and up to 365 days on a fourth. A suspension begins immediately, either at the end of the current lease period or within 30 calendar days, whichever comes first.
The next rung, Sec. 6.2.2.A.5.e.iii, lets the special magistrate revoke the permit outright on a fifth violation within six months, for up to two years, and the property owner cannot reapply for a new permit during that two-year window. Wellington also built in a fast track: if a single incident on the property involves a felony or misdemeanor charge, injury to an occupant or visitor, underage drinking, drugs, or prostitution, the planning director can immediately suspend or withhold the permit before the special magistrate even holds a hearing.
A revocation or denial is voided if the property changes ownership, and it can be reinstated through a written action plan approved by the special magistrate, except when the revocation stemmed from a felony charge. None of the permit fee is refunded for any suspended or revoked period, and appeals of a suspension, revocation, or denial go through the procedure in F.S. § 162.11.
Violations & Fines
A second vacation rental violation or two paid/adjudicated citations within six months draws up to a 30-day suspension under Sec. 6.2.2.A.5.e.ii; a third draws up to 180 days, a fourth up to 365 days, and a fifth can revoke the special use permit for up to two years under Sec. 6.2.2.A.5.e.iii. No permit fee is refunded for a suspended or revoked period, and appeals follow F.S. § 162.11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a strike toward Wellington's vacation rental suspension ladder?
Can Wellington revoke my vacation rental permit entirely?
Does a change in ownership erase a revoked vacation rental permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wellington
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Wellington to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview
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