Winter Haven STR operators must collect and remit 11% in combined taxes: 6% Florida state sales tax (FS Ch. 212) and 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax (FS §125.0104). DBPR licensing under FS Ch. 509 is required separately, with initial fees around $250 and biennial renewals about $150.
Tax stack for a Winter Haven vacation rental: (1) Florida sales tax 6% under FS §212.03 - collected by host or by platform under Florida Marketplace Provider law (FS §212.05); (2) Polk County Tourist Development Tax 5% under FS §125.0104 administered by Polk County Tax Collector (863-534-4700). Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both taxes automatically for most stays under their platform agreements, but verify in settings. DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling license fees: $50 application + $200 dwelling license per unit, biennial. Winter Haven's BTR fee schedule (set under Ch. 9) varies by business classification - rental units are typically $50-$150 annually. Tourist development tax must be registered separately with Polk County even if Airbnb collects, so the property is identifiable.
Failure to register or remit tourist development tax is a third-degree felony under FS §125.0104(8). Sales tax non-remittance is enforced by Florida DOR under FS Ch. 212 - 100% civil penalty plus interest. BTR violations: Ch. 9 + daily fines up to $250.
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Winter Haven, FL
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