Airbnb Laws and Regulations Tampa, FL

How does Tampa, FL define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• Any type of residential dwelling that is rented to one family or group at a time. 
• A public transient lodging option that is rented for periods of less than six months at one time. 

Please beware that in the following information, Get Chalet uses the terms “Short-term Rental” and “Vacation Rental” interchangeably. 

Source: Hillsborough County Tourist Tax Info 

Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Tampa, FL? 

Yes, in Tampa, FL, investors are allowed to own multiple vacation rental properties. There are no specific restrictions or limitations on the number of vacation rental properties that an investor can own in the Tampa area.

Source: Florida DBPR 

Does Tampa, FL have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes, Tampa, FL has zoning restrictions for Short-Term Rentals (STRs). The city’s zoning regulations determine in which areas STRs are allowed to operate. In Tampa, STRs are generally permitted in certain commercial and mixed-use zoning districts. However, they may be subject to additional requirements and regulations depending on the specific zoning district. It is crucial for property owners to review the local zoning ordinances and consult with the Tampa City Planning Department or relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the zoning restrictions for STRs in their desired location. 

Source: Hillsborough County Zoning

In Tampa, FL can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

Yes, in Tampa, FL, investors have the freedom to own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity. There are no specific restrictions preventing the use of a business entity, such as an LLC, for owning and managing an Airbnb property in the city. 

Source: Florida DBPR 

In Tampa, FL, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, in Tampa, FL, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes as vacation rentals. These types of properties are eligible for registration and operation as short-term rentals, subject to compliance with applicable regulations and licensing requirements.

Source: Hillsborough County Tourist Tax Info 

What is Tampa, FL requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Tampa, FL, hosts are required to follow specific requirements. Here’s a list of the steps:

• Check property eligibility and zoning regulations with the Hillsborough County Land Development Office to ensure compliance.
• Obtain a general business license, known as a business tax receipt, from the state of Florida. Refer to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for the application process.
• Acquire a general business license from Hillsborough County. The County Tax Collector can provide further information on requirements and filing procedures.
• Determine if you need a condo license or a dwelling license for your vacation rental.
• Complete the Florida vacation rental application online through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.
• Pay the applicable fees as per the fee schedule provided by the DBPR.
• Add your registration number to your listing to finalize your registration with the city.

Source: Airbnb Tampa Info

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Tampa, FL?

The costs associated with obtaining a Vacation Rental License in Tampa, FL include a non-refundable fee of $50 for new vacation rental owners or changing ownership. In addition, investors are required to pay a fee based on the duration of the license. For a half-year license for a single rental unit, the fee starts at $90, while a full-year license fee is $170. These fees are applicable to cover the licensing process and maintenance of the vacation rental license.

Source: Florida DBPR 

Does Tampa, FL have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

In Tampa, FL, there are vacation rental occupancy limits based on the city’s comprehensive plan. The maximum overnight occupancy for a vacation rental unit is six persons or two persons per bedroom, whichever is greater. The final determination of the number of bedrooms is made by the code enforcement officer, who may refer to sources such as the property appraiser’s database and the city’s building department database.

Source: Holmes Beach Ordinance

Does Tampa, FL require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Yes, in Tampa, FL, investors are required to ensure that their vacation rental units meet the minimum standards for habitable structures as outlined by various codes and regulations. These include the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Code, Florida Life Safety Code, Federal Emergency Management Agency laws and regulations, and the Land Development Code of the City of Tampa. The specific physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental encompass factors such as building safety, fire safety, life safety, and compliance with relevant codes.

Source: Holmes Beach Ordinance

Does Tampa, FL have any responsible agent requirements?

In Tampa, FL, an owner of a vacation rental can designate an agent to manage the property on their behalf. The owner must complete and submit a designated form to the city, and the agent must accept the designation on a provided form. However, the owner remains responsible for compliance with state and local statutes and ordinances. If there is a change in ownership or agent, the city must be notified within 15 business days, and the new owner/agent must adhere to the requirements of the vacation rental ordinance.

Source: Holmes Beach Ordinance

Does Tampa, FL have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Yes, in Tampa, FL, hosts of vacation rentals are typically required to have insurance coverage that includes homeowner’s insurance with specific provisions. This coverage should encompass protection against fire, hazard, and liability, with liability limits of at least one million dollars per occurrence.

Source: Florida DBPR 

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Tampa, FLVacation Rental license?

In Tampa, FL, a vacation rental certificate is typically valid for a two-year period starting from the date of issuance. This means that once the certificate is obtained, it remains valid for a two-year duration before it needs to be renewed.

Source: Florida DBPR 

In Tampa, FL, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Tampa, FL?

Yes, both Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) remit taxes on the host’s behalf in Tampa, FL. They handle the collection and payment of applicable taxes directly to the local authorities, including the City of Tampa. So, hosts do not need to separately track or pay these taxes as it is managed by the platforms on their behalf.

Source: Hillsborough County Tourist Tax Info 

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Tampa, FL  Vacation Rentals?

City of Tampa Business Tax Division: (813) 274-8751 or businesshelp@tampagov.net

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

No, there are no new regulations or laws that Get Chalet found that Tampa is requiring when this information was collected.