What is an STR?
In Florida, a short-term (Airbnb) term rental is a property that is rented out for six months or less. This property might be a condo (single unit or group of units), a single-family home, or a multi-family house or dwelling. Unless specified by local laws, timeshares don’t fall under the same umbrella as short-term rentals.
Each Florida municipality, town, or county has its own definition of “short-term rental” and may include specific timeframes a property can be rented to qualify.
For Kissimmee, parent Osceola County under which Kissimmee is governed defines STR as: “Short-term (Airbnb) rental shall mean any dwelling unit, or group of dwelling units located within Osceola County within a single development, which are designed for and intended to be used on a non-permanent basis by the owner and intended for transient occupancy.
Non-permanent use shall be for a period of use by the same individual or individuals for no more than thirty (30) days within a twelve-month period.”
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Licensing Requirements
According to Airbnb, a Conditional Use Permit May Be Required. Kissimmee requires many operators of short-term rentals to apply for and obtain a conditional use permit from the City. Please review Sections 14-2-44; 14-2-51; 14-2-64; and 14-2-206 of the Code of Ordinances to see if you need a permit, or contact the Planning and Zoning Division or the Code Enforcement Division directly.
Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt. Hosts will also need to apply for and obtain a business tax receipt specific to Airbnb rentals. Please review the City’s website to find out how to obtain the receipt. You can access the application here. The City will review the request for compliance with city rules and regulations, and may not accept the application if the listing is not consistent with zoning requirements.
Building and Housing Standards. Kissimmee enforces rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain rules and regulations applicable to residential and non-residential regulations may be relevant to your listing. Please review the Florida Building Codes or contact the Building Division for more information.
Tourist Development Tax. Osceola County assesses tourist development taxes on hotels, inns, tourist homes or houses, and other short-term rentals. A “short-term rental” is defined as a guest stay of less than 6 months. More information about the tourist development tax is available at the County’s website. The State of Florida also assesses a sales tax on guest stays of less than 6 months. More information can be found at the State’s FAQ page.
Zoning
As previously mentioned, the parent Osceola county under which Kissimmee is governed defines the zoning rules and overlays. Please see this document for more information.
Occupancy Limits
Chalet’s research team has not found any occupancy limits enforced by either Osceola County or Kissimmee.
Limitation to the number of properties in the market
Chalet’s research team has not found any limitations to a number of properties one can hold in the market that is enforced by either Osceola County or Kissimmee.
LLC Ownership Allowed
Yes. We have found no limitations on LLC ownership in Osceola County.
Inspection Requirements
Kissimmee homes have to abide by Florida Building Codes mentioned above.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory living units (ALUs) are permitted to be rented out only if the primary structure has a homestead exemption and, in this instance, shall only be rented out for long-term (not intended for short-term rentals) time periods.
