Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Apopka, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Apopka, Florida, but with significant restrictions. As part of Orange County, Apopka investors must comply with Orange County zoning regulations. The county permits short-term rentals (stays of 179 days or less) only in specific commercial and industrial zoning districts, or in planned developments where explicitly allowed. Single-family transient rentals (less than 30 days) are permitted only in R-3 zoning districts. All other residential zoning districts prohibit short-term rentals entirely.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Apopka

Step-by-Step Process

1. Verify Zoning Compliance

   • Confirm your property is in an approved zoning district (C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1/I-5, I-2/I-3, I-4, or R-3 for single-family)
   • Check if your planned development (PD) explicitly permits short-term rentals
   • Contact Orange County Zoning Division at 407-836-3111 or zoning@ocfl.net

2. Obtain State License

   • Apply for Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license
   • Required for rentals under 30 days occurring more than three times annually
   • Complete application through DBPR website
   • Fees range from $25 to over $400 annually

3. Local Business Requirements

   • Obtain Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from Orange County Tax Collector
   • Begin with zoning approval from Orange County Zoning Division
   • Complete BTR application through Fast Track Online Services
   • May require use permit for building code compliance

4. Tax Registration

   • Register with Florida Department of Revenue
   • Set up collection systems for state sales tax (6%) and county taxes
   • Consider Tourist Development Tax requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

• DBPR License: Required for rentals under 30 days
• State Sales Tax Registration: 6% tax collection
• Human Trafficking Notice: Required posting
• Balcony Inspection Certificates: If applicable
• Annual Renewal: License and business registration

County-Level Requirements

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Through Orange County Tax Collector
• Zoning Verification: Confirm STR is permitted in your district
• Use Permit: May be required for building code compliance
• Building Permits: For any structural changes

Documentation Needed

• Property ownership proof or authorization
• Site plan or survey
• Engineered drawings (if building modifications)
• Business entity documentation
• Insurance certificates
• Emergency contact information

Guidelines to Follow

• Orange County Code Chapter 38 Zoning regulations
• Florida DBPR short-term rental statutes
• Local building and safety codes
• Tourist Development Tax requirements

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Apopka City Regulations

Note: The provided sources do not contain specific Apopka city regulations. Investors should contact Apopka City Hall directly for municipal requirements.

Orange County Regulations

• Permitted Zoning Districts: C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1/I-5, I-2/I-3, I-4, and R-3 (single-family only)
• Prohibited Districts: All other residential districts (single-family R-1, R-2, etc.)
• Length of Stay: Short-term rental defined as 179 days or less
• Single-Family Definition: Less than 30 days, R-3 district only
• Planned Development: Must explicitly permit short-term rentals
• Advertising: Cannot advertise without proper licensing

Florida State Regulations

• DBPR Licensing: Required for rentals under 30 days, more than three times annually
• State Sales Tax: 6% on all transient rentals
• Transient Rental Tax: County-specific additional taxes
• Inspection Requirements: Balcony and safety inspections as applicable
• Annual Renewal: License must be renewed yearly
• Public Advertising: Prohibited without valid license

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Orange County Zoning Division

• Phone: 407-836-3111
• Email: zoning@ocfl.net
• Website: orangecountyfl.net/PermitsLicenses/ZoningDivision.aspx
• Address: Orange County Government, Permits & Licenses, Zoning Division

Orange County Tax Collector (Business Tax Receipt)

• Phone: 407-434-0312 (option 2 for business & property tax)
• Website: octaxcol.com/taxes/business-taxes/
• Fast Track Services: fasttrack.ocfl.net

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation

• Website: myfloridalicense.com
• License Verification: Available online through DBPR portal

Apopka City Hall

Note: Contact information not provided in sources. Apopka investors should verify municipal requirements.

Links to Source Pages

• Orange County Zoning Division - Official zoning regulations and BTR process
• Vacation Rental License Guide - Apopka - General licensing overview
• Erica Diaz Team - Orange County Airbnb Rules - Local market insights
• Orange County Fast Track Services - Online permit and BTR application portal
• Orange County Land Development Code - Complete zoning regulations

Important Investment Notes:

• Always verify zoning compliance before purchasing property for STR use
• Consider HOA restrictions and neighborhood covenants that may prohibit rentals
• Factor in county and municipal tax requirements when calculating ROI
• Recent regulatory changes in Orange County require careful monitoring
• Professional consultation recommended for complex zoning questions

Disclaimer: This guide is based on provided sources and regulations may change. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding.