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Boynton Beach

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Boynton Beach, FL

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STR Regulations for Boynton Beach, Florida

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for operating a legal short-term rental (STR) in Boynton Beach, FL, based on the provided source content. Investors should treat this as a foundational resource and verify all details directly with the city and relevant authorities.

1. Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Boynton Beach, Florida. However, they are a regulated activity. The city implemented a new ordinance on October 1, 2023, to balance economic benefits with residential tranquility. Any property rented for fewer than 30 days (or one calendar month) more than three times in a calendar year is classified as a Short-Term Rental (STR) and must be properly licensed and registered with the city. This applies to a wide range of property types, including single-family homes, condominiums, and cooperatives.

2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Boynton Beach

Operating an STR in Boynton Beach requires navigating three governmental levels: State, County, and City. The process is sequential and must be followed in order.

  1. State Level (Prerequisite): Obtain a Vacation Rental License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is mandatory before applying to the city.

  2. City Level (Primary Licensing): Apply for your Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) Permit through the city's online portal.

    • Key Requirement: Operators must obtain both a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CoU) and a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the City of Boynton Beach.
    • Process Summary:
      1. Create Account: Visit the city's online application portal at SagesGov.com/BoyntonBeach-FL.
      2. Application: Create a new account, select "Residential Rental," and complete the application specifically designating the property as a "Short-term rental."
      3. Local Responsible Party: You must identify a local responsible party if you reside more than one hour from the property or wish to delegate responsibilities.
      4. Submission: Submit your application. Expect email payment instructions within 3-5 business days.
      5. Inspection: After payment is processed, you must schedule an inspection with the city's Building Division within 10 days. Failure to do so may delay approval.
      6. Approval: Approval documents (CoU and BTR) are mailed to the provided address after all approvals and passed inspections. These documents must be included in your online listing (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) using the designated fields.
    • Fees: Initial application including first inspection: $525.00. Renewal (annually) including first inspection: $325.00. Subsequent reinspection fee: $100.00.

  3. County Level (Tax Registration - Mandatory): Register for and remit the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on your rentals.

    • This is a critical step. While major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, operators are ultimately responsible for compliance.
    • Website: Palm Beach County Tax Collector - TDT
    • Phone: (561) 355-3547 (TDT Department)

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • State License:
    • Vacation Rental License (DBPR)
  • City Permits:
    • Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) Permit (via SagesGov)
    • Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CoU)
    • Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
  • County Tax Registration:
    • Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Registration
  • Key Documents & Information for Application:
    • Proof of Property Ownership
    • Details of Local Responsible Party (Name, Address, Phone, Email)
    • Successful Completion of City Building Inspection
    • Vacation Rental License Number (from DBPR)
  • Guideline Documents:

4. Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

  • Definition: An STR is defined as any residential unit (see property types above) rented to transient occupants more than three times in a calendar year for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month.
  • Mandatory Licensing: If you meet the definition of an STR, licensing (State + City + County TDT Registration) is mandatory before operating.
  • Inspection: Properties must pass an initial safety inspection by the city before being granted a CoU and BTR. Subsequent reinspections may be required for violations ($100 fee).
  • Operational Rules: Compliance with all local codes is required, including those related to property maintenance, safety standards (likely covered in the inspection), and occupancy limits. (Specific code details require consulting the linked Municipal Code sections: Sec. 13 and the Rules document).
  • Renewal: STRP Permits are only valid until September 30th of each year. The CoU and BTR must be renewed before October 1st to maintain license validity for the new year. (City license renewal fee is $325).
  • Taxes: Operators are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable taxes.
    • State Sales Tax: 6% on rentals of 6 months or less.
    • Palm Beach County TDT: 6% on transient rentals. This is in addition to the state sales tax, resulting in a combined rate of 12%.
    • Platforms: While Airbnb collects state-administered taxes (like the 6% state sales tax) on behalf of hosts, the local TDT and overall tax compliance remain the host's responsibility.

5. Contact Information for Local Authorities

6. Links to Source Pages

The following links were provided in the source content and correspond directly to the information in this guide. Investors should consult these pages for the most current and detailed information and for the legal texts themselves.

Boynton Beach

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
4/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Boynton Beach Market Analysis →

Photos of Boynton Beach

Overview of Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach is a city located in Palm Beach County, Florida, known for its scenic beauty and coastal allure. As of the latest census, it has a population of approximately 80,000 residents. The city is conveniently situated about 15 miles south of West Palm Beach and roughly 50 miles north of Miami, making it accessible to two major urban hubs.

Boynton Beach boasts several appealing features for those considering short-term rentals. The city's prime coastal location offers a blend of sun, sand, and surf, attracting tourists year-round. It's home to beautiful beaches like Oceanfront Park Beach, which is adored for its clean sand and family-friendly atmosphere. More information about the park can be found on the Boynton Beach city website.

For nature enthusiasts, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge provides a glimpse of the Florida Everglades' unique ecosystem. The refuge offers various outdoor activities, including wildlife watching, hiking, and canoeing. Details about visiting can be accessed through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Boynton Beach is also culturally vibrant, with attractions like the Boynton Beach Arts District, which is a creative hub housing numerous artists' studios and galleries. For those looking to explore local culture and art, more information is available on the Boynton Beach Arts District website.

Moreover, the city has a rich dining scene, with various restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, from fresh seafood to international dishes. The Boynton Harbor Marina is another highlight, offering waterfront dining experiences and water-based activities, such as fishing and boat tours. Further details can be found on the Boynton Harbor Marina website.

Overall, Boynton Beach's coastal charm, combined with its accessibility to major cities and array of attractions, makes it an appealing destination for short-term rentals.

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