Overview: STR Status in Bradenton Beach

YES, short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Bradenton Beach, FL, subject to specific licensing and regulatory requirements. The City of Bradenton Beach permits short-term vacation rentals, including nightly rentals, but requires property owners to obtain proper licensing and comply with detailed operational requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bradenton Beach

To operate a short-term rental in Bradenton Beach, property owners must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain State License

• Secure DBPR License: Apply for a permit or license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) as a Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE)

Step 2: City Registration Process

• Complete City Registration: Submit required documentation to the City of Bradenton Beach
• Receive Identification: Obtain the city-issued identification label that must be posted on the exterior of the property

Step 3: Property Compliance

• Code Compliance: Ensure the property meets all current building codes and safety requirements
• Inspection: Properties must pass required inspections before operation can begin

Step 4: Operational Setup

• Signage Requirements: Implement required informational posting and property identification
• Guest Management: Establish systems for providing guests with property rules and operational guidelines

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Licensing Requirements:

• TPLE License: Current and active license from Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• City Identification Label: Must be posted on exterior of property at all times during rental periods
• Floor Plan: Must be posted inside the home for guest reference
• Waste Management Instructions: Garbage and recycling instructions for renters

Documentation Required for City Registration:

• Proof of ownership
• Current DBPR license as Transient Public Lodging Establishment
• Floor plan of the property
• Parking plan
• Business tax receipt (if applicable)

Required Guest Information:

• Solid waste handling and containment information provided prior to occupancy
• Clear parking and occupancy limit information
• Property-specific operational guidelines and restrictions

Specific Regulations for Bradenton Beach

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum Occupancy: 12 persons per rental property
• Calculation Method: The lesser of:
  • Two (2) persons per bedroom plus two (2) additional people, OR
  • One person per 100 square feet of living space

Parking Requirements

• Off-Street Parking: All vehicles must be parked within designated areas on the premises
• Parking Ratio: Minimum one off-street parking space for every four (4) persons of occupancy
• Compliance: Parking and number of occupants must not exceed limits set forth in the Certificate of Occupancy or TPLE license

Property Standards

• Building Code Compliance: Existing structures used for transient rental must be upgraded to meet current building codes and requirements
• Safety Standards: Properties must comply with all state and local safety regulations
• Inspections: Properties must pass required inspections before receiving approval

Operational Requirements

• Active Licensing: Property must maintain active DBPR license throughout rental periods
• Exterior Identification: City identification label must remain visible on exterior during all rental periods
• Information Posting: All guest information and property rules must be clearly posted
• Zoning Compliance: Must comply with all local zoning and land use regulations

Safety and Health Requirements

• Swimming Pool Safety: For properties with pools, compliance with Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act is required
• Fire Safety: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed and maintained
• Emergency Information: Clear emergency contact information and procedures must be posted

Tax Obligations

State and Local Taxes Required:

• Florida State Sales Tax: 6% on all short-term rentals
• Manatee County Tourist Development Tax (TDT): 5% on short-term rentals (six months or less)
• Total Tax Rate: 11% combined (6% state + 5% county)

Tax Registration Requirements:

• Register with Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection
• Register with Manatee County Tax Collector for TDT collection
• File quarterly tax returns and remit payments
• Note: Manatee County does not have agreements with booking platforms to automatically collect taxes

Enforcement and Penalties

Common Violations and Penalties:

• Operating without proper licensing: Significant fines ranging from $100 to $500 per day
• Occupancy limit violations: Fines and potential registration suspension
• Parking violations: Citations and possible temporary registration suspension
• Safety code violations: Up to $1,000 per violation under state requirements

Compliance Monitoring:

• Regular inspections by city code enforcement
• DBPR inspections for state licensing compliance
• Response to neighbor complaints regarding noise, parking, or occupancy violations

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Bradenton Beach

• Address: Contact City Hall for vacation rental inquiries
• Primary Contact: City Clerk's Office
• Website: cityofbradentonbeach.com
• Note: Direct phone numbers and specific vacation rental department contact information should be obtained by calling City Hall directly

For State Licensing:

• Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Website: myfloridalicense.com
• Apply for TPLE License: Use Form HR-7020

For Tax Registration:

• Florida Department of Revenue: floridarevenue.com
• Manatee County Tax Collector: taxcollector.com

Important Considerations

Regulatory Changes

• Regulations can change frequently; property owners should verify current requirements before beginning operations
• Contact the City of Bradenton Beach directly for the most current application procedures and compliance obligations

Comparison with Neighboring Jurisdictions

Bradenton Beach regulations differ from other Manatee County cities:

• Anna Maria: Requires annual registration with specific occupancy calculations based on bedroom size
• Holmes Beach: Requires vacation rental certificates valid for 2 years with potential minimum stay restrictions based on zoning
• City of Bradenton: Requires detailed registration under Ordinance 3093 with specific documentation requirements
• Unincorporated Manatee County: Currently has no specific short-term rental ordinances

Best Practices for Compliance

• Maintain active communication with guests regarding all property rules
• Ensure 24/7 contact availability for emergency response
• Regular property maintenance to meet safety standards
• Keep detailed records of all rental transactions and tax payments
• Consider professional property management to ensure ongoing compliance

Source Links

• City of Bradenton Vacation Rentals Information
• Anna Maria Island Rental Rules Overview
• STRProfitMap Bradenton Beach Regulations
• Home Team Luxury Rentals Manatee County Guide
• DBPR Vacation Rental License Application
• Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax Registration
• Manatee County TDT Information

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available documentation and may not reflect the most recent regulatory updates. Property owners should always contact the City of Bradenton Beach directly to verify current requirements and obtain official application materials before beginning short-term rental operations.