Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cross City, Florida under Florida state law. However, I must note that no specific Cross City municipal regulations were found in the provided sources, so this guide covers Florida state-level requirements that apply to Cross City properties, along with general county regulations for the area.

Cross City is located in Dixie County, Florida, and operates under the broader Florida regulatory framework for short-term rentals. Florida maintains a state-level licensing system and tax structure that applies statewide, with additional local regulations handled at the county level.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cross City, FL

1. Research Applicable Regulations

Before purchasing or operating a short-term rental in Cross City, verify that your property can legally be used for STR purposes. While Florida state law allows short-term rentals, local zoning restrictions may apply at the county level.

2. Obtain State License

Florida requires a state-level vacation rental license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) if you rent your property more than three times per year for periods of less than 30 days.

3. Register for Taxes

Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and remittance obligations.

4. Secure Proper Insurance

Obtain specialized short-term rental insurance to protect against property damage, liability issues, and loss of rental income, as standard homeowner's policies typically exclude commercial rental activities.

5. Designate Local Responsible Party

Ensure you have a designated local contact person available to respond to issues 24/7, as required by most Florida jurisdictions.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Florida State Requirements

Required Documentation:

• Florida DBPR vacation rental license
• Florida DOR tax registration certificate
• Federal EIN or Social Security Number
• Proof of property ownership (deed or tax receipt)
• Insurance documentation
• Owner and operator identification
• Local responsible party contact information
• Property information (floor plans, site plans, parking plans)

License Types:

• Single license: For one property owned and operated by the same individual or entity
• Group license: For multiple units within a single building or complex operated by a licensed agent
• Collective license: For a group of houses or units in separate locations (limited to 75 units and counties within a single district)

Application Requirements:

• Owner/operator information and address
• Rental property location and details
• Balcony inspection certificate (when applicable for buildings three stories or higher)
• Human trafficking awareness training certification
• License fees ($50 application fee + $10 HEP fee + annual license fee based on property type)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State-Level Florida Regulations

Operational Requirements:

• Display current licenses in a visible location
• Maintain clean, safe properties in good condition
• Provide clean bedding, linens, and properly sanitized dishes
• Keep properties free of vermin
• Obtain balcony inspection certificates for buildings three stories or higher
• Provide human trafficking awareness training to housekeeping staff
• Install smoke detectors in every rental unit
• Have at least one specialized smoke detector for hearing-impaired guests per 50 units
• Maintain safe electrical systems (no extension cords)
• Comply with the Life Safety Code
• Install automatic fire sprinklers in vacation rental condominiums when required

Tax Obligations:

• State Sales Tax: 6% payable to the Florida DOR
• Discretionary Sales Surtax: 0.5%-1.5% depending on the county
• Tourist Development Tax: Typically 2%-6% depending on the county (also known as "bed tax")

County-Level Considerations

For Dixie County (where Cross City is located), hosts should verify local requirements with the county tax collector and planning department. The provided sources do not contain specific information about Dixie County's local options taxes or permitting requirements.

Local Zoning Considerations

Since no specific Cross City zoning information was found in the provided sources, property owners should contact the Cross City Planning and Zoning Department and Dixie County officials to verify:

• Whether short-term rentals are permitted in the specific zoning district
• Any occupancy limitations
• Parking requirements
• Noise regulations
• Waste management requirements

Contact Information

State-Level Authorities

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/licensing-guides/
• Phone: (850) 487-1395
• Purpose: State vacation rental licensing

Florida Department of Revenue

• Website: floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/sales_tax.aspx
• Phone: (850) 488-6800
• Purpose: Sales tax registration and compliance

Local Authorities

Dixie County (Cross City Location) Note: Specific contact information for Dixie County officials was not available in the provided sources. Property owners should contact:

• Dixie County Tax Collector
• Dixie County Planning and Zoning Department
• Cross City City Hall

Source Links

• Avalara: State of the State Florida Short-Term Rental Rules
• Checkmate Rentals: Guide to Short-Term Rental Laws in Florida
• iGMS: Airbnb Regulations by State

Important Notes

1. Limited Cross City Specifics: The provided sources do not contain city-specific regulations for Cross City, Florida. This guide relies on Florida state-level requirements that apply universally.

2. Local Verification Required: Property owners should contact Cross City municipal authorities and Dixie County officials to verify local zoning requirements, permitting processes, and any additional local taxes or fees.

3. Regulatory Evolution: Florida's short-term rental regulations continue to evolve, with local governments actively updating rules. Stay informed through official government channels.

4. Professional Consultation: Given the complexity and evolving nature of STR regulations, consider consulting with local real estate attorneys and property managers familiar with Cross City and Dixie County regulations.

This guide provides a foundation for understanding Florida's STR regulatory framework as it applies to Cross City properties, but local verification and professional guidance are essential for full compliance.