Deerfield Beach, Florida
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Deerfield Beach, FL
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STR Regulations for Deerfield Beach, Florida
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Deerfield Beach?
Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The City of Deerfield Beach permits vacation rentals in all residential dwelling districts, provided they comply with the city's land development code regulations and state requirements. Short-term rentals, defined as properties rented to transient occupants for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month (whichever is less), are considered a permitted use when properly registered and compliant with all applicable standards.
The city does not restrict the number of properties an individual owner can operate within city limits, making it an attractive market for investors seeking to build a portfolio of vacation rental properties.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Deerfield Beach
Step-by-Step Process
1. Pre-Registration Requirements Before submitting your city registration, you must obtain documentation from multiple agencies:
- Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Vacation Rental License
- Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration
- Broward County Tourist Development Tax Registration
- City of Deerfield Beach Business Tax Receipt
2. Property Preparation Ensure your property meets all life safety and building standards including:
- Swimming pool/spa safety compliance (Chapter 515, Florida Statutes)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems per Florida Building Code
- Fire extinguisher installation (2A:10B:C rating)
- Battery-powered emergency lighting for primary exits
- Proper egress maintenance and railings on stairways
3. Registration Submission Submit your complete registration package to the Code Compliance Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
4. Responsible Party Designation Appoint a responsible party (can be the property owner) who must:
- Be available 24/7 by mobile phone
- Respond to property within 2 hours when notified
- Monitor the property weekly for compliance
- Authorize service of legal notices
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
City Requirements
- Business Tax Receipt (City of Deerfield Beach)
- Vacation Rental Registration ($100 fee, cash/check/credit card)
- Notarized Vacation Rental Affidavit (original)
- Casualty Insurance showing Deerfield Beach address
- Required Postings per Section 98-106(g)
State Requirements
- Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation License (Transient Public Lodging Establishment/Vacation Rental)
- Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration (for sales surtaxes, transient rental taxes)
County Requirements
- Broward County Tourist Development Tax Registration
- Broward County Business Tax Receipt
Mandatory Postings and Documentation
The property must display:
- Responsible party contact information
- Quiet hours (9:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
- Maximum vehicle parking and off-street parking locations
- Trash and recycling pickup schedules
- Sea turtle nesting restrictions (barrier island properties)
- Nearest hospital location
- Building evacuation maps (properties with 3+ occupied floors)
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
City of Deerfield Beach Regulations
Occupancy Limits
- Maximum of one "family" per unit
- Occupancy limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons
- Total occupancy calculated based on bedroom count
Life Safety Standards
- Pool/spa compliance with Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act
- Interconnected smoke and CO detection systems per Florida Building Code
- Multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher on each floor
- Emergency lighting with minimum 1-hour illumination
- Clear, ventilated halls, entrances, and stairways
- Rails on all stairways, porches, and steps
Lease Agreement Requirements Must include:
- Maximum occupancy provisions
- Total parking spaces allowed
- Evacuation order compliance statement
Noise Regulations
- Quiet hours: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily
- Prohibitions on plainly audible sound at 50+ feet during quiet hours
- Construction activity restrictions (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday)
- Vehicle repair restrictions in residential areas during quiet hours
Parking and Vehicle Restrictions
- Compliance with city parking prohibitions on specified streets
- Commercial vehicle parking restrictions in designated areas
- Maximum vehicle limits must be posted
Property Maintenance Standards
- Exterior building and structure maintenance requirements
- Minimum yard and landscape area standards
- Residential refuse preparation and storage regulations
- Swimming pool enclosure and safety requirements
Broward County Requirements
- Tourist Development Tax registration and collection
- Business tax receipt requirements
- County-level inspections and enforcement
State of Florida Regulations
- Vacation rental licensing through Department of Business & Professional Regulation
- Sales tax collection and remittance requirements
- Transient rental tax compliance
- Florida Building Code compliance for safety systems
Taxes and Fees
Registration Fees
- City registration: $100 per property
- Annual renewal: Due October 1st each year
Tax Obligations
- Florida state sales tax: 6%
- Broward County Tourist Development Tax: 6%
- Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1% (on first $5,000 of rental charges)
- Total effective tax rate: 13% on short-term rentals
Contact Information for Local Authorities
City of Deerfield Beach - Code Compliance Division
Physical Address: 580 S Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Phone: 954-480-4241 Email: web.code@deerfield-beach.com Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Purpose: Registration submissions, compliance questions, inspections
City of Deerfield Beach - Planning & Zoning Division
Physical Address: 150 NE 2nd Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Phone: 954-480-4206 Email: web.planning@deerfield-beach.com Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Purpose: Zoning compliance, registration requirements questions
City of Deerfield Beach - Business Tax Office
Physical Address: 150 NE 2nd Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Phone: 954-480-4333 Email: web.btr@deerfield-beach.com Purpose: Business tax receipt applications and renewals
Broward County Tourist Development Tax Section
Physical Address: 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A-110, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: 954-357-8455 Email: touristax@broward.org Website: www.broward.org
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Physical Address: Suite A, 5080 Coconut Creek Parkway, Margate, FL 33063 Phone: 850-487-1395 Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
Florida Department of Revenue
Physical Address: Suite 200, 3301 University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065 Phone: 954-346-3000 Email: DORGTA@florida Website: www.myflorida.com
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations and Fines
- First offense: Up to $250 per day
- Repeated offenses: Up to $500 per day
- Each day of violation: Constitutes separate and distinct violation
- Registration revocation: Possible for code violations
Enforcement Methods
- Code enforcement process (Chapter 2, Article VI)
- General code enforcement (Section 1-15)
- Injunctive relief, liens, and civil/criminal penalties
- Referral to other enforcing agencies
- Unpaid penalties may be added to property tax bills
Inspection Rights
- City may conduct inspections on reasonable notice
- Responsible party must authorize access for inspections
- Evidence of operation includes online advertising and listings
Links to Source Pages
Official City Documents
- Deerfield Beach Vacation Rental Registration Form
- Deerfield Beach Business Tax Receipts
- Deerfield Beach Planning & Development Services
Additional Resources
- Deerfield Beach Municipal Code
- City of Deerfield Beach Business Page
- Broward County Code Enforcement
State Resources
Important Reminders:
- Registration must be renewed annually by October 1st
- Any changes to registration information must be reported within 30 days
- All properties must maintain compliance with zoning district regulations
- Property owners are responsible for ensuring responsible party availability and property compliance at all times
- Advertising a property as available for vacation rental creates presumption of operation
Deerfield Beach
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Deerfield Beach
Overview of Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is a coastal city located in Broward County, Florida. Situated about 45 miles north of Miami, this city offers the charm of a beach town combined with the convenience of nearby urban centers. As of the latest census, Deerfield Beach boasts a population of approximately 80,000 residents, making it a moderately-sized city with a close-knit community feel.
Deerfield Beach is renowned for its pristine beaches and clean waters, making it an attractive destination for short-term rentals. The Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier is one of the major attractions, drawing both locals and tourists for fishing and sightseeing. Source
Another significant landmark is the Sullivan Park, located by the Intracoastal Waterway, which offers various recreational opportunities, including a playground and boat access. Source
Additionally, Deerfield Island Park, accessible only by boat, offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing, adding to the city's appeal for nature enthusiasts.Source
The city's proximity to Fort Lauderdale, which is just about 20 miles away, makes it convenient for visitors who want to explore more urban attractions, including shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife.
Overall, Deerfield Beach offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and easy access to larger urban areas, making it a desirable location for short-term rentals.
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