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

YES - Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Dunnellon, FL. The City of Dunnellon has adopted comprehensive regulations for vacation rentals (short-term rentals) through Ordinance #ORD2022-05, which was approved by the City Council on September 27, 2023. The ordinance establishes standards, regulations, and enforcement for vacation rentals within city limits. The regulations took effect starting April 1, 2024.

According to Florida Statute §509.013(4)(a), a "Vacation Rental" is defined as any dwelling unit that is rented out or advertised to the public for guest rental more than three (3) times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty (30) days or one (1) calendar month, whichever is less.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Dunnellon

Step-by-Step Process

1. Obtain State-Level Requirements First

   • Secure a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation license as a transient public lodging establishment
   • Obtain a certificate of registration with the Florida Department of Revenue
   • Establish an account with the Marion County Tax Collector

2. Register with the City of Dunnellon

   • Register your property through the online portal at tax.localgov.org
   • Upload all required documentation during registration
   • Pay applicable fees

3. Complete Fire Inspection

   • Schedule fire inspection with Marion County Fire Rescue at 352-291-8000
   • Ensure compliance with Florida Fire Prevention Code
   • Pass inspection before receiving registration certificate

4. Maintain Ongoing Compliance

   • Renew registration annually by October 1st
   • Complete annual fire inspections upon renewal
   • Maintain required documentation and postings

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documentation for Registration

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License: Current and active copy as a transient public lodging establishment
• Florida Department of Revenue Certificate: Current and active certificate of registration
• Marion County Tax Collector Account: Proof of establishment
• Required Postings: Evidence of compliance with posting requirements
• Interior Site Sketch: Floor-by-floor interior sketch in accordance with Ordinance #ORD2022-05
• Exterior Site Sketch: Exterior site sketch in accordance with Ordinance #ORD2022-05

Additional Requirements

• Business Tax Receipt: Required for individuals owning two or more vacation rental units
• Annual Fire Inspection: Required prior to registration certificate issuance and annually upon renewal
• Maximum Occupancy Compliance: Must adhere to occupancy limits established by ordinance
• Parking Requirements: Must meet parking standards specified in regulations
• Guest Rules Display: Must post rules for renters as required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Dunnellon Requirements

Registration and Fees:

• Initial registration fee: $380.00 per unit
• Renewal fee: $380.00 per unit
• Initial fire inspection fee: $40.00 per unit
• Annual fire inspection fee: $40.00 per unit
• Registration must be renewed annually by October 1st

Operational Requirements:

• Maximum occupancy limits (specific numbers not detailed in provided content)
• Parking requirements (specific requirements not detailed)
• Required postings for guests
• Compliance with Florida Fire Prevention Code
• Annual fire inspections required for renewal

Business Tax:

• Business Tax Receipt required for owners of two or more vacation rental units
• Must register through City Clerk's office

County-Level Requirements

Marion County Tax Collector: STR operators must establish an account for tax collection purposes.

State of Florida Requirements

Florida Statute §509.013(4)(a): Defines vacation rentals as units rented or advertised to the public more than three times per calendar year for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: License required as transient public lodging establishment.

Florida Department of Revenue: Registration certificate required for tax collection.

Enforcement and Compliance

Code Enforcement

• The City of Dunnellon's Code Enforcement Department monitors and enforces vacation rental registration requirements
• Non-compliance can result in enforcement actions

Reporting Violations

• Report unregistered vacation rentals through localgov.org/support
• 24-hour complaint hotline: (877) 558-3266
• Online reporting available for concerns and violations

Contact Information

City of Dunnellon - Local Authority for STRs

City of Dunnellon

• Address: 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon, FL 34431
• Phone: (352) 465-8500
• Fax: (352) 465-8505
• Website: www.dunnellon.org

Registration Portal: tax.localgov.org

• Registration assistance: 877-842-3037
• Help Center: service.localgov.org/knowledge

Fire Inspections

• Marion County Fire Rescue: 352-291-8000

Code Enforcement and Complaints

• Online reporting: localgov.org/support
• 24-hour hotline: (877) 558-3266

State-Level Contacts

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com

Florida Department of Revenue

• Website: floridarevenue.com

Marion County Tax Collector

• Website: mariontax.com

Source Links

Primary Sources

• Dunnellon Short-Term Rental Registration Page
• City of Dunnellon - Ordinance #ORD2022-05
• Resolution #RES2025-06 (Fee Schedule)
• Fire and Code Inspection Information
• Florida Statute §509.013(4)(a)

News Coverage

• Chronicle Online - Dunnellon Approves STR Ordinance
• WCJB - New Regulations for STRs Coming to Dunnellon

Additional Resources

• Dunnellon City Code (Municode)

Important Notes for Investors

1. Implementation Timeline: The ordinance took effect April 1, 2024, with registration and inspection requirements now active.

2. Inspection Policy: City leadership clarified that fire inspections for STRs will only begin when the city resumes annual fire inspections for all businesses, ensuring no preferential treatment.

3. Compliance Benefits: The city reported a significant increase in state-level registrations following ordinance drafting, indicating improved overall compliance.

4. Registration Portal: All city registration is managed through the Localgov platform, providing a centralized online process.

5. Ongoing Costs: Budget approximately $420 per unit for initial registration and fire inspection fees, plus $380 per unit annually for renewal and fire inspection.

6. Documentation Preparation: Property owners should prepare detailed interior and exterior sketches as required by Ordinance #ORD2022-05 before beginning the registration process.

This comprehensive framework positions Dunnellon as a regulated but supportive environment for short-term rental investments, with clear pathways to compliance and operation.