(Investor‑focused, detailed, professional, and based solely on the supplied sources)

1. Overview – Are Short‑Term Rentals Permitted in Edgewater, FL?

Yes, short‑term rentals are permitted in Edgewater, but only under the framework of a “Bed & Breakfast” (B&B) operation.
The City’s Land Development Code (LDC) does not list a separate “short‑term rental” or “guest tourist home” use. Instead, rentals of fewer than 30 days are treated as a Bed & Breakfast, which is a conditional use in the following residential zoning districts: R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, and R‑5.

Key points from the Edgewater LDC (Article III, 2018‑O‑28) that govern this allowance:

| Zoning District | Permitted Status for Bed & Breakfast | Special Requirements | |----------------|---------------------------------------|----------------------| | R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, R‑5 | Conditional Use (C) | 1‑off‑street parking space per bedroom + residential parking; landscaping as for hotel/motel uses; one sign ≤ 6 sq ft; City Business Tax Receipt required. |

All other residential districts (e.g., R‑1A, R‑1AA, etc.) prohibit short‑term rentals. Therefore, before any investment you must confirm that the target property lies within one of the above “R‑” districts and that a conditional use can be obtained.

Source: Edgewater Land Development Code – Article III, Table III‑3 and Section 21‑34.08 (Bed & Breakfast requirements).

2. How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Edgewater

The process follows a logical, step‑by‑step sequence. Each step must be completed before the next can begin; failure at any stage will delay or prevent operation.

| Step | Action | Why It Matters | Where to Obtain | |------|--------|----------------|-----------------| | 1. Zoning Verification | Confirm the parcel’s zoning (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, or R‑5). Use the City’s official zoning map or the Orange County Zoning Lookup tool referenced by Edgewood (the same tool works for Edgewater). | Only these districts permit a B&B‑type STR. | Link: <www.orangecountyfl.net/PermitsLicenses/ZoningDivision.aspx> | | 2. Conditional Use (Special Exception) Application | Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to the Development Services Department, including a site plan that shows parking, landscaping, and sign placement. | Required by the LDC to legally operate a B&B in a residential zone. | City of Edgewater – Development Services (contact details below). | | 3. Business Tax Receipt (BTR) | Apply for a City Business Tax Receipt (formerly “occupational license”). This is mandatory for any business activity, including STRs. | Provides the city with a record of the business and ensures compliance with local tax requirements. | Edgewater City Hall – Business Tax Office (see contact). | | 4. State Registration | Register the rental unit with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) to obtain a Rental Unit Registration Number (Florida Statute 509.032). | State law requires every transient rental to be registered. | DBPR website: <www.myfloridalicense.com/> | | 5. Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Enrollment | Enroll with Volusia County to collect and remit the 5 % Tourist Development Tax on all rentals. | Volusia County imposes TDT on all short‑term stays. | Volusia County Tax Collector: <www.volusia.org/> (registration details on the site). | | 6. Compliance with Bed & Breakfast Standards | Implement off‑street parking (1 space/bedroom + residential requirement), landscaping, signage (≤ 6 sq ft), and any fire‑code inspections. | LDC explicitly lists these as conditions for B&B approval. | Local fire marshal & building department (via Development Services). | | 7. Ongoing Reporting | File quarterly TDT returns with Volusia County and annual BTR renewal with the city. | Failure to remit taxes can result in fines or revocation. | County tax collector & City business tax office (see contact). |

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

Below is a consolidated checklist of documents you must prepare and permits/licenses you must obtain, based on the sources.

| Document / Permit | Issuing Authority | Applicability | Key Details | |-------------------|-------------------|---------------|-------------| | Zoning Confirmation | City of Edgewater (or Orange County GIS) | All properties | Must show property is R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, or R‑5. | | Conditional Use (Special Exception) Application | Edgewater Development Services | Bed & Breakfast operation | Site plan with parking & landscaping; fee applies. | | City Business Tax Receipt (BTR) | Edgewater City Hall | All businesses | Annual renewal; proof of property ownership or lease required. | | **Florida Rental Unit