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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Englewood Beach, Florida, though the regulatory environment varies significantly depending on which county jurisdiction your property falls under. Englewood spans both Charlotte County (western portion) and Sarasota County (eastern portion), creating a unique split-jurisdiction market.

Key Distinction: Properties on the Charlotte County side offer more flexibility with no minimum stay requirements, while properties on the Sarasota County side are subject to a 7-day minimum stay requirement in residential zoning districts, making traditional short-term rentals (under 7 days) challenging to operate legally.

Florida state law prohibits local governments from outright banning short-term rentals, though they can regulate them for health, safety, and welfare purposes. This business-friendly state framework creates a favorable environment for STR investors who understand and comply with proper licensing requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Englewood

Step 1: Market Research & Property Selection

• Determine county location first - this will fundamentally affect your operation strategy
• Research beach proximity premiums (properties near Englewood Beach or Stump Pass Beach State Park command higher rates)
• Analyze seasonal demand patterns (peak season: January-April with 60% of annual revenue)
• Study competition on Airbnb/VRBO platforms
• Consider hurricane season impacts and guest concerns

Step 2: Due Diligence

• Verify zoning compliance for your specific county
• Check HOA/deed restrictions (many communities prohibit rentals under 30 days)
• Confirm FEMA flood zone status and insurance requirements
• Calculate total tax obligations based on county location
• Research required safety equipment and inspections

Step 3: Property Acquisition & Setup

• Secure STR-friendly financing
• Design with beach vacation appeal (outdoor living spaces are crucial)
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher)
• Consider pool addition as major amenity differentiator
• Implement hurricane preparedness measures

Step 4: Licensing Process

1. Apply for Florida Sales Tax Certificate (required before DBPR license)
2. Obtain DBPR Vacation Rental License (separate licenses for single-family vs. condo units)
3. Register for county tourist development tax
4. Secure business tax receipt (if required by county)
5. Obtain required insurance coverage

Step 5: Operations Setup

• Create compelling listings emphasizing beach access and local attractions
• Implement dynamic pricing strategies accounting for seasonality
• Establish professional cleaning protocols (minimum 6-hour turnover time)
• Install keyless entry systems for contactless check-in
• Develop hurricane contingency plans and guest communication protocols

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

• File monthly tax returns by 20th of following month
• Renew licenses annually
• Maintain safety standards and update equipment as needed
• Monitor regulation changes and county ordinance updates

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (All Properties)

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) License

• Vacation Rental Dwelling License: For single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes
• Vacation Rental Condo License: For units in condominiums or cooperatives
• Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
• Annual license fee: $90-$170 for single unit (varies by county and timing)
• Apply online at MyFloridaLicense.com for fastest processing (1-2 business days)

Florida Sales Tax Certificate

• Register with Florida Department of Revenue before obtaining DBPR license
• Required to collect and remit 6% state sales tax
• Apply at floridarevenue.com

Charlotte County Requirements (Western Englewood)

Business Operations

• No specific STR ordinance currently in place
• Relies primarily on state DBPR licensing
• May require local business tax receipt
• Tourist Development Tax collection required (5% of rental price)

Documentation Required

• DBPR Vacation Rental License
• Florida Sales Tax Certificate
• Tourist Development Tax registration
• Business tax receipt from Charlotte County Tax Collector
• Liability insurance (minimum $1 million recommended)
• Property insurance covering STR use

Sarasota County Requirements (Eastern Englewood)

Vacation Rental Certificate

• Required for single-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings
• Valid for 2 years, renewed every odd-numbered year
• Not required for owner-occupied rentals
• Must comply with 7-day minimum stay requirement

Business Operations

• 7 full days and 7 full nights minimum stay requirement for residential zoning
• Tourist Development Tax registration (6% of rental price)
• Business tax receipt may be required

Safety and Inspection Requirements

State Requirements

• Balcony inspections: Required for properties 3+ stories (Certificate DBPR HR-7020, renewed every 3 years)
• Basic safety standards: clean condition, proper bedding, working utilities, adequate ventilation

Local Safety Requirements

• Smoke detectors in all bedrooms
• Carbon monoxide detectors (if gas appliances present)
• Fire extinguisher accessible and properly maintained
• Pool safety barriers (if applicable)
• Hurricane preparedness plan and emergency supplies
• Clear address marking for emergency services

Insurance Requirements

• Liability insurance: Minimum $1 million recommended
• Property insurance: Covering STR commercial use
• Flood insurance: Required if property is in FEMA flood zone
• Business interruption insurance: Consider for hurricane season protection

Specific Regulations by City, County, and State

State of Florida Regulations

Preemption Law

• Local governments cannot prohibit short-term rentals outright
• Can regulate for health, safety, and welfare purposes
• State DBPR licensing required for all STRs

Tax Structure

• State sales tax: 6% of gross rental receipts
• Discretionary sales surtax: 0.5-1.5% depending on county

Charlotte County Regulations (Western Englewood)

Zoning

• STRs generally permitted in residential, commercial, and mixed-use zones
• No specific STR zoning restrictions beyond standard residential use requirements
• Tourist-oriented districts welcome STR operations

Minimum Stay

• No minimum stay requirement
• True short-term rentals (nightly) permitted
• Most flexible regulatory environment in the area

Tax Rates

• Tourist Development Tax: 5%
• Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1%
• Total tax burden: Approximately 12%

Sarasota County Regulations (Eastern Englewood)

Zoning Restrictions

• Only properties zoned RMF (Residential Multi-Family) on barrier islands may be rented short-term (less than 30 days)
• All other dwelling units must comply with rental periods greater than 30 days in residential areas
• 7-day minimum stay requirement for properties in residential zoning districts

Enforcement

• More active enforcement than Charlotte County
• Certificate compliance checks conducted
• Higher fines for violations

Tax Rates

• Tourist Development Tax: 6%
• Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1%
• Total tax burden: Approximately 13%

Beach and Waterfront Property Considerations

Additional Regulations

• Higher demand and rental rates
• Environmental regulations may apply
• FEMA flood zone requirements
• Beach renourishment assessments possible
• Coastal construction permits may be required

HOA and Private Restrictions

Common Private Restrictions

• Some communities prohibit rentals under 30 days
• Rental frequency limitations common
• Occupancy limits may be stricter than county requirements
• Always verify HOA bylaws before purchase
• Check deed restrictions carefully

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Florida State Level

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Phone: (850) 487-1395
• Website: MyFloridaLicense.com
• Email: Customer.Contact@myfloridalicense.com
• Purpose: State licensing, vacation rental licenses

Florida Department of Revenue

• Phone: (850) 488-6800
• Website: FloridaRevenue.com
• Purpose: Sales tax registration and collection

Charlotte County (Western Englewood)

Tax Collector

• Phone: (941) 743-1350
• Address: 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
• Purpose: Business tax receipts, tourist development tax

Building Department

• Phone: (941) 743-1201
• Purpose: Building permits, safety inspections

County Website

• CharlotteCountyFL.gov

Sarasota County (Eastern Englewood)

Tax Collector

• Phone: (941) 861-8300
• Purpose: Business tax receipts, tourist development tax

Planning & Development Services

• Phone: (941) 861-5000
• Address: 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240
• Purpose: Zoning compliance, vacation rental certificates

Code Enforcement

• Phone: 311 or (941) 861-5000
• Purpose: Violation reporting and enforcement

County Website

• SCGov.net

Local Resources

Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce

• Phone: (941) 474-5511
• Website: EnglewoodChamber.com
• Purpose: Local business networking, market information

Links to Source Pages

1. The Offer Sheet - Complete STR Guide: https://local.theoffersheet.com/legal/englewood-fl-short-term-rental-regulations-your-complete-airbnb-host-guide/

2. Sarasota County Code Enforcement - Official Guide: https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/code-enforcement/code-enforcement-citizen-guide

3. Summer Vacation Rental Management - Market Overview: https://www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/englewood-florida

4. Charlotte County COVID-19 VCB Plan: https://data.charlottecountyfl.gov/agenda/20200519SM/1b.pdf

Important Compliance Notes

Key Distinction: The split jurisdiction means Englewood STR regulations vary significantly depending on which side of the county line your property sits:

• Charlotte County side: More flexible, no minimum stay requirements
• Sarasota County side: 7-day minimum stay requirement, only RMF zoning allows traditional STRs

Tax Collection Responsibility: While platforms like Airbnb collect and remit Florida state sales tax and county tourist taxes automatically, hosts remain responsible for:

• Verifying all taxes are collected
• Filing returns if required
• Remitting any uncollected taxes

Future Outlook: Charlotte County may implement specific STR regulations in the future, while Sarasota County's existing rules may become more strictly enforced. Monitor county commission meetings for ordinance changes.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Regulations may have changed since publication. Always verify current requirements with local authorities and consult legal professionals before making investment decisions.