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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Eustis, Florida. Eustis does not currently have city-specific laws that prohibit short-term rentals. The city operates under a permissive regulatory framework where standard rental and business regulations apply, but there are no dedicated short-term rental ordinances that would prevent investors from operating STRs in this market.

Eustis, located in Lake County, presents a favorable environment for short-term rental investment. The city's unique positioning between Orlando's world-class attractions and its own natural waterfront assets creates a diverse visitor base that supports year-round occupancy opportunities.

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

Step 1: Business Registration and Licensing

• Obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Eustis
• This is the primary licensing requirement at the municipal level
• Complete standard business registration processes
• Ensure your property meets all applicable health and safety standards

Step 2: Tax Registration and Compliance

• Register for Florida state sales tax collection (6% state rate)
• Register for local tourist development tax (local "bed tax" rate)
• Set up systems to collect and remit these taxes on all bookings
• Critical: These taxes are NOT collected by Airbnb/Vrbo and must be handled directly by the host

Step 3: Property Preparation and Compliance

• Conduct thorough safety inspections of your property
• Ensure all health and safety standards are met
• Install appropriate safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.)
• Verify property insurance coverage for short-term rental operations

Step 4: HOA and Zoning Verification

• Contact your Homeowner's Association if applicable
• Review and comply with any HOA rules regarding short-term rentals
• Verify zoning compliance for rental operations
• Document any restrictions or approval requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements:

• Business Tax Receipt from City of Eustis
• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
• Basic business registration documentation
• Property insurance documentation

State Requirements:

• Florida Sales Tax registration
• Tourist Development Tax registration
• State business identification numbers

Health and Safety Compliance:

• Property safety inspection documentation
• Fire safety equipment installation records
• Health department compliance (if applicable)
• Building code compliance verification

Financial Requirements:

• Tax remittance systems for state and local taxes
• Financial record-keeping systems for STR income
• Professional liability insurance recommendations

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Eustis (Municipal Level):

• No specific short-term rental ordinances currently in place
• Business Tax Receipt required for all commercial rental operations
• Standard health and safety regulations apply to all rental properties
• Zoning compliance required - verify your property's zoning allows rental use
• No caps on rental duration or occupancy limits specified at city level

Lake County Level:

• County-wide short-term rental regulations do not appear to be specifically addressed in the provided materials
• Standard county business licensing requirements may apply
• County tax collection requirements for tourist development taxes

Florida State Level:

• Mandatory 6% state sales tax on all short-term rentals
• Local tourist development tax (bed tax) requirements - rate varies by locality
• No state preemption of local short-term rental regulations
• Standard landlord-tenant laws apply for rental periods
• Professional licensing requirements for property management companies

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Eustis

• Main Contact: City Hall
• Business Tax Receipt Office: Contact through city administration
• Website: www.eustis.org

Lake County Tax Collector

• Tourist Development Tax Collection
• State Sales Tax Registration Support
• Website: www.laketax.com

Florida Department of Revenue

• Sales Tax Registration and Compliance
• Website: www.floridarevenue.com

Links to Source Pages

• Vacation Rental Management in Eustis, Florida - goSummer (Primary source for regulatory information)
• City of Eustis Official Website (For business licensing and municipal requirements)
• Eustis Downtown Master Plan Appendix (Background context on development and zoning)

Key Investment Considerations

Market Dynamics:

• Peak Season: Late fall through winter months (November-March)
• Market Character: Mix of lakefront properties and downtown cottages
• Visitor Base: Attracted by proximity to Orlando attractions plus local events
• Competition Level: Moderate - described as "competitive but not oversaturated"

Property Types in Demand:

• Lakefront homes with water sports and fishing access
• Downtown cottages within walking distance of historic district
• Properties offering outdoor amenities (kayaks, bicycles, fire pits)
• Homes with lake views or direct lake access

Required Guest Amenities:

• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Smart TVs
• Outdoor living spaces (patios, BBQ grills)
• Proximity to Lake Eustis and waterways

This regulatory framework provides Eustis investors with a relatively straightforward path to short-term rental operations, with minimal municipal barriers while maintaining all required tax compliance and safety standards.