Overview and Explicit Allowance

• Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Fort McCoy, FL. Fort McCoy is an unincorporated community in Marion County, and STRs are permitted subject to county and state requirements (vacation rental licensing and tax compliance). This guide consolidates the steps, documents, regulations, and contacts specific to operating an STR in this market.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental in This Market

• Confirm zoning and land use compatibility with Marion County (and the HOA, if applicable). In Marion County, STRs are commonly operated in residential zones; you must ensure the use is permitted at your address.
• Prepare the property to meet safety and habitability standards (functioning smoke/CO detectors, safe egress, adequate sanitation, etc.).
• Obtain your Marion County Vacation Rental License from the Tax Collector’s Office. The application, inspection, and approval process are initiated through their portal/office.
• Register for Florida’s transient rental tax (formerly sales tax) and Tourist Development Tax (TDT) with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) and Marion County Tax Collector; set up tax filings and payments.
• Set up compliant advertising and listing content that includes required registration numbers/taxes statements as mandated by Florida law.
• Implement operations: bookings, housekeeping, guest screening, occupancy limits, noise/nuisance controls, and record‑keeping for taxes and inspections.
• Maintain renewals and ongoing compliance (license renewals, inspections, tax filings, local nuisance provisions).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Marion County Vacation Rental License:
  • Application filed with the Marion County Tax Collector.
  • Property inspection/approval by county inspectors prior to approval.
  • License must be displayed or readily available upon request.
• Florida Transient Rental Tax Registration:
  • Register with the Florida DOR to collect/remit the transient rental tax on lodging.
• Tourist Development Tax (TDT):
  • Register and remit the county TDT through the Tax Collector’s systems (often coupled with the vacation rental registration workflow).
• Local compliance checklist:
  • Zoning/use compliance verification.
  • Safety devices: smoke detectors in all sleeping rooms and common areas; CO detectors if applicable.
  • Habitable condition: sanitation, running water, safe electrical systems.
  • Occupancy and parking controls consistent with Marion County standards (when applicable).
  • Noise/nuisance controls and trash management adherence.
• Ongoing obligations:
  • Renew license(s) as required by Marion County.
  • Monthly/quarterly tax filings and remittances to the DOR and County.
  • Maintain records for inspections and tax audits.
  • If the property is a tiny home, park model, or other alternative housing, ensure Florida Building Code compliance and permitting before operating as an STR.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

• City level: Fort McCoy has no separate municipal STR ordinance; all requirements flow from Marion County and the State of Florida.
• County level (Marion County):
  • STRs are allowed via the Marion County vacation rental licensing program administered by the Tax Collector.
  • A county inspection is required before approval and thereafter per renewal schedule.
  • TDT applies and is administered by the county; your registration must be current to operate legally.
  • Owners must comply with local zoning, safety, and nuisance standards.
• State level (Florida):
  • Register with the DOR for transient rental tax; collect/remit lodging taxes on each booking.
  • STRs must comply with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) for any construction/placement of alternative housing such as tiny homes or park models:
    • Typical size guidance: up to ~400 square feet for certain classifications (e.g., park models/RVIA-certified).
    • Minimum ceiling height: 6'8".
    • All units must pass required inspections and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to occupancy when applicable.
  • Florida law imposes advertising and registration disclosure obligations for STRs; ensure listing platforms display required numbers and tax disclosures.
• Compliance guidance for Marion County:
  • Verify that STR activity is a permitted use at your property’s zoning designation.
  • Maintain safety devices and habitability standards; be prepared for periodic inspections.
  • Observe occupancy, parking, and noise rules to prevent nuisance enforcement.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• Marion County Tax Collector’s Office
  • Vacation Rental Licensing (including TDT registration)
  • Phone: Contact the Marion County Tax Collector’s Office for current numbers
  • Website: Marion County Tax Collector – Vacation Rentals
  • Email: Use the Tax Collector’s online inquiry/contact form or office email listed on the official site
• Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)
  • Transient Rental Tax (lodging tax) registration and compliance
  • Phone and online registration: Florida DOR
• Marion County Planning/Zoning (for use/zoning confirmation)
  • Address and contact: County offices in Ocala, FL (Marion County seat)
  • Note: For zoning verification, contact the county planning department or building department for current contacts and guidance
• Useful Marion County resources (for residents, property, and county services)
  • Website: Marion County Government Official Site

Important Notes for Operators in Fort McCoy

• Fort McCoy is within Marion County’s jurisdiction; there are no city-specific STR rules beyond county/state requirements.
• Always verify current inspection requirements, renewal cycles, and tax filing frequencies with the Tax Collector’s office and the DOR before launching.
• If you are developing or placing a tiny home/park model on the property, confirm all Florida Building Code requirements and permitting steps before listing or accepting guests.

Links to Source Pages

• How to Start an Airbnb in Marion County, Florida
  • flvacationrentals.co/guide-how-to-start-an-airbnb-in-marion-county-florida/
• Marion County Tax Collector’s Office
  • www.mariontax.com/td-home
• Tiny Home Regulations in Florida (context for FBC/IRC requirements for alternative housing units)
  • www.zookcabins.com/regulations/tiny-home-regulations-in-florida/

If you would like a readiness checklist tailored to your exact property (address, zoning, structure type) or help preparing the application and tax registrations, I can provide a customized filing plan based on your details.