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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Havana, FL under specific conditions and regulations. The town operates under a "Performance Zoning Ordinance" that allows for vacation rentals and bed and breakfast operations, subject to zoning district requirements, permits, and compliance with local regulations. Properties may operate as short-term rentals if they meet the definition and requirements outlined in the town's zoning code.

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

Step 1: Determine Zoning Compliance

1. Verify zoning district for your property using the Official Zoning Map of the Town of Havana
2. Check use restrictions based on zoning district (Neighborhood Conservation, Development, Urban Core, or Heavy Industrial)

Step 2: Understand Allowed STR Types

Based on the zoning ordinance, Havana primarily allows:

• Bed and Breakfast Inns (limited to 5 or fewer guest rooms)
• Traditional vacation rentals (subject to zoning district approval)
• Home occupations (for small-scale operations)

Step 3: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

1. Zoning Certificate (Section 8001)
2. Building permits if modifications are needed
3. Business tax receipt from Town of Havana
4. State registration for Florida business operations

Step 4: Compliance Setup

1. Insurance requirements for rental operations
2. Safety inspections as required
3. Guest registration and record-keeping systems
4. Property management protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (Town of Havana)

1. Zoning Certificate (Section 8001)

• Application Required: Form to be submitted to the Planning Department
• Purpose: Certifies that the proposed use complies with zoning regulations
• Fee: As established by Town Council (see Section 8018)
• Review Process: Administrative approval based on compliance with zoning standards

2. Conditional Use Permit (if required)

• Applicability: Certain STR operations may require conditional use approval depending on zoning district
• Process: Public hearing before Planning Commission and Town Council
• Standards: Must demonstrate compatibility with neighborhood character

3. Building Permits

• Required for: Structural modifications, plumbing/electrical work, safety installations
• Inspection: Building Inspection Officer oversight (Section 8011)
• Standards: Must comply with Gadsden County Building Code

4. Business Tax Receipt

• Requirement: Annual business tax payment to Town of Havana
• Amount: Varies based on business type and gross receipts

State Requirements (Florida)

1. Business Registration

• Florida Business: Register with Florida Department of State
• Tax ID: Obtain federal and state tax identification numbers
• Workers' Compensation: If applicable for employees

2. Sales and Use Tax Registration

• Transient Rental Tax: Register with Florida Department of Revenue
• Monthly Filing: Collect and remit applicable taxes
• Current Rate: Contact Florida DOR for current rates

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning District Restrictions

Neighborhood Conservation District (NC)

• STR Status: Limited operations only
• Bed and Breakfast: NOT permitted in NC district
• Primary Use: Single-family detached dwellings only
• Focus: Preserve existing neighborhood character

Development District (D)

• STR Status: Most permissive for STR operations
• Allowed Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns, vacation rentals
• Standards: Subject to performance zoning requirements
• Density: Moderate density residential development permitted

Urban Core District (UC)

• STR Status: Permitted with higher density allowances
• Character: Community focal point and business center
• Standards: High-intensity use regulations
• Infrastructure: Enhanced public facilities required

Heavy Industrial District (HI)

• STR Status: Not typically appropriate for residential STR operations
• Primary Uses: Industrial operations only
• Focus: Major industrial activities with significant impacts

Bed and Breakfast Inn Specific Regulations (Section 2300 Definition)

Operational Standards

• Guest Rooms: Maximum of 5 or fewer guest rooms
• Owner Residence: Owner/operator must maintain permanent residence on premises
• Food Service: No food preparation or cooking in individual guest rooms
• Kitchen/Pantry: Food preparation limited to designated kitchen and pantry areas
• Stay Duration: Guests limited to maximum of 14 consecutive days
• Parking: Adequate parking as outlined in Section 5700 required

Zoning Restrictions

• Neighborhood Conservation: Bed and Breakfast Inns NOT allowed
• Other Districts: Permitted subject to compliance with zoning standards

Property Standards and Requirements

Performance Standards (Section 4202)

All STR operations must comply with:

• Open Space Ratio: As specified in Section 4203 Table
• Impervious Surface Ratio: Maximum limits by district
• Density Factor: Residential intensity limitations
• Floor Area Factor: Building intensity controls

Site Design Requirements (Section 4612)

• Landscaping: General landscaping requirements
• Parking: Off-street parking standards (Section 5700)
• Lighting: Exterior lighting performance standards
• Signs: Sign regulations compliance (Section 4616)

Infrastructure Requirements

• Access: Roadway access standards (Section 4706)
• Fire Safety: Access for fire vehicles and apparatus (Section 4709)
• Utilities: Adequate water, sewer, and stormwater management
• Waste Management: Solid waste disposal compliance

Guest and Operational Limitations

Occupancy and Use

• Duration Limits: 14-day maximum stay for Bed and Breakfast operations
• Occupancy: Based on zoning district and structure capacity
• Noise: Compliance with residential noise standards
• Parking: Guest parking within specified limits

Record Keeping Requirements

• Guest Register: Maintain records of all guests (names and dates)
• Inspection Access: Records available for County inspection
• Compliance Monitoring: Ongoing compliance with all regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Havana Administrative Contacts

Planning Department

• Zoning Inquiries: Planning Director
• Permits: Zoning Officer
• Phone: Contact Gadsden County for current Town contact information
• Physical Address: Town Hall, Havana, FL (specific address to be verified)

Building Department

• Building Permits: Building Inspection Officer
• Inspections: Required for STR modifications
• Code Compliance: Gadsden County Building Code standards

Town Council

• Policy Questions: Town Council members
• Conditional Uses: Public hearing scheduling
• Appeals: Variance and interpretation requests

Gadsden County Contacts

County Planning

• Comprehensive Planning: County planning staff
• Development Review: Site plan and development approval
• Intergovernmental Coordination: Municipal-county coordination

Tax Collector

• Business Tax Receipts: Annual registration
• Property Taxes: STR property assessment
• Contact: Gadsden County Tax Collector office

Health Department

• Septic Systems: STR waste management compliance
• Food Service: Bed and breakfast food service permits
• Public Health: Health and safety inspections

State of Florida Contacts

Department of Revenue

• Transient Rental Tax: Monthly filing and remittance
• Business Registration: Sales and use tax account
• Online: floridarevenue.com

Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Lodging Licenses: State lodging operation permits
• Inspection: State lodging facility compliance
• Online: myfloridalicense.com

Important Notes for STR Investors

Market Considerations

• Limited STR Market: Havana's small-town character limits large-scale STR operations
• Tourism Base: Limited compared to larger Florida destinations
• Seasonal Variations: Consider local economic factors
• Competition: Limited existing STR inventory

Regulatory Compliance Priority

• Zoning Verification: Always confirm STR legality before property purchase
• Permit Timeline: Allow sufficient time for permit approvals
• Ongoing Compliance: Regular monitoring of regulation changes
• Neighbor Relations: Maintain positive community relationships

Investment Strategy Recommendations

• Bed and Breakfast Model: Focus on established B&B operations
• Zoning Compliance: Purchase properties in appropriate districts
• Infrastructure: Ensure adequate parking and utilities
• Professional Management: Consider professional property management

Source Pages

• Town of Havana Performance Zoning Ordinance

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided zoning ordinance content. Investors should verify current regulations, permit requirements, and contact information with the Town of Havana before making investment decisions. Zoning regulations and permitted uses can change, and this analysis represents the information available as of the ordinance revision date of June 2015.