Hernando Beach, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Executive Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Hernando Beach, FL and Hernando County. The county has a well-established regulatory framework for vacation rentals, including mandatory registration, tax collection, and licensing requirements. Hernando County actively permits STR operations and has partnered with major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to facilitate tax collection and compliance.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Hernando Beach

1. Initial Registration and Setup

Step 1: Register with Hernando County

Complete registration through Host Compliance, the county's designated platform
Access registration at: secure.hostcompliance.com/hernando-county-fl/permit-registration/registration_documents
Required documents for registration:
- State Driver's License or State Identification Card
- Utility bill (cable, electric, etc.) associated with the rental property
Obtain your parcel key number from the Hernando County Property Appraiser's website: hernandopa-fl.us/

Step 2: Obtain Florida Sales Tax Number

Register with Florida Department of Revenue before conducting business
Required for all taxable sales in Florida
Can use "0" in registration field if number pending

Step 3: DBPR Vacation Rental License (if required) Apply online through Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

Condominium units: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2006
Dwelling units: www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007

License required if: Renting entire unit more than three times per calendar year for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less, OR advertised/held out as regularly rented to guests.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

County Level Requirements

Tourist Development Tax Registration

Complete registration through Host Compliance platform
Maintain monthly reporting obligations
Display registration number prominently if required

Property Documentation

Property deed or ownership documentation
Utility bill in owner's name
Parcel key number from County Property Appraiser

State Level Requirements

Florida Sales Tax Certificate

Register with Florida Department of Revenue
Required before conducting business

DBPR Vacation Rental License

Application fee: $50
HEP (Hospitality Education Program) fee: $10
License fees: Vary by unit count and license type:
- Single unit: $170 full year / $90 half year
- 2-25 units: $180 full year / $95 half year
- See complete fee schedule in regulations section

License Classifications:

Single License: One property owned and operated by same individual/entity
Group License: All units in building/group managed by licensed agent
Collective License: Group of separate properties (max 75 units, one district)

Operational Requirements

Display Requirements

Current licenses must be displayed conspicuously on premises
Copy of Tourist Development Tax registration if required

Safety and Sanitation Standards

Keep unit clean, safe, and in good physical condition
Clean bedding and linens between guests or weekly, whichever comes first
Provide soap (individually wrapped bars or dispenser)
Sanitize dishes and glassware between guests or post required notice
Maintain property free of vermin

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Hernando County Regulations

Tourist Development Tax (Bed Tax)

Rate: 5% of gross rental amount
Additional Sales Tax: 6.5% (state sales tax)
Total Tax Burden: 11.5% on short-term rentals
Reporting: Monthly, due by 20th of following month
Collection Allowance: 2.5% of first $1,200 collected (max $30) for timely filing
Platform Partnership: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit TDT on behalf of hosts
Required Registration: All STR properties must register, even if using partnered platforms

Facilities Subject to Tax: Living quarters and accommodations including but not limited to: hotel, motel, resort, apartment complex, rooming house, mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, dry camping, single family dwelling, mobile homes, beach house, cottage, condominium, bed & breakfast, or any other sleeping accommodations rented for six months or less.

Penalties for Noncompliance:

Filing errors: $50 or 10% of delinquent tax (whichever greater)
Failure to collect tax: Personal liability, potential misdemeanor charges
County ordinance violations: Fine up to $500 or 60 days imprisonment
Tax warrant liens, tax executions, and garnishment proceedings possible

Florida State Regulations (DBPR)

Operating Requirements

License required for entire unit rentals (not room rentals)
Renting more than 3 times per year triggers licensing requirement
Must meet cleanliness and safety standards
Fire safety compliance required

Fire Safety Requirements (3+ story buildings)

Smoke detectors in every unit
Hearing impaired detectors: 1 per 50 units (max 5)
Safe electrical systems, no extension cords
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code compliance
Automatic sprinklers required for buildings 75+ feet or 3+ stories with interior egress

Human Trafficking Training

Required for housekeeping and front desk employees
Annual training mandatory
New employees within 60 days

Special Considerations

COVID-19 Safety Plan

Hernando County maintained a Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan during pandemic
Plan approved by DBPR for operations
May serve as template for future health emergencies

Building Safety

Certificate of Balcony Inspection required every 3 years for buildings 3+ stories (unless common elements)
Submit to DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Contact Information

Hernando County Tourist Development Tax Administration

Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller

Phone: (352) 540-6518
Email: TDT@hernandoclerk.org
Main Office: 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville FL 34601
Office Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday
Spring Hill Office: 7405 Forest Oaks Boulevard, Spring Hill FL 34606
Office Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
Main Phone: (352) 754-4201

Host Compliance Platform

Registration: secure.hostcompliance.com/hernando-county-fl/permit-registration/registration_documents
Remittance/Login: secure.hostcompliance.com/hernando-county-fl/remit/registration_number

Property Appraiser (for Parcel Key Numbers)

Website: hernandopa-fl.us/
Phone: (352) 754-4190

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Director: Steven von Bodungen
Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011
Phone: (850) 487-1395
TTY: (800) 955-8771
Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
Customer Contact Center: Submit requests at www2.myfloridalicense.com/contact-us/

Hernando County Tourism Department

Tourism Department

Phone: (352) 754-4405
Website: www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-n-z/tourism
Emergency Management: www.HernandoCounty.us/em

Key Source Links

This comprehensive regulatory framework positions Hernando Beach as a STR-friendly market with clear requirements and established processes for legal operation.

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