Executive summary

• Short‑term rentals are allowed in Hudson, FL. Hudson does not maintain its own city‑level STR licensing code; STR activity in Hudson is regulated primarily by the State of Florida and Pasco County.
• To operate legally, most STR operators must obtain a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) “vacation rental” license (state), comply with Pasco County’s minimum stay and local business tax receipt requirements (county), and collect/remit applicable state and local taxes.
• Key practical thresholds and operational expectations: Florida defines a vacation rental as any property rented more than three times in a calendar year for stays of less than 30 days; Pasco County requires a minimum six‑day stay for STRs; the DBPR license must be renewed annually; and guests are subject to Florida’s 6% sales tax plus discretionary surtax and the county’s Tourist Development Tax (bed tax).

How to start a short‑term rental business in Hudson, FL

• Confirm zoning and legal eligibility

  • Validate that the property’s zoning permits transient lodging. If the property is in a homeowners’ association (HOA), condominium, or co‑op, check covenants for STR restrictions or approval requirements.
  • Decide on your operating model. If you will reside on‑site while hosting (home‑share/hosted), confirm whether any state licensing exemptions apply and whether Pasco still requires a BTR. Always review the county’s most current code for local requirements.

• Obtain the required state license

  • Apply for a DBPR Vacation Rental License.
    • Classification: Apply as a “Vacation Rental Dwelling” (single‑family or multifamily up to four units) or “Vacation Rental Condo/Co‑op,” as applicable.
    • License options: Single (one property), Group (multiple units in the same building), Collective (up to 75 units in one district).
    • Processing: Applications are filed online via DBPR Online Services. Processing typically takes 1–2 business days. A separate license is required for each unit unless using a Group/Collective license where permitted.

• Register locally with Pasco County

  • Secure a Pasco County Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for the STR operation.
  • Confirm Pasco’s minimum stay requirement: County ordinance reportedly prohibits STR rentals for fewer than six days; investors should confirm the current wording of the ordinance before relying on this requirement.

• Taxes and registration numbers

  • State sales tax and discretionary sales surtax: Collect and remit Florida’s 6% sales tax plus the applicable Pasco County discretionary sales surtax.
  • Tourist Development Tax (bed tax): Collect and remit the county bed tax (TDT). Rates and administration may change; verify current rates and remittance process with the Pasco County Tax Collector or Tourist Development Council.
  • Note: Vacation rentals are generally not eligible for Florida’s homestead exemption when rented for more than 30 days per year or in a manner inconsistent with the exemption’s primary‑residence criteria.

• Safety, compliance, and operational standards

  • Display: Post the DBPR license number at the property and include it in your online listing(s).
  • Safety: Maintain functioning smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and any pool/spa safety equipment required by Florida law. Building balconies three stories or higher must have a Certificate of Balcony Inspection; the certificate must be renewed every three years.
  • Human trafficking awareness: Complete DBPR‑required human trafficking awareness training if you have staff (housekeeping/front‑desk). Even if you operate without employees, confirm any attestations or awareness steps required by DBPR during licensing.

• Insurance and legal entity

  • Upgrade insurance: Personal homeowners policies typically exclude short‑term rental use. Obtain STR‑specific coverage (e.g., through specialty carriers or a business policy).
  • Entity setup: Consider forming an LLC and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to separate business liabilities and finances.

• Platform compliance and listing

  • Include your DBPR license number in your Airbnb/VRBO listing and ensure your listing terms and house rules are consistent with Florida law and Pasco County requirements (e.g., minimum stay).
  • Maintain guest screening and house rules that discourage parties, noise, and nuisance behavior.

• Ongoing compliance and renewals

  • Renew the DBPR license annually (license expiration is tied to your assigned DBPR district’s renewal cycle).
  • Renew the Pasco County BTR annually.
  • Continue collecting and remitting state sales tax/discretionary surtax and the county TDT on a timely basis (monthly/quarterly filings are common; verify your filing cadence with the Department of Revenue).
  • Keep records: licenses, permits, tax remittances, inspection certificates, safety logs, and training certificates.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• State

  • DBPR Vacation Rental License (Vacation Rental Dwelling or Vacation Rental Condo/Co‑op; single/group/collective).
  • DBPR human trafficking awareness training documentation (if applicable to your staffing).
  • Certificate of Balcony Inspection (for buildings three stories or taller; re‑certify every three years).
  • Safety equipment compliance (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, pool safety equipment as applicable).
  • Proof of license display at the property and on listings.

• County (Pasco)

  • Pasco County Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for the STR business.
  • Compliance with the county minimum stay requirement for STRs (commonly cited as six days); confirm the current ordinance before relying on it.

• Taxes and registrations

  • State sales tax and discretionary sales surtax account registration and monthly/quarterly remittances.
  • Tourist Development Tax (bed tax) registration and remittances.
  • DBPR license number inclusion in listings.

• Documentation and record‑keeping

  • Ownership/property information, classification details, guest screening records, maintenance logs, and tax remittance reports. Retain all documents in a digital folder for audits or renewals.

Specific regulations: City, County, and State

• City (Hudson)

  • No Hudson‑specific STR licensing or permitting requirements were identified in the provided materials. Hudson’s STR activity is governed by Pasco County and the State of Florida.

• County (Pasco)

  • STRs are subject to Pasco County’s local rules. The county reportedly imposes a six‑day minimum stay for short‑term rentals; investors should confirm the current ordinance and enforcement practices before listing.
  • A Pasco County Business Tax Receipt is required to operate a business locally.

• State (Florida)

  • Definition: A vacation rental is any property rented more than three times in a calendar year for stays of less than 30 days (or one calendar month, whichever is less). Timeshare properties are excluded.
  • Licensing: Operated under DBPR’s Vacation Rental program. Separate licenses for each unit unless a Group/Collective license applies.
  • Safety and compliance: State standards for cleanliness, safety equipment, and maintenance apply. Balcony inspections are required for three‑story+ buildings and must be renewed every three years.
  • Taxes: Guests are subject to Florida’s 6% sales tax plus the applicable county discretionary sales surtax, and the county Tourist Development Tax. Hosts must collect and remit these taxes. If you use an online platform, it may collect and remit certain taxes on your behalf, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance.
  • Penalties: Operating without a required DBPR license can trigger enforcement, fines, and business shutdown. Local unpermitted operation can also lead to code enforcement penalties at the county level.
  • Platform/in‑listing compliance: License numbers must be displayed at the property and in listings; unregistered listings are subject to enforcement.

Key thresholds and recurring obligations

• Rent more than three times per year for stays under 30 days → vacation rental licensing required (unless a qualifying hosted exemption applies).
• Group license: multiple units in the same building; Collective license: up to 75 units in one district.
• Annual DBPR license renewal; annual Pasco BTR renewal.
• Monthly/quarterly state and local tax remittances (verify cadence with the Florida Department of Revenue).
• Balcony inspections every three years for buildings three stories or taller.
• Safety equipment and sanitation standards maintained at all times.

Contact information and resources

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

  • Website: myfloridalicense.com/DBPR
  • Online licensing and renewals: myfloridalicense.com/datamart/mainMenuFLDBPR.do
  • Phone: Contact DBPR via the main line/contact portal on its website for current licensing assistance.

• Pasco County Tax Collector (Business Tax Receipts and Tourist Development Tax)

  • Website: pascotax.com
  • Phone: Use the main contact line listed on the county site for current BTR and bed‑tax guidance.

• Pasco County Tourist Development Council (tourism‑related taxes and programs)

  • Website: pascotravel.net
  • Phone: Contact via the site’s current listing for program information.

• Pasco County Government (general administration, code enforcement)

  • Website: pascocountyfl.net
  • Phone: Contact the main line shown on the county site for planning/zoning and code enforcement inquiries.

• Florida Department of Revenue (sales and use tax; TDT administration)

  • Website: floridarevenue.com
  • Phone: Use the current contact information on the site for tax account setup and filing questions.

Source links and notes

• Florida STR legal framework and definitions, licensing pathways, balcony inspection and human trafficking training requirements, and tax context: beachsidevr.com/blog/2025-guide-to-florida-short-term-rental-laws/ (2025)
• Pasco County minimum stay context (six‑day rule) and general STR investment considerations for Hudson: mashvisor.com/blog/airbnb-hudson-fl/ (2022; updated 2024)

Important cautions

• Regulations evolve. Verify Pasco County’s current minimum stay rule, local licensing, and the Tourist Development Tax rate before listing. If the property is governed by an HOA/condo board, obtain written confirmation of STR permissions, occupancy caps, parking, and quiet‑hours rules.
• DBPR license renewal dates and fees vary by district. Use the DBPR fee calculator and check your specific renewal deadline each year.
• If you plan to operate as a hosted home‑share, confirm any licensing or registration exemptions and local compliance requirements with Pasco County.

By aligning your operation with DBPR’s licensing and safety rules, Pasco County’s BTR and minimum‑stay rules, and Florida’s tax framework, you can launch and maintain a compliant short‑term rental business in Hudson.