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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Inverness, Florida. Inverness, located within Citrus County, has received state approval for vacation rental operations. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) approved Citrus County's request to permit vacation rental operations under Executive Order 20-123, with approval becoming effective immediately. There are no city-specific short-term rental regulations in Inverness, so all operations must comply with county and state-level requirements.

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

Step 1: Understand State Licensing Requirements

Florida law requires a vacation rental license for properties rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days, or properties advertised as regularly rented to guests. Properties that qualify as public lodging establishments require different licensing than residential dwelling units.

Step 2: Determine Your Property Classification

• Condominium Classification: Properties in condo/cooperative associations
• Dwelling Classification: Single-family, two-family, or four-family houses
• Application Process: You can combine similar properties (all condos or all dwellings) into a single application

Step 3: Complete Required Inspections and Training

• Obtain a Certificate of Balcony Inspection (required every three years for properties 3+ stories or with balconies 17+ feet above grade)
• Complete human trafficking awareness training for employees handling housekeeping or guest check-in/check-out

Step 4: Tax Registration and Collection Setup

• Register for state sales tax (6%)
• Set up collection for Citrus County Tourist Development Tax (5%)
• Arrange for county-imposed sales surtax collection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (DBPR License)

For Condo Vacation Rentals:

• Main address (owner/operator address of record)
• Complete rental location addresses for all units
• Resort classification selection (Single: 1-4 units, Group: multiple units same building, Collective: up to 75 units different addresses)
• Application fees
• Disabled veteran exemption documentation (if applicable)
• Certificate of Balcony Inspection (if applicable)
• Human trafficking training compliance

For Dwelling Vacation Rentals:

• Main address (owner's primary residence address)
• Complete rental location addresses
• Resort classification selection
• Application fees
• Disabled veteran exemption documentation (if applicable)
• Certificate of Balcony Inspection (if applicable)
• Human trafficking training compliance

Tax Registration Documents

• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• State sales tax registration
• Tourist development tax registration with Citrus County
• Income tax preparation documentation

Safety and Compliance Documentation

• Certificate of Balcony Inspection (every 3 years for qualifying properties)
• Property insurance documentation
• Emergency contact information posted in rental units

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Citrus County Requirements

• Tourist Development Tax: 5% on all short-term rentals (collected in addition to state sales tax)
• Safety Plan Compliance: County was approved for operation under state-mandated safety protocols

State of Florida Requirements

• Minimum Rental Period: Properties cannot be rented for less than 30 days without proper licensing
• Licensing Threshold: License required if renting more than 3 times per calendar year for less than 30 days
• Balcony Safety: Properties 3+ stories or with balconies 17+ feet above grade require inspection certification
• Human Trafficking Training: Mandatory for housekeeping and front desk staff
• Insurance Requirements: Liability insurance protection for guests

Municipal Compliance

• Inverness requires adherence to general housing and safety standards
• No specific short-term rental ordinances or restrictions beyond state and county requirements
• Standard property maintenance and zoning compliance applicable

Federal Tax Considerations

• Properties rented 14+ days annually with limited personal use (14 days or 10% of rental time) may qualify for federal tax deductions
• Homestead exemption may be lost if primary residence is rented more than 30 days annually
• Income tax reporting required for all rental income

Contact Information for Local Authority

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Primary Contact for Vacation Rental Licensing

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
• Emergency Information: www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency
• Online Application: Available through DBPR website
• Phone: Contact through DBPR website for specific licensing inquiries

Citrus County Government

For Tourist Development Tax and Local Regulations

• Website: citrusbocc.com/
• Growth Management Department: For zoning and permitting questions
• Code Compliance: For local ordinance compliance
• Tourism Division: For tax collection guidance

Tax Collection Contacts

Florida Department of Revenue (State Sales Tax)

• Website: floridarevenue.com
• Forms: DR-15TDT (Tourist Development Tax), DR-15DSS (Discretionary Sales Surtax)

Links to Source Pages

1. Citrus County Vacation Rental Approval: citrusbocc.com/news_detail_T12_R958.php
2. Florida STR Regulations Overview: www.igms.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-florida-short-term-rentals-law/
3. Inverness Market Information: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/inverness-florida
4. Florida Vacation Rental Licensing: www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/licensing-and-regulation/
5. Certificate of Balcony Inspection Form: www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/forms/documents/dbpr_hr_7020_certificate_of_balcony_inspection.pdf
6. Tourist Development Tax Information: floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/dr15tdt.pdf
7. Discretionary Sales Surtax Information: floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/dr15dss.pdf

Investment Recommendations

Given Inverness's position within Citrus County and the absence of city-specific restrictions, investors can operate short-term rentals relatively freely while adhering to state and county requirements. The 5% tourist development tax and 6% state sales tax represent a combined 11% tax obligation on gross rental income, which should be factored into pricing strategies. The approval status and regulatory clarity make Inverness a favorable market for short-term rental investments within the broader framework of Florida's vacation rental laws.