Key Largo, Florida
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Key Largo, FL
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STR Regulations for Key Largo, Florida
Key Largo, Florida Short-Term Rental Investment Guide
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Key Largo?
Yes, short-term rentals (less than 28 days) are allowed in specific areas of Key Largo, but they are heavily regulated and restricted by Monroe County. Key Largo is located in unincorporated Monroe County, and the county has strict zoning restrictions that determine where vacation rentals can operate. Short-term rentals are prohibited in certain residential districts but may be permitted in others with proper licensing and permits.
Key Point: In most residential areas of Key Largo, there is a mandatory 28-day minimum rental requirement. This fundamentally changes the traditional short-term rental model and effectively creates a monthly rental market rather than nightly/weekly rentals.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Key Largo
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
- Check the vacation rental restriction maps to confirm your property is in an allowed zone
- Ensure your property's land use district permits vacation rentals
- Critical: Get written confirmation from Monroe County Planning before purchasing any property
Step 2: Understand the 28-Day Minimum Rule
- In most residential areas, rentals must be for 28+ consecutive days to the same tenant
- This creates a "monthly rental" model rather than traditional STR
- Some gated communities may allow shorter stays with proper permits
Step 3: Obtain Required Licenses and Permits
A. Annual Special Vacation Rental Permit
- Initial Application Fee: $490
- Renewal Fee: $100 annually
- Required for each dwelling unit before renting as vacation rental
- Non-transferable between owners
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks
B. Special Vacation Rental Manager License
- Application Fee: $110
- Required for the designated vacation rental manager
- Must be obtained from Planning & Environmental Resources Department
Step 4: Pass Fire and Life Safety Inspection
All properties require mandatory fire inspection:
- 1 Bedroom: $100 inspection fee
- 2-3 Bedrooms: $200 inspection fee
- 4+ Bedrooms: $300 inspection fee
- Re-inspection fees: Base fee + $50 (after third inspection)
- Scheduling: Through Monroe County Fire Rescue online portal
Step 5: Obtain State and Local Licenses
- Florida DBPR License (resort dwelling/condominium)
- Florida Sales Tax Certificate
- Monroe County Business Tax Receipt
- Tourist Development Tax registration
Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses
Essential Applications:
- Initial Special Vacation Rental Application
- Renewal of Special Vacation Rental Application
- Special Vacation Rental Manager License Application
- Fire and Life Safety Inspection Request
Additional Required Documents:
- Florida Sales Tax Certificate
- DBPR License (state level)
- Monroe County Business Tax Receipt
- Tourist Development Tax registration
- Property insurance documentation
- Proof of ownership (deed)
- Parking plan sketch
- Guest registry records
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
Zoning Restrictions
Prohibited Areas: Short-term rentals are completely prohibited in:
- Improved Subdivision (IS)
- Urban Residential Mobile Home (URM)
- IS-M (Improved Subdivision Masonry)
Permitted Areas (with Special Vacation Rental Permit):
- SR (Suburban Residential)
- MU (Mixed Use)
- UR (Urban Residential)
- IS-V (Improved Subdivision Vacation Rental)
- OS (Offshore Islands)
Advertising Requirements
- All advertising must reflect a 28-day minimum stay requirement
- Must display monthly rates for rental or lease
- All rentals should be for 28+ consecutive days to the same tenant
- Advertising rentals less than 28 days in prohibited zones is unlawful
Manager Requirements
- All vacation rental units must have a designated vacation rental manager
- Manager must possess a valid Special Vacation Rental Manager License
- Manager responsible for property compliance and guest management
- Must be available 24/7 to resolve issues
Property Transfer Rules
- Special vacation rental permits are non-transferable between owners
- New owners must obtain new vacation rental permits
- Change of ownership requires complete re-application process
Safety and Compliance Requirements
- Fire and life safety inspection required annually
- Pool safety compliance (if applicable)
- Posted information requirements
- Maximum occupancy limits
- Parking requirements
Tax Requirements
Combined Tax Rate: 12.5%
- Florida Sales Tax: 7.5% (6% state + 1.5% county surtax)
- Monroe County Tourist Development Tax: 5%
- Filing: Monthly returns due by 20th of each month
Special Considerations
- Airbnb collects Florida sales tax automatically but NOT TDT
- VRBO does not collect either tax automatically
- Owner responsible for all tax collection and remittance
Contact Information for Local Authorities
Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department
Address: 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040
Main Phone: 305-294-4641
Key Largo Office: Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
Key Largo Phone: 305-453-8800
Email: ballard-lindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov
Website: Monroe County Special Vacation Rental Program
Monroe County Tax Collector
Website: monroetaxcollector.com
Tourist Development Tax: jgil@monroetaxcollector.com or sroberts@monroecounty-fl.gov
Monroe County Fire Rescue
Inspection Requests: Fire Safety Inspection Portal
Phone: 305-289-6018
Monroe County Code Compliance
Phone: 305-453-8800
Website: Code Compliance
State Level Contacts
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: 850-487-1395
Florida Department of Revenue: 850-488-6800
Important Source Links
Primary Regulatory Sources:
- Monroe County Special Vacation Rental Program - Primary regulations
- Vacation Rental Map Restrictions - Official zoning maps
- Fire Safety Inspection Requests - Inspection scheduling
Additional Resources:
- Monroe County Forms and Applications - All required forms
- Florida Sales Tax Registration - State tax certificate
- DBPR License Application - State licensing
Key Takeaways for STR Investors
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Location is Critical: Many areas in Key Largo prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Verify zoning before purchasing property.
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28-Day Minimum Rule: Most properties can only rent for 28+ days, creating a monthly rental model rather than traditional STR.
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Dual Licensing Required: You need both a Special Vacation Rental Permit and a Manager License - budget $600+ for initial setup.
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Annual Compliance: Fire inspections and permit renewals are required annually, adding ongoing operational costs.
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Non-Transferable Permits: When purchasing existing rental properties, new owners must restart the entire permitting process.
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Strict Enforcement: Monroe County actively enforces vacation rental regulations through code compliance actions.
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Tax Complexity: Owners must handle both state sales tax (7.5%) and local TDT (5%) - total 12.5% tax burden.
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Market Positioning: Target snowbirds, remote workers, and long-term vacationers rather than traditional short-stay tourists.
Investment Strategy Considerations
Pros of Key Largo STR Investment:
- Most affordable Florida Keys entry point
- World-class diving and tourism attractions
- Stable monthly rental income with quality tenants
- Lower turnover and management costs than nightly rentals
- Growing remote work market supports longer stays
Cons and Challenges:
- 28-day minimum eliminates high-revenue nightly model
- Strict zoning limits eligible properties
- Complex multi-layered permitting process
- High tax burden (12.5% total)
- Hurricane and climate risks
Best Practices:
- Focus on monthly rental platforms and snowbird markets
- Invest in properties that can pass safety inspections
- Maintain strict compliance to avoid costly violations
- Consider gated communities that may allow shorter stays
- Budget for 2-3 months of vacancy annually
The regulatory environment in Key Largo is complex and restrictive compared to many other Florida markets. Thorough due diligence on zoning compliance and acceptance of the 28-day rental model is essential before investing in this market.
Key Largo
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Key Largo
Overview of Key Largo
Key Largo, Florida, is a popular tourist destination located in the Florida Keys archipelago. Known as the "Diving Capital of the World," this island community offers a rich blend of natural beauty, water activities, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Key Largo has a modest permanent population of approximately 10,000 residents, but this number swells with visitors throughout the year. The island is situated about 60 miles south of Miami, making it a convenient getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
The city's prime attraction is its proximity to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the nation, particularly within the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. More information about the park can be found here.
Other notable landmarks include the African Queen Canal Cruise, where visitors can ride on the actual steamboat used in the 1951 Humphrey Bogart film "The African Queen"—details can be found here. For nature enthusiasts, the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park offers hiking trails and a glimpse of the region's native flora and fauna, more of which can be explored here.
Given its vibrant tourism-driven economy, short-term rentals are in high demand in Key Largo. The city is well-suited for these types of accommodations as they provide flexible, home-like environments for families, diving enthusiasts, or individuals seeking a tranquil retreat. The popularity of short-term rentals is bolstered by the abundance of activities, dining options, and the overall charm of the locale. Official information on Key Largo tourism can be found on the area's Chamber of Commerce website here.
Thus, Key Largo's unique blend of natural allure, accessible location, and abundant recreational options make it an ideal spot for short-term rentals, catering to a diverse range of visitors from around the globe.
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