Key Largo, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

Zoning Restrictions and Allowed Areas

Prohibited Areas

Short-term rentals are completely prohibited in the following land use districts:

Improved Subdivision (IS)
Urban Residential Mobile Home (URM)
IS-M (Improved Subdivision Masonry)

Permitted Areas (with Special Vacation Rental Permit)

Short-term rentals may be allowed in these land use districts:

SR (Suburban Residential)
MU (Mixed Use)
UR (Urban Residential)
IS-V (Improved Subdivision Vacation Rental)
OS (Offshore Islands)

Property owners must consult the official Vacation Rental Map Restrictions to verify if their specific property is in an allowed zone.

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

Step 2: Obtain Required Licenses and Permits

You must obtain two separate requirements:

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

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 3: 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)

Step 4: Obtain Business Tax License

All rental properties require a business tax license
Contact Monroe County Tax Collector at monroetaxcollector.com

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Essential Applications:

Additional Forms:

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

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

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

Compliance and Code Requirements

Properties must comply with Monroe County Land Development Code
Regular inspections ensure public health, safety, and welfare standards
Violations subject to code compliance enforcement action

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources Department

Address: 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040 Main Phone: 305-294-4641 Email: ballard-lindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov Website: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/701/Special-Vacation-Rental-Program

Monroe County Tax Collector

Website: http://www.monroetaxcollector.com/

Code Compliance Reporting

Department: Monroe County Code Compliance Website: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/codecompliance

Important Source Links

Primary Regulations: Monroe County Special Vacation Rental Program
Vacation Rental Map Restrictions: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12047
Fire Safety Inspection Requests: http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/FormCenter/Fire-Rescue-21/Vacation-Rental-Inspection-Request-75
Monroe County Forms and Applications: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/189

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

Location is Critical: Many areas in Key Largo prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Verify zoning before purchasing property.
Dual Licensing Required: You need both a Special Vacation Rental Permit and a Manager License - budget $600+ for initial setup.
Annual Compliance: Fire inspections and permit renewals are required annually, adding ongoing operational costs.
28-Day Rule: Properties in prohibited zones can only advertise 28+ day rentals, effectively limiting them to mid-term rentals.
Non-Transferable Permits: When purchasing existing rental properties, new owners must restart the entire permitting process.
Strict Enforcement: Monroe County actively enforces vacation rental regulations through code compliance actions.

The regulatory environment in Key Largo is complex and restrictive compared to many other Florida markets. Thorough due diligence on zoning compliance is essential before investing in short-term rental properties in this area.

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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