Key West, Florida
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Key West, FL
Challenging To Investors
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STR Regulations for Key West, Florida
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Key West, FL?
YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Key West, Florida, but under strict regulations and zoning restrictions. Short-term rentals are officially termed "vacation rentals" in Key West and Monroe County regulations. Properties can only be rented for 28 days or less (transient rentals), and operation is limited to specific zoning districts. The city has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework to balance tourism economic benefits with residential neighborhood preservation.
Critical restrictions include:
- 28-day minimum stay requirement
- Limited to designated zoning districts only
- Annual permit requirements
- Business tax receipt obligations
- Fire and life safety inspections
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Key West
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Before proceeding, confirm your property location allows vacation rental operation:
Allowed Districts (require Special Vacation Rental Permit):
- SR (Suburban Residential)
- MU (Mixed Use)
- UR (Urban Residential)
- IS-V (Improved Subdivision Vacation Rental)
- OS (Offshore Islands)
Prohibited Districts:
- IS (Improved Subdivision)
- URM (Urban Residential Mobile Home)
- IS-M (Improved Subdivision Masonry)
Verification Resources:
- Monroe County Vacation Rental Map Restrictions
- Contact Key West Planning Department: (305) 809-3720
- Email: planning@cityofkeywest-fl.gov
Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses
A. Special Vacation Rental Permit (Monroe County)
Initial Application Fee: $490 Annual Renewal Fee: $100 Application Links:
B. Special Vacation Rental Manager License
Application Fee: $110 Required for: Each vacation rental unit must have a licensed manager Application Link: Manager License Application
C. Business Tax Receipts
City of Key West Business Tax Receipt
- Required for all residential rental properties
- Contact: (305) 809-3955
- Email: licensing@cityofkeywest-fl.gov
Monroe County Business Tax Receipt
- Required for all rentals (long-term and short-term)
- Phone: (305) 295-5000
- Email: taxcollector@monroecounty-fl.gov
- Website: Monroe Tax Collector
Step 3: Complete Fire and Life Safety Inspection
Required for: Both initial and renewal permits Inspection Fees:
- 1 Bedroom: $100
- 2-3 Bedrooms: $200
- 4+ Bedrooms: $300
- Re-inspection fees: Base + $50 (after 3rd inspection)
Inspection Request: Fire and Life Safety Inspection Request
Step 4: Register for Tax Collection
Total Lodging Tax Rate: 11%
- Florida State Sales Tax: 6%
- Monroe County Tourist Development Tax: 5%
Registration Required With:
- Monroe County Tax Collector: (305) 295-5000
- Florida Department of Revenue: (850) 488-6800
Filing Requirements:
- Monthly reporting and payments
- Due by the 20th of each month for previous month's rentals
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
Mandatory Documents and Permits:
- Special Vacation Rental Permit (annual renewal required)
- Special Vacation Rental Manager License
- City of Key West Business Tax Receipt
- Monroe County Business Tax Receipt
- Fire and Life Safety Inspection Certificate
- Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax ID
- Property ownership proof
- Floor plan indicating guest areas
- Zoning compliance approval
Insurance Requirements:
- Liability insurance coverage is strongly recommended and likely required
- Must protect against potential damages or injuries on rental property
Advertising Compliance:
- All advertisements must reflect 28-day minimum stay requirement
- Monthly rates must be displayed
- All rentals must be for 28+ consecutive days to the same tenant
Specific Regulations: Key West, Monroe County, and Florida
Key West Municipal Regulations:
- Transient rentals (28 days or less) require state licensing
- Non-transient rentals (29+ days) prohibited for transient use
- Business Tax Receipt fees range from $23.15 to $1,530 annually
- Most businesses average $118-$300 annually
- Building and housing standards apply per Chapter 14 of Key West Code
- Performance standards include occupancy limits and designated contact person
Monroe County Regulations:
- 28-day minimum stay requirement strictly enforced
- Zoning restrictions determine eligibility
- Annual permit renewal required
- Non-transferable permits between property owners
- Change of ownership requires new permit application
- Active code enforcement with violations reporting system
Florida State Regulations:
- Sales tax registration required through Florida DOR
- Tourist taxes apply to rentals 6 months or less
- State professional licensing may be required for certain businesses
- Building and safety standards compliance mandatory
Occupancy Limits:
- Determined by property size and configuration
- Follow local regulations and building codes
- Specific limits established in zoning ordinances
Contact Information for Local STR Authorities
Monroe County (Primary STR Authority)
Planning & Environmental Resources Department
- Phone: (305) 294-4641 (Main) / (305) 292-4500 (Planning)
- Email: ballard-lindsey@monroecounty-fl.gov
- Address: 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: Monroe County STR Program
Fire Marshal's Office (Inspections)
- Contact through Monroe County Fire Rescue
- Inspection scheduling through online portal
Tax Collector
- Phone: (305) 295-5000
- Email: taxcollector@monroecounty-fl.gov
- Website: Monroe County Tax Collector
City of Key West
Licensing Division
- Phone: (305) 809-3955
- Email: licensing@cityofkeywest-fl.gov
- Address: 1300 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Planning Department
- Phone: (305) 809-3720
- Email: planning@cityofkeywest-fl.gov
Main City Contact
- Phone: (305) 809-3945
- Email: webmaster@cityofkeywest-fl.gov
State of Florida
Department of Revenue (Sales Tax)
- Phone: (850) 488-6800
- Website: Florida DOR
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Website: DBPR
Important Source Links
Official Government Sources:
- Monroe County Special Vacation Rental Program
- Monroe County Vacation Rental Map Restrictions
- City of Key West Business Tax Receipt Application
- Key West Code of Ordinances
- Monroe County Tax Collector - Tourist Development Tax
Application Forms:
- Initial Special Vacation Rental Application
- Renewal Application
- Manager License Application
- Exemption Application
- Change of Vacation Rental Manager
Additional Resources:
- Fire and Life Safety Inspection Request
- Monroe County Code Compliance
- Key West FAQ - Residential Rental Requirements
Important Notes for Investors:
- Permits are non-transferable between property owners
- Annual renewal required for all permits
- Active enforcement with potential fines for non-compliance
- Zoning compliance must be verified before application
- Consider insurance coverage and liability protection
- Maintain accurate records for tax reporting and compliance monitoring
This comprehensive regulatory framework requires careful attention to detail, but Key West remains a viable and profitable short-term rental market for compliant operators who follow established procedures and maintain ongoing compliance.
Key West
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Key West
Overview of Key West
Key West, Florida, is a small island city located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. As of the latest census, the population of Key West is approximately 25,000 residents. The city lies about 160 miles southwest of Miami, the closest major city. Key West is renowned for its vibrant culture, historical significance, and distinctive island lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for short-term rentals.
Famous landmarks in Key West include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (www.hemingwayhome.com/), where the famous writer lived and worked, and the Southernmost Point Buoy (southernmostpointwebcam.com/), an iconic marker indicating the southernmost point of the continental United States. Additionally, Duval Street (www.keywesttravelguide.com/duval-street/), known for its lively nightlife and diverse array of shops, restaurants, and bars, is a major attraction.
The city's unique combination of natural beauty, history, and entertainment options makes it a highly sought-after location for tourists seeking short-term rental accommodations.
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