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

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Live Oak, Florida. The city does not have specific ordinances targeting short-term rentals, making it a relatively permissive market for STR operators. However, hosts must comply with county and state regulations, including Florida's licensing requirements, tax obligations, and general zoning laws.

Live Oak operates under a "low regulation environment" for STRs, which presents significant opportunities for investors. With 46 active listings in the market and strong revenue growth of 11.2% year-over-year, Live Oak offers attractive investment potential for those willing to navigate the required compliance framework.

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

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Zoning Verification

• Verify zoning compliance: Confirm your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals
• Review HOA bylaws: Check for any community association restrictions that might limit STR use
• Assess access requirements: Properties must have direct access to improved public right-of-way (20-foot minimum width)

Step 2: Obtain Required Licensing

• Florida Vacation Rental License: Required if renting a property more than three times per year for less than 30 days
• Apply through: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• License category: Public lodging establishment license
• Fee structure: Contact DBPR directly for current fee schedule

Step 3: Tax Registration and Setup

• Sales Tax Registration: Register for 7% Florida state sales tax
• Tourist Development Tax: Register for 5% local tourist development tax
• Income Tax Registration: Obtain appropriate business tax identification
• Local County Registration: Check with Suwannee County for additional local requirements

Step 4: Property Preparation

• Safety Compliance: Ensure all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and safety features are installed
• Sanitation Standards: Meet Florida's strict vacation rental sanitation requirements
• Insurance Updates: Verify homeowner's insurance covers short-term rental activities
• Property Standards: Meet all local housing and building codes

Step 5: Business Operations Setup

• Choose listing platforms: Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or direct rental management
• Implement guest screening: Develop screening procedures for potential guests
• Establish pricing strategy: Research local market rates and seasonality patterns
• Set up cleaning protocols: Establish professional cleaning standards between guests

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

• Vacation Rental Business License (Florida DBPR)
• Sales Tax Certificate (Florida Department of Revenue)
• Tourist Development Tax Registration (Suwannee County Tax Collector)
• Business Tax Receipt (if applicable locally)

City/County Requirements

• Land Use/Zoning Compliance Verification
• Building Safety Inspection (if applicable)
• Local Business Registration (if required by Suwannee County)
• Occupancy Permit (if required by local building department)

Operational Guidelines

• Guest Screening Procedures
• House Rules and Regulations
• Emergency Contact Information
• Property Condition Documentation
• Cleaning and Maintenance Protocols
• Noise and Disturbance Policies

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Live Oak Regulations

No specific STR ordinances exist in Live Oak. The city operates under general zoning regulations and does not have dedicated short-term rental legislation. Properties must comply with:

• Zoning district requirements for their specific location
• Access standards (20-foot minimum width to improved public ROW)
• Lot coverage limits and setback requirements
• Building code compliance

Suwannee County Regulations

County-level tourist development tax requirements apply:

• 5% Tourist Development Tax on all short-term rentals
• Quarterly tax remittance requirements
• Registration with County Tax Collector
• Local business tax receipt (if applicable)

State of Florida Regulations

Comprehensive state framework governs short-term rentals:

Licensing Requirements

• Public Lodging Establishment License required for rentals of 30 days or less
• Maximum occupancy restrictions based on property size and safety features
• Regular inspection requirements for health and safety compliance

Tax Obligations

• 7% Florida State Sales Tax on all bookings
• 5% Tourist Development Tax (varies by county)
• Local option taxes where applicable
• Monthly or quarterly filing requirements

Safety and Sanitation Standards

• Chapter 509, Florida Statutes governs vacation rentals
• DBPR inspection requirements for public lodging
• Local emergency management compliance (hurricane season preparations)

Contact Information for Local Authority

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
• Phone: 850-487-1395
• License Verification: Available through DBPR online portal
• Application Process: Online application through DBPR website

Florida Department of Revenue

• Sales Tax Information: floridarevenue.com
• Tourist Tax Resources: floridarevenue.com/forms
• Phone: 850-488-6800
• Local Office Contact: Available through main revenue department

Suwannee County Tax Collector

• Phone: Contact through County Administrator for specific STR tax requirements
• Website: Suwannee County official website
• Tourist Development Tax Registration: Required for all STR operations

City of Live Oak

• Land Development Regulation Administrator
• Planning and Zoning Department
• Phone: Contact through City Hall for current information
• Website: cityofliveoak.org

Recommended Professional Contacts

• Local Real Estate Attorney: For complex zoning and legal compliance
• Tax Professional: For proper tax filing and optimization strategies
• Property Management Company: For operational expertise and compliance assistance

Source References

1. Summer.com Vacation Rental Guide - Live Oak, FL

   • www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/live-oak-florida
   • Provides market overview and basic regulatory information

2. Showcase Properties Short-Term Rental Guide

   • www.showcaseocala.com/homeowners-guide-to-short-term-rentals-in-florida-tips-for-landlords/
   • Comprehensive Florida STR regulatory overview

3. AirROI Live Oak Market Analysis

   • www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/florida/live-oak
   • Current market data and regulatory environment assessment

4. Live Oak Land Development Regulations

   • cityofliveoak.org/wp-content/uploads/LDR_Art._4_4.19_Codified_8-11-2020.pdf
   • Official zoning and development regulations

Important Note: This guide is based on information available as of the provided sources. Regulations can change, and investors should always verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any STR investment in Live Oak, Florida.