Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Maitland, Florida

Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Maitland, Florida with proper permitting and compliance with city regulations. The City of Maitland permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals of less than 30 days) through a formal certificate application process, provided owners meet all requirements including owner-occupancy, insurance, safety standards, and community notification procedures.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Maitland

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Confirm the property is within Maitland city limits
• Ensure the property can legally be used as a short-term rental (check zoning)
• Verify ownership structure meets requirements (owner must be permanent resident of the unit or within same duplex/triplex/quadplex)

Step 2: Complete Pre-Application Requirements

• Obtain required liability insurance coverage
• Prepare property survey and floor plans
• Identify all structures, pools, fencing, and parking areas
• Document all bedrooms and sleeping areas with exits, smoke/CO detectors, and fire extinguishers

Step 3: Community Notification Process

• Identify all dwelling units within 500 feet of the property
• Prepare written notice to all affected homeowners
• Complete and notarize the notification affidavit
• Maintain copies of all notices sent

Step 4: Submit Application

• Upload all required documents through the digital application system
• Pay application fee (amount set by City Council)
• Submit signed checklist and acknowledgment forms

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Permit Documents

• Short-Term Rental Permit Application
• Property Survey: Sketch drawn to scale showing all structures, pools, fencing, uses, and off-street parking areas
• Floor Plan: Sketch showing floor layout to scale with bedrooms, sleeping areas, exits, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
• Owner Occupancy Proof: Government-issued ID showing unit address OR two months of bills sent to owner/host-stay contact at unit address within previous four months
• Liability Insurance Documentation: Proof of coverage on the short-term rental
• 500-Foot Notification Affidavit: Signed and notarized affidavit verifying notice provided to all property owners within 500 feet
• Notice Copies: Copies of notices sent to all property owners within 500 feet
• Required Unit Posting: Copy of posting located on main entrance door or refrigerator
• Signed Checklist: Short-Term Rental Permit Sufficiency Checklist (named AC.pdf)

Permit Requirements

• Primary Permit: Short-Term Rental Certificate from City of Maitland
• Renewal Requirements: For renewals or transfers, only proof of owner-occupancy required
• Modifications: For changes, only materials specific to modifications required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Maitland Requirements

Owner Occupancy Mandate

• Owner must be permanent resident of either the STR unit OR a dwelling within the same duplex, triplex, or quadplex
• Owner-occupancy may be proven through:
  • Valid, current government-issued ID showing unit address
  • Two months of bills sent to owner/host-stay contact at unit address within previous four months

Required Unit Posting (Must be posted on back of main entrance door or refrigerator)

1. Name, address, and phone number of STR or host-stay owner
2. Maximum approved occupancy of the unit
3. Quiet hours notice (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily or superseded by City noise regulation)
4. Maximum number of vehicles allowed with sketch of off-street parking locations
5. Days of trash and recycling pickup
6. Location of nearest hospital
7. Emergency (911) and non-emergency police phone numbers

500-Foot Notification Requirement

• Written notice must be provided to all dwelling units within 500 feet
• Notice must include owner/contact person information and complaint reporting process
• Owner must provide updated notice to City and all affected property owners whenever contact information changes

Complaint Resolution Process

1. First Contact: Complaining party must first attempt to communicate with designated contact person
2. Response Requirement: Contact person must promptly respond and make reasonable efforts to remedy violations
3. City Enforcement: If unresolved, complaints may be directed to:
   • Code Enforcement Specialist (building, zoning, property maintenance issues)
   • Maitland Police Department (noise complaints, criminal activity)
4. City Remedies: City may pursue suspension or revocation of Short-Term Rental Certificate

Orange County Regulations (for properties outside city limits)

• Licensing: New special license required from county
• Registration: Annual registration and renewal required
• Zoning Restrictions: Properties must be within permitted zones
• Safety Standards: Fire safety equipment, emergency exits, maintenance checks required
• Compliance: Regular inspections and fines for non-compliance

State of Florida Requirements

• State Preemption: Florida Statute 509.032(b) generally preempts local governments from restricting vacation rentals based solely on classification, use, or occupancy (grandfathered regulations before June 1, 2011 remain in effect)
• Apartment Communities: Section 509.032 specifically preempts additional local regulations on apartment communities with five or more units
• State Licensing: Vacation rental license through DBPR required for properties rented more than three times per year
• Tax Requirements: 6% state sales tax plus local taxes must be collected and remitted

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Maitland - Primary Contact

Community Development Department
Address: 1776 Independence Lane, Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: (407) 539-6248
Fax: (407) 539-6275
Website: www.itsmymaitland.com

Building Division (Permit Questions)

Phone: (407) 539-6150

Maitland Police Department

Code Enforcement
Phone: [Contact through main police number - not provided in source]
Address: [Contact through city website for specific department contact]

Orange County (for county properties)

Contact through Orange County government channels

Source Pages

Primary Official Documents

• Maitland Permit Checklist: www.itsmymaitland.com/DocumentCenter/View/700
• Maitland STR Application: www.maitlandpd.org/DocumentCenter/View/338

Additional Resources

• Florida Apartment Association STR Overview: www.faahq.org/short-term-rentals
• Orange County STR Regulations: www.myorlandovacationhome.com/blog/understanding-orange-countys-new-short-term-rental-regulations-what-hosts-need-know/
• Florida STR Legal Guide: www.fsresidential.com/florida/news-events/articles/can-you-rent-your-home-in-florida-a-how-to-guide/

Important Notes for Investors

Regulatory Landscape

• Maitland maintains grandfathered STR regulations despite state preemption
• Owner-occupancy requirement is a key differentiator from some Florida jurisdictions
• Local enforcement includes both police and code enforcement mechanisms

Compliance Requirements

• Application fees are set by City Council and do not guarantee approval
• Missing or incomplete documentation will delay processing
• Annual renewals required for continued operation
• Contact information changes trigger mandatory re-notification to 500-foot radius

Due Diligence Recommendations

• Verify current zoning allows STR use before purchase
• Confirm ability to meet owner-occupancy requirement
• Budget for required insurance, safety equipment, and annual permit fees
• Consider potential HOA restrictions if property is within a community association

This guide reflects the current regulatory environment as of the provided source materials. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any STR investment in the Maitland area.