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

Direct Answer: Based on the provided content, specific short-term rental regulations for the City of Melbourne, Florida were not included in the source materials. However, short-term rentals operate under different regulatory frameworks across the various municipalities in Brevard County.

Important Context: Melbourne is one of 16 municipalities in Brevard County, and each municipality has its own zoning and STR regulations. The provided content includes detailed information for neighboring municipalities West Melbourne and Melbourne Beach, which can provide insight into the regulatory environment in the broader Melbourne area.

Municipal Variations in the Melbourne Area

From the available sources, here's what we know about STR regulations in nearby municipalities:

• West Melbourne: Short-term rentals (less than one week) are prohibited in all residential zoning districts. Only weekly or monthly+ rentals are permitted.
• Melbourne Beach: Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are allowed but heavily regulated with specific requirements, registration processes, and operational standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Phase 1: Initial Research and Planning

1. Verify Zoning Compliance

   • Confirm your property's zoning allows short-term rentals
   • Review local land development codes and zoning ordinances
   • Check for any overlay districts or special restrictions

2. Understand Local Regulations

   • Review city-specific short-term rental ordinances
   • Check homeowner association (HOA) restrictions, which may be more restrictive than city codes
   • Understand minimum rental duration requirements

3. Financial Planning

   • Account for all applicable taxes: 6% Florida State Sales Tax + 5% Brevard County Tourist Development Tax
   • Budget for permit and licensing fees
   • Plan for insurance requirements and liability coverage

Phase 2: Legal Compliance Setup

1. Business Registration

   • Obtain necessary business licenses and tax registrations
   • Apply for city business tax receipts where required

2. Property Preparation

   • Ensure property meets safety and building code requirements
   • Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)
   • Upgrade electrical and plumbing systems if necessary

3. Insurance and Bonding

   • Secure appropriate liability insurance
   • Consider property damage and loss of rental income coverage
   • Obtain any required bonds

Phase 3: Operations Setup

1. Technology Platform Registration

   • Register with Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms
   • Set up automated tax collection systems
   • Implement guest screening processes

2. Management Systems

   • Establish cleaning and maintenance protocols
   • Create guest communication systems
   • Develop emergency response procedures

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Florida)

1. Florida Sales Tax Registration

   • Required for all short-term rentals (182 days or less)
   • Collect and remit 6% state sales tax
   • Registration through Florida Department of Revenue

2. Tourist Development Tax

   • 5% bed tax on short-term rentals (6 months or less)
   • Collected in addition to state sales tax
   • Administered by Brevard County

Municipal Requirements

Note: Specific requirements vary by municipality. Based on available information:

West Melbourne Requirements

• Business Tax Receipt (for weekly+ rentals)
• Compliance with residential zoning restrictions
• No specific registration for short-term rentals (prohibited)

Melbourne Beach Requirements

• Vacation Rental Registration (initial and renewal)
• Property inspection required
• Responsible Party registration
• Business tax receipts
• Compliance with specific safety and operational standards

Common Documentation Needed

1. Property Documentation

   • Property deed or lease agreement
   • Property insurance certificate
   • Recent property tax assessment

2. Business Registration

   • Florida Sales Tax Certificate
   • Business bank account setup
   • EIN registration (if applicable)

3. Safety and Compliance

   • Fire safety inspection certificates
   • Building code compliance documentation
   • Safety equipment installation proof

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Brevard County (General Framework)

Tourist Development Tax: 5% tax on all short-term rentals of 6 months or less, applied to:

• Hotels and motels
• Apartment hotels
• Rooming houses
• RV parks
• Condominiums
• Private vacation rentals

Tax Allocation (per current county ordinance):

• 2% tax: 25% tourism promotion, 35% beach improvements, up to 35% convention/sports facilities
• 3rd cent (1%): 65% beach improvements, 25% zoo facilities, 10% convention bureaus
• 4th cent (1%): Tourism promotion ($350K+ minimum), up to $500K Space Coast Stadium
• 5th cent (1%): 100% tourism promotion

West Melbourne (City-Specific)

Prohibition: Short-term rentals (less than one week) are strictly prohibited in all residential zoning districts.

Permitted Rentals: Only weekly (7+ days) or monthly (30+ days) rentals are allowed in residential areas.

Business Requirements:

• Business Tax Receipt required for weekly+ rentals
• Standard zoning compliance requirements
• Property must maintain residential character

Melbourne Beach (City-Specific)

Permitted Use: Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are allowed with strict regulations.

Key Operational Requirements:

1. Safety Standards

   • Hardwired smoke detectors with battery backup
   • Carbon monoxide detectors
   • Emergency lighting systems
   • Fire extinguishers
   • Minimum window sizes
   • Landline phone requirement

2. Parking Regulations

   • All guest vehicles must park on driveway
   • No street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or grass parking
   • Parking spaces measured at 10' x 20' per space

3. Occupancy Limits

   • Maximum 2 persons per bedroom
   • Maximum 2 persons in common areas
   • Absolute maximum of 12 occupants

4. Responsible Party Requirements

   • 24/7 availability requirement
   • One-hour response time for violations
   • Authority to take immediate corrective action

5. Sex Offender/Predator Compliance

   • Pre-arrival inquiry requirements
   • Registration requirements with law enforcement
   • Distance separation requirements from protected locations

6. Registration and Fees

   • Initial registration fees
   • Renewal requirements
   • Inspection fees (paid before review)
   • Transfer fees

Contact Information

For Melbourne (City-Specific Information)

Note: Direct city contact information for Melbourne was not included in the provided sources. Investors should contact:

City of Melbourne

• Planning Department
• Building Department
• Business Tax Department

Available Contact Information from Sources

West Melbourne

Planning Department

• Phone: 321-837-7778
• General City Phone: 321-727-7700
• Email: info@westmelbourne.gov
• Address: 2240 Minton Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904

Melbourne Beach

Code Enforcement / Vacation Rentals

• Phone: 321-724-5860
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 321-490-4123
• Fax: 321-984-8994
• Email: code@melbournebeachfl.org
• Address: Town Hall, 507 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Brevard County

Tourism Development Office

• Phone: 321-433-4470
• Fax: 321-433-4476
• Toll Free: 1-877-57BEACH
• Email: Info@VisitSpaceCoast.com
• Address: 150 Cocoa Isles Boulevard, Suite 401, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Brevard County Board of County Commissioners

• Address: 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940
• Phone: 800-955-8771
• 711 Florida Relay: 711

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. West Melbourne Short-Term Residential Rentals
2. Melbourne Beach Vacation Rentals
3. Melbourne Beach Vacation Rental Guide (PDF)
4. Brevard County Tourism Development Tax FAQ

Supporting Information

5. Brevard County STR Advocacy Website
6. Florida Revenue Forms
7. Brevard County Tourist Development Council
8. Tourist Development Tax Information
9. Brevard County Property Appraiser

Important Disclaimer

Municipal Jurisdiction: Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Beach are separate municipalities with distinct regulations. This guide incorporates information from available sources, but specific regulations for the City of Melbourne require direct consultation with Melbourne city authorities.

Regulatory Changes: Municipal regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.

HOA Restrictions: Homeowner associations may impose restrictions more severe than municipal codes, and these are not enforced by cities but can significantly impact rental operations.

Professional Consultation: Given the complexity of regulations across multiple jurisdictions, investors should consider consulting with local real estate attorneys and experienced property management companies in the Melbourne area.