Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Nokomis, FL?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Nokomis, which is in unincorporated Sarasota County. There is no city-level short-term rental license in Nokomis because Nokomis is not an incorporated municipality. Therefore, STRs are regulated primarily by the State of Florida and Sarasota County. In unincorporated Sarasota County, properties are generally allowed to operate as short‑term rentals subject to state rules, tax obligations, and county‑level requirements. Local zoning and homeowners’ association (HOA) or condo association rules still apply, and you must verify that your property is in a zoning district that permits transient rentals.

Key facts to frame your investment:

• Sarasota County administers licensing and annual inspections for short-term rentals (Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License).
• Florida requires a state vacation rental dwelling license (DBPR) and imposes a 7% state sales tax on short‑term rentals; Sarasota County also collects the 5% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on transient accommodations.
• There is no city STR registration in Nokomis; the City of Sarasota and City of Venice programs do not apply to Nokomis (unincorporated county).
• State law and local ordinances prohibit nuisance activities, and HOAs/condo associations may impose additional restrictions on short‑term rentals.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Nokomis

A straightforward step-by-step plan helps you move from property acquisition to compliant operations.

1. Confirm zoning and neighborhood rules

• Confirm your property is in a residential or mixed‑use district that permits transient rentals (check with Sarasota County Planning & Zoning).
• Verify HOA/condo bylaws for short‑term rental limits and approval requirements.

2. Obtain state licensing

• Apply for a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License for each rental property.
• You must be the property owner to obtain the license (managers or co‑owners require written authorization from the owner).

3. Secure county licensing and inspection

• Obtain the Sarasota County Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License.
• Complete the required annual inspection and correct any violations.
• Post the license number and any required safety notices in the property.

4. Register for taxes and set up remittance processes

• Register to collect and remit Florida sales tax (7%) and Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax (5% if the county applies TDT to your booking channel).
• File returns on the required cadence (typically monthly) using the Florida Department of Revenue and Sarasota County TDT systems.

5. Maintain continuous compliance

• Enforce occupancy, parking, and noise rules; maintain required safety equipment (smoke detectors, CO detectors where applicable).
• Keep records of guest stays, taxes collected, and remittances.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-level

• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License (per property; owner must apply)
• Proof of property ownership; government‑issued ID
• State tax registration for sales tax (Florida Department of Revenue)

County-level (Sarasota County)

• Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License and annual inspection
• Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for the STR business
• Occupancy, parking, and nuisance compliance per county ordinances

Tax and financial

• County TDT registration (Sarasota County) to collect/remit the 5% TDT
• Sales/use tax returns with Florida Department of Revenue (7% on gross rental receipts)
• Accurate records of rents, fees, taxes collected, and remittances

Operational documentation and policies

• House rules: quiet hours, occupancy limits, parking, trash/recycling procedures, pets
• Guest contracts or booking platform agreements reflecting house rules
• Emergency contacts and local emergency response information
• Safety information: smoke/CO detectors; pool safety if applicable; posted maximum occupancy and license number

Specific Regulations and Requirements: State, County, and Contextual Notes

State of Florida

• A Florida DBPR license is mandatory for operating a vacation rental dwelling. Licenses are issued to property owners, and you must maintain compliance with state statutes and administrative rules governing STRs.
• You must collect and remit Florida sales tax (7%) on gross rental receipts for stays of six months or less. Registration is required with the Florida Department of Revenue.
• State statutes address tenant/guest protections and prohibit nuisance activities, excessive noise, disorderly conduct, and illegal activity; local ordinances provide additional enforcement mechanisms.

Sarasota County (including Nokomis)

• Licensing: Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License and annual inspection are required for most STRs. The program provides a permit number you must display (e.g., in listings) and keep current.
• Minimum stay: A minimum three-night stay applies to county‑regulated STRs.
• Occupancy: Properties must adhere to posted maximum occupancy limits; requirements are verified during inspection and based on zoning and safety standards.
• Noise and nuisance: County noise and nuisance ordinances apply; host responsibilities include ensuring guests do not create disturbances. Violations can trigger fines or license actions.
• Parking: Parking must comply with zoning and the conditions of the county license; improper parking is a common compliance focus.
• Taxes: County collects the 5% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on transient accommodations; in practice, the tax is typically collected via booking platforms and remitted by hosts/operators. Combine the 5% TDT with the 7% Florida sales tax to total 12% tax on short-term rentals in Sarasota County.

City-specific references for context (do not apply to Nokomis)

• City of Sarasota and City of Venice operate separate city-level STR registration programs with different fees, minimum stays, and occupancy rules; Nokomis is unincorporated, so these programs do not apply.

Note on city tax confusion

• Some industry blogs incorrectly mention a “City of Sarasota 6% tax” as if it applied countywide. As of the county program context here, Nokomis hosts should focus on Florida sales tax (7%) and Sarasota County TDT (5%). If you have any doubt, confirm current TDT applicability and collection mechanics with the Sarasota County Tax Collector and your booking platform’s tax remittance setup.

Taxes and Insurance

Taxes to collect and remit

• Florida sales tax: 7% on gross rental receipts for stays of six months or less.
• Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax: 5% on transient accommodations. Confirm registration, filing cadence, and whether your booking platform collects and remits on your behalf.

Insurance best practice

• Carry general liability insurance appropriate for a rental operation. Florida and county rules require you to operate in compliance with laws and building/safety codes; insurance is a prudent risk‑management measure and may be required by lenders, HOAs/condo associations, or property managers.

Records retention

• Keep detailed records of nightly rates, fees, taxes collected, and remittance confirmations. Retain guest communications, contracts, and inspection reports.

STR Regulations by Jurisdiction (for clarity)

| Jurisdiction | Key STR Requirements | Taxes | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | State of Florida | DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License; owner must apply; state rules for guest safety and operations | 7% Florida sales tax | State statutes govern baseline requirements | | Sarasota County (Nokomis) | Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License; annual inspection; minimum 3-night stay; occupancy and parking limits; noise and nuisance rules apply | 5% TDT | No city STR program in Nokomis | | City of Sarasota | City-level STR registration (separate program, fees, occupancy rules) | Not applicable to Nokomis | Provided for context only | | City of Venice | City-level STR registration (separate program) | Not applicable to Nokomis | Provided for context only |

Local Authority Contacts and Help

Sarasota County

• STR licensing and inspection: Contact Sarasota County Code Compliance; inquire about Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License applications, inspections, and renewals.
• Zoning confirmation: Sarasota County Planning & Zoning to verify allowable uses and any special exceptions.
• Taxes: Sarasota County Tax Collector for Tourist Development Tax registration and remittance procedures.

State of Florida

• Vacation Rental Dwelling License (DBPR): Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Sales tax: Florida Department of Revenue; register for sales tax, file returns, and remit the 7% tax.

Local life homes (Sarasota area context)

• Phone: (941) 323‑9800
• Email: Not publicly listed in the source; direct contact may be via website contact form.

Important Links (Source Pages)

• Navigating Sarasota County’s Short-Term Rental Rules: What You Need to Know www.locallifehomes.com/blog/navigating-sarasota-countys-short-term-rental-rules-what-you-need-to-know/
• Vacation Rental Management in Nokomis, Florida www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/nokomis-florida
• City of Sarasota Vacation Rental Registration and Compliance (for context only) www.sarasotafl.gov/Department-Pages/Development-Services/Vacation-Rental-Registration-and-Compliance
• Airbnb Nokomis FL: Should You Invest? www.mashvisor.com/blog/airbnb-nokomis-fl/

Investor Checklist for Nokomis STRs

• Verify zoning and neighborhood rules (HOA/condo) allow short‑term rentals.
• Obtain DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License (owner‑only).
• Apply for Sarasota County Dwelling Unit Vacation Rental License; schedule and pass annual inspection; post required notices.
• Register with Sarasota County TDT and Florida Department of Revenue; set up tax collection workflows.
• Enforce minimum stay, occupancy, parking, quiet hours; maintain safety equipment.
• Maintain records and renew licenses/registrations annually.

This guide is investor-focused and concise. It is essential to confirm current fee schedules, tax rates, and filing cadences directly with Sarasota County and the Florida Department of Revenue, as administrative details may change.