Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Okeechobee County, Florida. The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners has established a 3% Tourist Development Tax specifically targeting short-term transient rentals, hotel accommodations, motels, room rentals, and certain other short-term accommodation rentals. This bed tax serves as the primary funding source for the Okeechobee Tourist Development Council and confirms that vacation rentals are not only permitted but actively regulated and taxed within the county.

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

Step 1: Property Assessment and Planning

• Verify Property Zoning: Contact the Okeechobee County Planning and Zoning Department to ensure your property is zoned appropriately for short-term rental use.
• Property Type Consideration: Florida law defines vacation rentals as units in condominium/cooperative buildings or individually/single-family, two-family, or four-family houses/dwelling units that serve as transient public lodging establishments.

Step 2: State-Level Licensing Requirements

• Determine License Classification: Florida requires vacation rental licenses for units rented entire more than three times per calendar year for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month.
• Application Process: Apply online through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) using the appropriate links based on your property type.

Step 3: Tax Registration and Compliance

• Tourist Development Tax Registration: Register with Okeechobee County for the 3% Tourist Development Tax.
• Sales Tax Registration: Obtain Florida Sales and Use Tax registration from the Florida Department of Revenue.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State Requirements (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation)

Vacation Rental License Classifications:

1. Vacation Rental - Condominium: For units in condominium or cooperative buildings
2. Vacation Rental - Dwelling: For single-family houses, townhouses, or duplex/triplex/quadruplex units

License Types:

• Single License: One single-family house or townhouse, or unit/group within single building owned/operated by same individual/entity
• Group License: License issued to licensed agent to cover all units within building/group in single complex
• Collective License: License issued to licensed agent representing collective group of houses/units on separate locations (limited to 75 units or less, restricted to counties within one district)

Required Documents:

• Completed online application
• Property ownership verification
• Business identification information
• Agent authorization (if using management company)

Local Requirements (Okeechobee County)

Tax Registration:

• Okeechobee County Tourist Development Tax registration (3% rate)
• Local Business Tax Receipt from Tax Collector
• Florida Sales and Use Tax registration

Fees and Costs

DBPR License Fees:

• Application fee: $50
• HEP (Hospitality Education Program) fee: $10
• License fees vary by capacity and renewal cycle

County-Level Fees:

• Local Business Tax Receipt fee (varies by classification)
• Tourist Development Tax (3% of gross rental income)

Property Standards and Safety Requirements

Physical Standards:

• Display all current licenses conspicuously on premises
• Maintain clean, safe, and good physical condition
• Provide clean, unworn, properly stored bedding and linens
• Provide soap (individually wrapped bars or liquid dispensers)
• Ensure all dishware and glassware are sanitized between guests
• Keep establishment free of vermin

Fire Safety Requirements:

• Install smoke detectors in every living unit
• Provide specialized smoke detectors for hearing impaired (1 per 50 rental units, max 5 per license)
• Ensure electrical system safety (no extension cords)
• Comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
• File Certificate of Balcony Inspection every three years for buildings 3+ stories (unless exterior balconies are common elements)

Additional Safety:

• Baby cribs must meet Consumer Products Safety Commission standards
• Post required sanitization notice if facilities don't comply with public food service standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State-Level Regulations (Florida Statutes Chapter 509)

Licensing Thresholds:

• Renting entire unit more than three times per calendar year triggers licensing requirement
• Renting individual rooms does not classify as public lodging and doesn't require DBPR license
• If advertised or held out to public as regularly rented to guests, license is required regardless of frequency

Operational Requirements:

• Annual human trafficking awareness training for employees in housekeeping/reception roles
• Compliance with fire safety standards as verified by State Fire Marshal
• Maintenance of occupancy records and guest registration

County-Level Regulations (Okeechobee County)

Tourist Development Tax (3%):

• Applies to short-term transient rentals, hotels, motels, and room rentals
• Sole funding source for Okeechobee Tourist Development Council
• Spending requirements governed by Florida State Statute 125.0104
• Collected on gross rental income from short-term accommodations

Local Business Tax Requirements:

• Required for all rental properties regardless of rental duration
• Contact local Planning and Zoning for additional requirements

Operational Guidelines

Marketing and Advertising:

• Property may be advertised as available for rent once properly licensed
• Online platforms may be used but proper licensing and tax registration required

Guest Management:

• Must maintain proper guest registration and occupancy limits
• Respond to guest complaints and issues promptly
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

Okeechobee County Government

Address: 304 NW 2nd Street, Okeechobee, Florida 34972
Phone: (863) 763-6441
Website: www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov/visit-okeechobee/about-us/tourist-development-tax

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Division of Hotels and Restaurants
Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011
Phone: (850) 487-1395
TTY: (800) 955-8771
Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
Website: www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/

Okeechobee County Tax Collector

Website: www.okeechobeecountytaxcollector.com/
Note: Contact information should be verified through their official website

Sources and References

• Okeechobee County Tourist Development Tax: www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov/visit-okeechobee/about-us/tourist-development-tax
• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Guide: www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/
• Florida Statutes Chapter 509: Referenced for vacation rental definitions and requirements
• Florida State Statute 125.0104: Governing Tourist Development Tax spending requirements

Important Notes for Investors:

1. Local Verification Required: While this guide provides comprehensive state and county-level information, specific zoning restrictions and local ordinances may apply. Always verify with the Okeechobee County Planning and Zoning Department before purchasing property.

2. Regular Compliance Audits: Maintain strict adherence to all licensing, tax, and safety requirements. Regular inspections and tax audits are common.

3. Professional Consultation: Consider consulting with local real estate attorneys and property management companies familiar with Okeechobee County regulations for specific property transactions.

4. Statewide Preemption: Florida has enacted legislation preempting local regulation of vacation rentals in certain circumstances, but local taxes and registration requirements still apply.

This guide represents current regulations as of the provided sources. Always verify current requirements with official authorities before making investment decisions.