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Orlando, FL

Challenging To Investors

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Orlando STR Expert
Orlando, Florida skyline

STR Regulations for Orlando, Florida

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

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Orlando, FL, but with significant restrictions and regulatory requirements. The City of Orlando defines short-term rentals as stays of less than 30 days and has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework that distinguishes between different types of temporary lodging arrangements.

Important: Orlando has strict limitations on whole-home rentals. Individual homeowners may NOT rent their entire home under City of Orlando home sharing law (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO). Only partial rentals where the owner lives on-site are permitted for stays under 30 days.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Orlando

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Jurisdiction

First, verify that your location is within the City of Orlando limits. Search for your address at www.ocpafl.org and look at "Municipality." If it says "Unincorporated," contact Orange County Government about its short-term rental laws.

Step 2: Understand Permissible STR Categories

Orlando categorizes short-term rentals into five distinct types with different requirements:

1. Home Share (Owner-Occupied Partial Rental)

  • Rent up to half of bedrooms while living on-site
  • 1-29 day stays
  • Host must be present during guest stays
  • Single booking at a time
  • Maximum 4 unrelated persons per booking or 2 persons per room (whichever is less)

2. Bed & Breakfast

  • Owner-occupied facility with "continental" breakfast service
  • 1 day to seasonal stays
  • Maximum 2 rooms/lodging units in residential districts
  • Maximum 8 rooms/lodging units in non-residential districts
  • 9+ rooms classified as hotel/motel

3. Group Housing

  • Owner-occupied, 7+ day minimum stays
  • Kitchen facilities required
  • Includes hostels, boarding houses, dormitories
  • No direct care or supervision provided

4. Commercial Dwelling Unit

  • Entire living space rental
  • 7-29 day minimum stays
  • Requires appropriate zoning and Business Tax Receipt

5. Hotel/Motel

  • 1-7 day stays
  • Commercial operation requiring Business Tax Receipt
  • Includes timeshares and condotels

Step 3: Verify Zoning Compliance

Use the city's zoning portal at orlando.gov/zoning to confirm your property's zoning district allows your intended STR category. Not all uses are permitted in all zoning categories.

Step 4: Complete Required Inspections

Ensure all living spaces are properly inspected and permitted. DIY conversions (garage enclosures, etc.) require final inspection approval before renting.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Home Share Registration Requirements

Essential Documents:

  • Home Sharing Registration application
  • Two forms of proof of primary residency
  • Total bedroom count verification
  • If tenant-operated: notarized permission from property owner
  • If in HOA: approval letter from homeowners association

Permits and Licenses:

  • Home Sharing Registration (annual renewal required)
  • Proof of registration must be linked to all online advertising

Fees:

  • First year: $275
  • Subsequent years: $100 (owner-occupied) or $125 (non-owner occupied)

Bed & Breakfast Requirements

Essential Documents:

  • Business Tax Receipt (orlando.gov/permits)
  • Zoning compliance verification
  • Owner-occupancy documentation

Permits and Licenses:

  • Business Tax Receipt required
  • Potential special approvals from City Planning

Commercial Dwelling Unit/Hotel/Motel Requirements

Essential Documents:

  • Business Tax Receipt
  • Zoning Official Letter of Determination
  • Commercial use permits

General Requirements for All STR Types

  • Compliance with building and fire codes
  • Proper permitting for any structural modifications
  • Tax registration with appropriate authorities
  • Insurance coverage verification

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Orlando Regulations

Home Sharing Limitations:

  • No whole-home rentals under 30 days allowed for individual homeowners
  • 50% bedroom limit: Only up to half of bedrooms may be rented
  • Single booking rule: Only one booking permitted at a time
  • Owner presence required: Host must live on-site and be present during stays
  • HOA compliance: Written approval required from homeowners associations
  • Advertising requirements: Registration proof must be displayed in all online listings

Occupancy Limits:

  • Maximum 4 unrelated persons per booking
  • Maximum 2 persons per room (whichever is less)
  • Single booking only (no multiple simultaneous guests)

Prohibited Activities:

  • Operating as "group homes" (evidence includes partitions, multiple locks, individually kept equipment)
  • Renting entire units without appropriate commercial zoning and permits
  • Multiple simultaneous bookings

Orange County (Unincorporated Areas) Regulations

  • Only approximately 4% of Orange County is zoned for short-term rentals
  • County collects tourist development taxes on STRs
  • Different regulatory framework applies to unincorporated areas
  • Contact Orange County Comptroller (www.occompt.com) for county-specific requirements

Florida State Regulations

  • Florida statutes govern broader hospitality industry standards
  • State tax collection requirements for temporary accommodations
  • Compliance with Florida's landlord-tenant laws for longer-term rentals (30+ days)
  • Business registration and tax obligations at state level

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Orlando - Primary Contact

City Planning Division

City Hall Address: 400 South Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 Phone: 407.246.2121 Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Code Enforcement Division

For reporting violations or compliance issues:

  • Phone: 407.246.2686
  • Website: orlando.gov/Report-a-Problem/Report-a-Code-Enforcement-Violation

Business Tax Receipts

  • Website: orlando.gov/permits
  • Application Portal: digitalpermits.orlando.gov

Orange County (Unincorporated Areas)

Orange County Comptroller

  • Website: www.occompt.com
  • Contact for county-specific STR regulations outside city limits

Important Links to Source Pages

Official City of Orlando Resources

Property and Zoning Information

Compliance and Enforcement

Investment Considerations and Best Practices

Market Viability

  • Orlando's STR market is highly regulated with significant limitations on whole-home rentals
  • Home sharing (partial rentals) represents the primary opportunity for individual investors
  • Commercial operations (7+ day minimums) may offer alternative pathways for entire property investments

Compliance Risks

  • Strict enforcement of home sharing limitations
  • Regular inspections required
  • Significant penalties for non-compliance
  • HOA restrictions may further limit operations

Due Diligence Requirements

  • Verify zoning compliance before purchase
  • Review HOA bylaws for STR restrictions
  • Confirm all permits and registrations are transferable
  • Assess property tax implications of rental use modifications

This regulatory framework requires careful planning and strict adherence to maintain legal STR operations in Orlando. Investors should engage with city planning officials early in the due diligence process to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.

Orlando

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
3/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Orlando Market Analysis →

Photos of Orlando

Overview of Orlando

Orlando, Florida is a major city located in Central Florida, known for its diverse tourism industry and vibrant community. As of the latest census, Orlando has a population of approximately 307,573 residents. The city is about 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Tampa, the closest major city, making it a convenient hub for both tourists and locals.

Orlando is globally renowned for its iconic theme parks and attractions. The city is home to Walt Disney World Resort (disneyworld.disney.go.com), Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com), and SeaWorld Orlando (seaworld.com/orlando), which collectively draw millions of visitors annually. Other notable landmarks include the Kennedy Space Center (www.kennedyspacecenter.com), which is approximately an hour's drive east of the city, and the Orlando Science Center (www.osc.org).

The city's appealing climate, with average yearly temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) in the cooler months to around 92°F (33°C) during the height of summer, enhances its suitability for short-term rentals. Visitors often seek out short-term accommodations to fully enjoy the plethora of activities, from attending conventions at the Orange County Convention Center (www.occc.net) to exploring the downtown area’s entertainment and dining options.

Orlando's well-developed infrastructure and amenities further support the short-term rental market. The presence of Orlando International Airport (orlandoairports.net), a major entry point for domestic and international travelers, facilitates easy access to the city. Additionally, the city's extensive network of highways and public transportation options, like the LYNX bus system (www.golynx.com), make it convenient for visitors to navigate the area and reach various attractions.

In summary, the combination of world-famous landmarks, favorable climate, excellent transportation infrastructure, and a broad array of attractions makes Orlando an attractive destination for short-term rentals. These factors contribute to the city's thriving tourism industry and its appeal to travelers from around the globe.

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