Want to see how Port Orange compares to other top cities in Florida? Explore all city regulations in Florida. →
Port Orange, FL
Challenging To Investors
Local STR Agent

(All information drawn directly from the sources you provided – no web‑fetching has been performed.)
Short‑term rentals are allowed in Port Orange, but they are strictly regulated.
Bottom line: In Port Orange you may operate an STR only if the property is situated in a zoning district that permits hotels/motels, you hold the required city license, and you satisfy state licensing and tax obligations.
| Step | Action | Details & Where to Get It | |------|--------|---------------------------| | 1. Verify Zoning | Confirm the parcel’s zoning with Volusia County. | • Use the Connect Live – Volusia County zoning lookup: <growthmgt.vcgov.org/PublicPortal/Volusia/common/index.jsp> <br>• Contact the Zoning Office (see “Contact Information” below) for confirmation. | | 2. Secure State Vacation‑Rental License | Apply to the Florida DBPR – Division of Hotels & Restaurants. | • Online portal: <www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/> <br>• License types: vacation‑rental dwelling (single‑family, duplex, etc.) or vacation‑rental condominium (condo/co‑op). <br>• Required documents: owner info, property address, balcony‑inspection certificate (if applicable), proof of human‑trafficking‑training for house‑keeping staff, fee ($50 + $10 HEP + unit‑based fee). | | 3. Register for State & Local Taxes | Obtain a Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) sales‑tax account and the local Tourist Development Tax (TDT) registration. | • DOR registration form (GT‑800034): <floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800034.pdf> <br>• TDT (local option transient rental tax) – Volusia County rate is 6 % (collected with the state sales tax). <br>• Discretionary sales surtax (county) – 1 % (Volusia County). | | 4. Obtain City (Port Orange) STR License | Apply for the Port Orange short‑term‑rental license (includes inspection & fee). | • City codes are housed in the Municode library for Port Orange: <library.municode.com/FL/Port_Orange> <br>• License fee and inspection details are listed in the city’s ordinance (see “Specific Regulations – City”). | | 5. Conduct Required Inspections | • City inspection (interior safety & compliance). <br>• State safety inspection (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, pool safety, balcony inspection for 3‑story+ buildings). | • Schedule through the Building & Code Administration (Port Orange) – phone 386‑506‑5563. | | 6. Set Up Business Tax Receipt | Get a Volusia County Business Tax Receipt (formerly occupational license). | • Obtain via the County Tax Collector: <www.vctaxcollector.org> | | 7. Create Operating Documents | • Guest rental agreement (must include TDT disclosure). <br>• House rules covering occupancy, noise, parking, trash collection. | • Use templates from the city’s ordinance or industry‑standard forms. | | 8. Marketing & Listing | List on Airbnb, Vrbo, etc., but include the city license number and any required disclosures in the listing. | • Ensure advertising complies with local advertising rules (see “Regulations – City”). | | 9. Ongoing Compliance | • Remit state sales tax & local TDT monthly/quarterly (as required). <br>• Renew the city license annually and the DBPR license on its renewal date (district‑specific). | • Keep inspection certificates current; schedule annual safety inspections. |
| Level | Document / Permit | Key Requirements | Source | |-------|-------------------|------------------|--------| | State (FL) | DBPR Vacation‑Rental License (Dwelling or Condominium) | • Owner/responsible‑party info, property address, balcony‑inspection cert (if ≥3 stories), human‑trafficking‑training proof, fee ($50 + $10 HEP + unit‑based fee). <br>• License valid for 1‑year (half‑year options). | <www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/> | | State (FL) | DOR Sales‑Tax Registration (Form GT‑800034) | • Required to collect/remit 6 % state sales tax + county surtax & TDT. | <floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800034.pdf> | | State (FL) | Human‑Trafficking Awareness Training | • Annual training for any staff who perform housekeeping duties. | DBPR license checklist | | County (Volusia) | Business Tax Receipt | • Required for operating any business in the county. | <www.vctaxcollector.org> | | County (Volusia) | Zoning Confirmation | • Property must be in a zone that permits hotels/motels. | Zoning FAQ: <www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-management/faqs-zoning.stml> | | City (Port Orange) | Short‑Term‑Rental License (including inspection) | • Application, interior safety inspection, fee (ordinance‑specified). <br>• License must be posted in the unit. | City code on Municode: <library.municode.com/FL/Port_Orange> | | City (Port Orange) | Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Registration | • Collect and remit Volusia County TDT (6 %). | Volusia County Tax Collector (same link as business tax receipt) | | All Levels | Proof of Ownership (deed, title, mortgage statement) | • Required for both state and city license applications. | — | | All Levels | Site Plan & Parking Plan | • Required by city licensing to show location of off‑street parking, trash collection points, and compliance with setback/occupancy limits. | City ordinance (Municode) | | All Levels | Insurance (general liability, property, and loss‑of‑rental‑income) | • Not mandated by law but strongly recommended; some lenders require it. | — |
| Topic | Requirement | Source | |-------|-------------|--------| | License Requirement | All STRs must obtain a city‑issued short‑term‑rental license before operating. License includes an interior inspection and fee. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Inspection | A city safety inspection is required prior to issuance and annually thereafter. Inspectors verify smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, electrical safety, and pool safety where applicable. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Occupancy Limits | Maximum occupancy is generally limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons per property (same as many Florida municipalities). | City ordinance (Municode) | | Noise & Nuisance | Quiet hours and noise decibel limits are enforced; violations may result in fines and/or license suspension. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Parking | Off‑street parking must be provided at a ratio of 1 space per bedroom (minimum 2 spaces). Parking must be shown on the site‑plan submitted with the license application. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Trash & Recycling | Trash containers sufficient for the maximum occupancy must be provided; regular pickup schedules must be posted. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Advertising | All listings must display the city license number and TDT registration number. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Posting of License | The license must be displayed in a conspicuous location inside the unit (e.g., near the front door). | City ordinance (Municode) | | Renewal | Licenses are annual; renewal requires a new inspection and fee payment. | City ordinance (Municode) |
| Topic | Requirement | Source | |-------|-------------|--------| | Zoning Restriction | Short‑term rentals are prohibited in single‑family residential zoning districts (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, etc.). STRs are only permitted in zones where hotels or motels are a permitted principal use (e.g., C‑1, C‑2, MX‑1, etc.). | Zoning FAQ: <www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-management/faqs-zoning.stml> | | Definition of Short‑Term Rental | “Short‑term rental” = rented for fewer than 30 days or one calendar month (whichever is less). | Same as above | | Permit Process | No separate county STR permit; zoning compliance is verified through the building‑permit and zoning review process. | Zoning FAQ | | Occupancy / Parking | County standards for off‑street parking (1 space per bedroom) apply, and noise ordinances are enforced via the county Code‑Compliance Division. | County Code of Ordinances (Municode: <library.municode.com/fl/volusia_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH72LAPL>) | | Taxation | 6 % Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on all short‑term rentals collected by the county (administered through the Florida DOR). | County Tax Collector site: <www.vctaxcollector.org> | | Inspections | County building and fire inspections are required for any structural changes or safety devices (smoke detectors, CO alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems). | County Building & Code Administration: <www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-management/building-and-zoning/> |
| Topic | Requirement | Source | |-------|-------------|--------| | Vacation‑Rental License | Required if the property is rented fewer than 30 days or one calendar month more than three times per year; two license classes (dwelling & condominium). | DBPR guide: <www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/> | | License Fees | $50 new‑application fee + $10 HEP fee + full‑year license fee ($170 for a single unit; $180 for 2‑25 units). | Same DBPR page | | Renewal | License valid 1 year (or half‑year option); renewal dates vary by district. | DBPR renewal schedule (see district list in article) | | Safety Requirements | • Smoke detectors in every sleeping room & common area.<br>• Carbon‑monoxide detectors where required.<br>• Fire extinguishers (minimum 2‑A:10‑BC).<br>• Swimming‑pool safety features (fence, gate, self‑closing latch).<br>• Balcony inspection certificate for buildings ≥ 3 stories (unless balconies are common elements of a condo). | DBPR checklist | | Human‑Trafficking Training | Annual training for any employee performing housekeeping duties. | DB


Port Orange, Florida is a city located in Volusia County, known for its detailed planning and family-friendly neighborhoods. As of the latest estimates, its population is approximately 64,000 residents. The city is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area and is situated about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach, offering a blend of suburban calmness and accessibility to a more bustling urban atmosphere.
Port Orange’s appeal for short-term rentals is bolstered by its close proximity to various well-known landmarks and recreational areas. One significant attraction is the Spruce Creek Park, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural Florida landscape (Spruce Creek Park: Spruce Creek Park). Another notable spot is the Cracker Creek, which provides eco-friendly kayak and canoe tours along the scenic Spruce Creek (Cracker Creek: Cracker Creek).
Additionally, the city boasts excellent access to the Halifax River, making it a great spot for water activities and boating. The Riverwalk Park, located along the river, features walking trails, a playground, and a kayak launch (Riverwalk Park: Riverwalk Park). For shopping and dining, the Pavilion at Port Orange is a convenient hub with a variety of stores, restaurants, and a movie theater (The Pavilion: The Pavilion at Port Orange).
With its strategic location, well-maintained parks, waterways, and modern amenities, Port Orange stands out as an attractive option for short-term rentals, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a serene yet well-connected place to stay.
Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.
