startup landing logo
startup landing logo
EXPLORE
ACCOUNT
HELP
Regulations >
Florida >
Punta Gorda

Want to see how Punta Gorda compares to other top cities in Florida?  Explore all city regulations in Florida. →

B

Punta Gorda, FL

Generally Investor Friendly

Local STR Agent

Punta Gorda STR Expert
Punta Gorda, Florida skyline

STR Regulations for Punta Gorda, Florida

Executive Summary: STR Status in Punta Gorda

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Punta Gorda, Florida. The city has established a clear regulatory framework that permits vacation rentals provided operators obtain the required licenses, permits, and meet all compliance obligations. As of 2024, Punta Gorda operates under a mature regulatory structure that balances the rights of property owners with community protection concerns.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Punta Gorda

Step 1: Obtain State-Level Licensure

Before applying for local permits, you must secure a Public Lodging Establishment License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Division of Hotels & Restaurants. This license is mandatory under Florida Statute 509.241(1) for anyone seeking to rent any dwelling unit to guests more than 3 times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less, or who advertises or holds out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests.

Application Process:

Step 2: Secure City Business Tax Receipt

After obtaining your state license, apply for a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Punta Gorda. This requirement is established under Chapter 12 of the Punta Gorda Code.

Prerequisites:

  • Evidence of current public lodging establishment license from Florida DBPR
  • Successful completion of city inspection (see Step 3)

Application Process:

Step 3: Complete Required City Inspection

Punta Gorda Code Section 12-6 mandates that prior to Business Tax Receipt issuance, a dwelling unit used for vacation rental purposes must be inspected by the City for compliance with:

  • Zoning codes
  • Building codes
  • Fire codes

Schedule inspection through the City Clerk's Office to ensure all regulatory requirements are met before proceeding with operations.

Step 4: Establish Tax Collection Systems

Implement systems to collect and remit required taxes:

  • State Sales Tax: 6% on rental charges
  • County Discretionary Sales Tax: 1% in Charlotte County
  • Tourist Development Tax: 5% in Charlotte County

Contact the Florida Department of Revenue for a Florida Sales Tax Identification Number and register with the Charlotte County Tax Collector.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licensing and Permits

1. State License:

  • Public Lodging Establishment License from Florida DBPR
  • Required for any property rented more than 3 times per calendar year for stays under 30 days
  • Contact: Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation at (850)487-1395

2. City Business Tax Receipt

  • Issued by the City of Punta Gorda
  • Must display proof of current DBPR license
  • Application Reference: Chapter 12, Punta Gorda Code
  • Contact: City Clerk's Office at (941)575-3369

Inspection Requirements

Annual City Inspection covering:

  • Zoning compliance verification
  • Building code adherence
  • Fire safety standards

Additional Safety Requirements:

  • Balcony Inspection: If your property is in a building with 3+ stories OR has balconies at least 17 feet from ground level, obtain certified inspector assessment

Tax Registration Requirements

  • Florida Sales Tax Identification Number from Department of Revenue
  • Charlotte County Tax Collector registration for local taxes

Operational Guidelines

Occupancy Limits:

  • Maximum overnight occupancy: Two people per bedroom plus two additional people in common areas
  • Each person must have at least 50 square feet of space
  • More than two people per bedroom allowed if space requirements are met

Employee Training Requirements:

  • Any employees maintaining properties or greeting guests must complete human trafficking awareness training per Florida state requirements

Regulatory References:

  • Florida Statute 509.013: Definition of transient public lodging establishments
  • Florida Statute 509.242: Definition of vacation rentals
  • Chapter 12, Punta Gorda Code: Local business tax requirements
  • City's Land Development Regulations (LDRs): Zoning and land use guidelines

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Punta Gorda)

Business Operations:

  • Vacation rentals are subject to the same regulations as other residential properties
  • Properties must comply with all zoning requirements for their specific district
  • Local Business Tax Receipt must be displayed and current

Enforcement and Penalties:

  • Local governments may suspend vacation rental registrations for up to 30 days following three or more violations of local ordinances within a 90-day period
  • Fines for non-compliance can be significant
  • Violations can be reported to Code Compliance Division

Zoning Compliance:

  • Must adhere to City of Punta Gorda's Land Development Regulations
  • Implementing guidelines from the city's Comprehensive Plan apply
  • Specific zoning districts may have additional restrictions

County-Level Regulations (Charlotte County)

Tourism Taxes:

  • 5% Tourist Development Tax on short-term rental charges
  • 1% County Discretionary Sales Tax in addition to state requirements

Tax Collection and Remittance:

  • Monthly remittance of collected taxes required
  • Registration with Charlotte County Tax Collector mandatory

State-Level Regulations (Florida)

Licensing Requirements:

  • Public lodging establishment license mandatory for properties meeting rental frequency criteria
  • License renewal and compliance monitoring by DBPR

Sales Tax Obligations:

  • 6% state sales tax on rental charges
  • Registration with Florida Department of Revenue required
  • Regular filing and remittance obligations

Safety and Building Standards:

  • Balcony inspection requirements for high-rise buildings
  • Compliance with Florida Building Code standards
  • Fire safety and emergency egress requirements

Human Trafficking Prevention:

  • Mandatory training for employees
  • Specific notification and awareness requirements

Definitions (per Florida Statute 509.242):

  • Vacation rentals include "any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment but that is not a timeshare project"

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Punta Gorda - Primary Contacts

City Clerk's Office (Licensing and Registration):

  • Phone: (941)575-3369
  • Email: PGClerk@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com
  • Address: 326 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Code Compliance Division (Violations and Complaints):

  • Phone: (941)575-3352
  • Email: PGCode@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com
  • Purpose: Report code violations at vacation rental properties

Non-Emergency Police (Noise Complaints and Concerns):

  • Phone: (941)639-4111
  • Service: Anonymous reporting available
  • Use for: Noise complaints, disturbances, and other guest-related issues

State and County Contacts

Florida Department of Revenue (Tax Registration):

  • Phone: (850)488-6800
  • Website: floridarevenue.com
  • Purpose: Sales tax identification number and filing requirements

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation:

  • Phone: (850)487-1395
  • Website: myfloridalicense.com
  • Division: Hotels & Restaurants
  • Purpose: Public lodging establishment licensing

Division of Hotels & Restaurants:

Charlotte County Tax Collector:

Regulatory Reference Documents

City Attorney's Memorandum on Vacation Rentals:

  • Available through City Clerk's Office
  • Provides legal framework interpretation
  • Reference document for compliance guidance

Punta Gorda Code Chapter 12:

  • Governing ordinance for business tax receipts
  • Available on city website
  • Establishes local regulatory framework

Source Pages and Legal References

Primary Source Documents

City of Punta Gorda Vacation Rentals Information:

Punta Gorda Code Chapter 12:

Local Business Tax Receipt Application:

State Legal References

Florida Statute 509.241:

Florida Statute 509.013:

Regulatory Agency Websites

Florida DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants:

Florida Department of Revenue:

Charlotte County Tax Collector:

Additional Regulatory Context

Recent Regulatory Discussion (November 2023):

City Attorney's Memorandum:

  • Available through: City Clerk's Office
  • Content: Legal interpretation and guidance on vacation rental regulations
  • Reference: Provided on city website for regulatory guidance

Compliance Timeline and Best Practices

Registration Timeline:

  1. Week 1-2: Apply for Florida DBPR license
  2. Week 3-4: Complete city inspection upon DBPR license approval
  3. Week 5: Apply for City Business Tax Receipt
  4. Ongoing: Monthly tax remittance and annual license renewals

Critical Success Factors:

  • Maintain current licensing at all levels
  • Ensure annual inspections are completed on schedule
  • Implement robust tax collection and remittance systems
  • Maintain open communication channels with neighbors and city officials
  • Stay informed about regulatory updates and changes

Risk Mitigation:

  • Document all compliance activities
  • Maintain comprehensive insurance coverage
  • Establish relationships with local property management professionals
  • Monitor local political discussions that might impact regulations

This regulatory framework positions Punta Gorda as a mature, business-friendly market for short-term rental operations while maintaining appropriate safeguards for community character and resident quality of life.

Punta Gorda

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
8/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Punta Gorda Market Analysis →

Photos of Punta Gorda

Overview of Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda (; English: Fat Point) is a city located in Southwest Florida and is the county seat of Charlotte County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 U.S. Census the city had a population of 19,471. Punta Gorda is part of the Sarasota-Bradenton-Punta Gorda Combined Statistical Area.Punta Gorda was the scene of massive destruction after Charley, a Category 4 hurricane, came through the city on August 13, 2004. Charley was the strongest tropical system to hit Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and the first hurricane since Hurricane Donna in 1960 to make a direct hit on Florida's southwest coast. In the years following the storm, buildings were restored or built to hurricane-resistant building codes. The new buildings, restorations and amenities concurrently preserved the city's past while showcasing newer facilities. During this time, Laishley Park Municipal Marina was built and the Harborwalk, Linear Park and various trails were created throughout the city for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Want to know if a property in Punta Gorda is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.