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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Sebring, Florida. Sebring, located within Highlands County, permits short-term rental operations under both Florida state law and Highlands County regulations. As of 2025, there is no ban on short-term rentals in Sebring or Highlands County, though operators must comply with state licensing requirements and any applicable county zoning regulations.

The legal framework combines Florida's statewide vacation rental laws under Chapter 509 of the Florida Statutes, administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), with Highlands County's Land Development Regulations that govern zoning and land use requirements.

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

Starting a short-term rental business in Sebring requires following a systematic approach to ensure full compliance with state and local regulations:

1. Pre-Operational Planning

Zoning Compliance Verification

• Verify your property is located in a zoning district that allows short-term rental uses
• Highlands County's Land Development Regulations govern which zones permit transient lodging establishments
• Properties in residential zones may have additional restrictions or require special use permits

Market Research

• Sebring's STR market shows promising performance with 41% average occupancy rates
• Average daily rate of $219 with monthly revenue potential of $9,863
• Peak seasons run from Thanksgiving through mid-April
• Key attractions include Sebring International Raceway, nearby lakes, and golf courses

2. Licensing and Registration Process

State-Level Requirements (Mandatory)

• Obtain Florida DBPR vacation rental license before operating
• Apply online through the DBPR license portal
• Choose appropriate license classification based on property type
• Pay required fees ($50 application fee + $10 training fee + annual license fee)
• Processing typically takes 1-2 business days

Local Requirements

• Check with Highlands County for any additional registration or permit requirements
• Verify compliance with county zoning regulations
• Obtain any required building permits or inspections

3. Operational Setup

Tax Registration and Collection

• Register with Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection
• Set up systems to collect and remit:
  • 6% Florida state sales tax
  • Local tourist taxes (varies by county, typically 7.5-12% of revenue)

Insurance and Safety

• Obtain appropriate vacation rental insurance coverage
• Ensure property meets safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors
• Complete any required safety inspections
• Post emergency contact information on-premises

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Florida DBPR)

Required Documents for DBPR License:

• Proof of property ownership or legal right to rent
• Property address and legal description
• Balcony inspection certificate (required for buildings 3+ stories every 3 years)
• Human Trafficking Training Certificate for housekeeping staff
• Business bank account information
• Tax identification numbers

License Classifications:

• Vacation Rental – Condominium Unit
• Vacation Rental – Dwelling (single-family, townhouse, multi-unit up to 4 units)
• Group or Collective (multiple units under one operator, up to 75 units)

Ongoing Compliance Requirements:

• Annual license renewal
• Display DBPR license number in all public listings
• Maintain accurate records of rentals and tax collections
• Allow inspections by DBPR representatives
• Keep emergency contact information current

Highlands County Requirements

Zoning and Land Use Compliance:

• Compliance with Highlands County Land Development Regulations
• Verification that short-term rental use is permitted in the specific zoning district
• Adherence to setback requirements, height limitations, and density restrictions
• Compliance with parking requirements for transient guests

Building and Safety Standards:

• Building permits for any structural modifications
• Compliance with Florida Building Code
• Meeting fire safety and accessibility standards
• Regular inspections as required by county code

Operational Guidelines:

• Noise ordinance compliance (quiet hours enforcement)
• Trash collection and recycling requirements
• Parking regulations for guests
• Property maintenance standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Florida State Regulations (Chapter 509, Florida Statutes)

Definition of Short-Term Rental:

• Any housing accommodation rented for 30 days or less, more than three times per calendar year
• Any housing accommodation advertised to the public as available for regular rental to guests
• Leases of 180 days or less are considered "transient rentals" for tax purposes

Licensing Requirements:

• Mandatory DBPR license for all vacation rentals
• Online application process through myfloridalicense.com
• License must be displayed in all advertising and rental listings
• Annual renewal required with continuing education requirements

Tax Obligations:

• 6% Florida state sales tax on all transient rentals
• Local tourist development taxes (varies by county)
• Monthly remittance requirements to Florida Department of Revenue
• Detailed record-keeping requirements

Safety and Inspection Requirements:

• Balcony safety inspections every three years for multi-story buildings
• Emergency contact information must be posted on-premises
• Compliance with fire safety codes
• Accessibility compliance where applicable

Highlands County Regulations

Zoning Compliance:

• Short-term rentals must comply with the underlying zoning district requirements
• Residential zones may have additional restrictions on commercial activities
• Commercial and mixed-use zones generally more permissive of STR operations
• Nonconforming use protections for existing STR operations

Development Standards:

• Compliance with Highlands County Land Development Regulations
• Adherence to density and intensity standards
• Parking requirements based on unit count and size
• Landscaping and buffering requirements for commercial uses

Operational Standards:

• Noise control and quiet hour enforcement
• Trash and recycling collection schedules
• Guest parking limitations and requirements
• Property maintenance and appearance standards

No City-Specific Sebring Regulations

Based on available sources, there are no specific City of Sebring short-term rental ordinances or regulations identified. Sebring operates under Highlands County zoning and development regulations for land use matters, while state law governs vacation rental licensing and operation requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Phone: (850) 487-1395
• Website: myfloridalicense.com
• Online Portal: DBPR License Portal
• Purpose: State licensing, compliance, and regulatory oversight

Florida Department of Revenue

• Phone: (850) 488-6800
• Website: floridarevenue.com
• Purpose: Sales tax registration, collection, and remittance

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners

• Phone: (863) 402-6500
• Website: highlandsfl.gov
• Address: 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870
• Purpose: County zoning, development permits, and local regulations

Highlands County Planning and Development Department

• Phone: (863) 402-6650
• Purpose: Zoning compliance, land use permits, and development review

Highlands County Building Department

• Phone: (863) 402-6565
• Purpose: Building permits, inspections, and code compliance

Links to Source Pages

1. RedAwning Sebring Market Overview: https://www.redawning.com/pm/market-overview/sebring-florida

2. Avantio Florida Vacation Rental Laws 2025: https://www.avantio.com/blog/florida-vacation-rental-laws/

3. Highlands County Land Development Regulations: [https://cms2.revize.com/revize/highlandscountyfl/departments/development_services/planning/LDRS%20thru%20Ord%2021-22-28%20(6-21-22)%20ADA.pdf](cms2.revize.com/revize/highlandscountyfl/departments/development_services/planning/LDRS%20thru%20Ord%2021-22-28%20(6-21-22%20ADA.pdf)

Important Compliance Notes for Sebring Investors

Preemption Status: Florida's current vacation rental preemption laws prevent local governments from prohibiting short-term rentals or regulating their duration/frequency, unless such ordinances were in place before June 1, 2011.

Regulatory Environment: While Sebring itself has no specific STR ordinances, Highlands County maintains zoning authority over land use, and Florida state law governs the licensing and operational aspects of vacation rentals.

Enforcement: Violations of state licensing requirements can result in fines of $500-1,000+ per day, while county zoning violations may result in code enforcement actions and potential cease and desist orders.

Ongoing Monitoring: Florida's vacation rental laws continue to evolve. Investors should stay informed about potential legislative changes and local regulatory developments that may impact their operations.

This guide provides the foundation for legally operating a short-term rental in Sebring, Florida. Investors should verify current requirements with state and local authorities before commencing operations and maintain ongoing compliance with all applicable regulations.