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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Summerland Key, Florida, but only under specific conditions and with proper permits. Summerland Key operates under Monroe County jurisdiction for vacation rental regulations. Short-term rentals are defined as rentals of less than 28 days duration, and Monroe County maintains strict zoning restrictions and permit requirements. Properties must be located in approved zoning districts (SR, MU, UR, IS-V, OS) and obtain a Special Vacation Rental Permit before operation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Summerland Key

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

First, confirm your property is in an approved zoning district:

• Allowed Districts: Suburban Residential (SR), Mixed Use (MU), Urban Residential (UR), Improved Subdivision Vacation Rental (IS-V), Offshore Islands (OS)
• Prohibited Districts: Improved Subdivision (IS), Urban Residential Mobile Home (URM), IS-M (Improved Subdivision Masonry)

Use the Vacation Rental Map Restrictions to verify your property's zoning classification.

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

Apply for the following in sequence:

1. Special Vacation Rental Permit (Planning & Environmental Resources)
2. Business Tax License (Monroe County Tax Collector)
3. Special Vacation Rental Manager License
4. Fire and Life Safety Inspection (Fire Marshal's Office)

Step 3: Complete Inspections

Schedule and pass the mandatory Fire and Life Safety Inspection based on your property size.

Step 4: Register for Tax Collection

Set up systems to collect and remit applicable taxes (see tax section below).

Step 5: Ensure Advertising Compliance

All advertisements must include the 28-day minimum stay requirement and the property's vacation rental license number.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

1. Special Vacation Rental Permit

Application: Initial Special Vacation Rental Application

• Fee: $490 (initial), $100 (renewal)
• Validity: Annual permit, nontransferable between owners
• Process: Contact Planning & Environmental Resources Department

2. Business Tax License

• Issued by: Monroe County Tax Collector
• Required for: All rental properties (long-term and short-term)
• Website: Monroe County Tax Collector

3. Special Vacation Rental Manager License

• Fee: $110
• Requirement: Every vacation rental unit must have a licensed manager
• Application: Special Vacation Rental Manager License Application

4. Fire and Life Safety Inspection

Mandatory for both initial permits and renewals

• 1 Bedroom: $100 inspection fee
• 2-3 Bedrooms: $200 inspection fee
• 4+ Bedrooms: $300 inspection fee
• Re-inspection: Base fee + $50 after third failed inspection
• Scheduling: Through Vacation Rental Inspection Request

5. Tax Registration

• State Sales Tax: 7.5%
• Monroe County Tourist Development Tax: 5%
• Total Tax Rate: 12.5% on all bookings

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Restrictions

• Minimum Stay: 28 consecutive days to the same tenant
• Rentals to Same Tenant: Multiple 28+ day stays allowed
• Geographic Restrictions: Must be in approved zoning districts
• Association Requirements: Some areas require gated community with approved association regulation

Advertising Requirements

• Mandatory Disclosure: Include 28-day minimum stay requirement
• Monthly Rates: Display monthly rates for rental or lease
• License Number: Include vacation rental license number in all advertisements
• Compliance: Violations can result in removal of listings and penalties

Operational Requirements

• Manager On-Site: Licensed manager required for each property
• Permit Transfers: Permits are nontransferable - new ownership requires new permit
• Code Compliance: Must comply with all Land Development Code requirements

Tax Collection and Remittance

• Rate: 12.5% combined state and local taxes
• State Component: 7.5% Florida sales tax
• Local Component: 5% Monroe County Tourist Development Tax
• Remittance: Monthly filing required with Florida Department of Revenue

Violations and Enforcement

• Prohibited Districts: Unlawful to rent properties in IS, URM, or IS-M districts
• Advertising Violations: Unlawful to advertise properties in prohibited districts
• Reporting: Violations can be reported through Monroe County Code Compliance

Contact Information

Primary Authorities

Monroe County Planning & Environmental Resources

• Address: 1100 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 294-4641
• Website: monroecounty-fl.gov/701/Special-Vacation-Rental-Program
• For: Special Vacation Rental Permits, Manager Licenses

Monroe County Fire Marshal's Office

• For: Fire and Life Safety Inspections
• Inspection Requests: Vacation Rental Inspection Request Form

Monroe County Tax Collector

• Website: monroetaxcollector.com
• For: Business Tax Licenses

Monroe County Code Compliance

• For: Reporting violations
• Website: monroecounty-fl.gov/codecompliance

Source Links

Official Monroe County Resources

• Special Vacation Rental Program
• Vacation Rental Map Restrictions
• Initial Special Vacation Rental Application
• Renewal of Special Vacation Rental Application
• Special Vacation Rental Manager License Application
• Exemption from Vacation Rental Permit Application
• Vacation Rental Inspection Request Form

Tax and Business Resources

• Monroe County Tax Collector
• Florida Department of Revenue

Additional Resources

• Monroe County Code Compliance
• Forms and Applications
• Application Process & Estimated Timelines

Important Note: This guide is based on Monroe County regulations as they apply to Summerland Key. Property owners should verify current requirements with the Planning & Environmental Resources Department before making any investment decisions, as regulations may change.