Overview: Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Suwannee County, Florida, when operated in compliance with state and local requirements. As of June 4, 2020, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) approved Suwannee County’s plan for vacation rental operations under Executive Order 20-123. Florida governs STR licensing primarily at the state level; local governments may impose additional taxes and registration requirements. For Suwannee, state-level rules are decisive, and county-level obligations typically include local business tax receipts and county-administered tourist development taxes for rentals of six months or less. There are no city-specific STR regulations cited for the City of Suwannee or other municipalities within the county.

Market Entry: How to Start an STR Business in Suwannee, FL

• Determine license classification.
  • Vacation Rental – Dwelling for single-family houses, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes (four or fewer units collectively).
  • Vacation Rental – Condominium for units in a condominium or cooperative building or complex.
• Choose the license structure that matches your operating model and portfolio size.
  • Single: One license per single-family house or townhouse, or a unit/group of units in a single building owned and operated by the same person or entity (not a licensed agent).
  • Group: One license for all units within a building or group of buildings in a single complex, issued to a licensed agent.
  • Collective: One license covering a collective group of houses or units on separate locations, limited to 75 units or fewer, restricted to counties within one DBPR district. Collective licenses are issued only to licensed agents.
• Apply for the DBPR Vacation Rental license online (fastest route). Online applications are processed in one to two business days; digital licenses are issued by email upon approval. All unit addresses must be submitted through the license holder’s DBPR Online Services account.
• Add or remove units via DBPR Online Services as properties are acquired or sold; the license’s unit count must match the addresses submitted.
• Obtain local and state tax registrations required for STR operations.
• Conduct initial compliance checks: fire safety, sanitation, bedding/linen, Consumer Product Safety Commission–compliant baby cribs, and human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping and front desk/reception staff.

Note: The term “licensed agent” in Florida DBPR licensing does not refer to a real estate license; it means the operator has been authorized by the owner to hold out units for transient rentals via a contract or rental agreement.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• State License (DBPR – Division of Hotels & Restaurants)
  • Vacation Rental – Dwelling or Vacation Rental – Condominium license.
  • Application fee: $50; Hospitality Education Program (HEP) fee: $10; plus the license fee (full- or half-year depending on application timing and DBPR district renewal schedule).
  • License must be displayed conspicuously on the premises (or copies displayed).
• Licensing Classifications and Structures
  • Single, Group, or Collective (agent-managed) licenses; limited to 75 units for Collective and must remain within one district.
• Florida Administrative Code Requirements and State Rules
  • Rule 61C-1.002(4)(a)2.e.: Licensed agents holding Group or Collective licenses are responsible for all violations under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and Chapters 61C-1 and 61C-3, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), when violations occur while the unit is listed under the agent or reflected in division records.
• Sanitation, Safety, and Guest Supplies
  • Maintain units clean, safe, and in good physical condition.
  • Provide clean soap (individual bars or dispensers).
  • Bedding and linens must be clean, unworn, and properly stored; sheets and pillowcases must be in good condition and laundered between each guest or weekly, whichever comes first. Bedding items must be thoroughly aired and disinfected and kept clean.
  • Dishes and glassware must be sanitized between guests via a three-compartment sink or commercial dishmachine; if facilities are unavailable, post the division’s “Notification of Exception to Sanitization Requirements” notice using the required language.
  • Keep establishments free of vermin.
  • Baby cribs provided must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
• Fire Safety and Structural Requirements
  • Smoke detectors required in every living unit; specialized detectors for the hearing impaired must be available (one per 50 rental units or fraction thereof; maximum of five per license).
  • Electrical systems must be proper and safe; no extension cords.
  • All units must comply with NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code.
  • For buildings of three stories or more with interior means of egress or taller than 75 feet, Vacation Rental–Condominiums require automatic fire sprinklers installed per NFPA Chapter 13.
  • Certificate of Balcony Inspection must be filed with DBPR every three years for non-common-element exterior balconies and stairs; condominium licensees may request an exemption by proving the areas are common elements.
• Human Trafficking Awareness Training
  • Required annually for employees in housekeeping roles or front desk/reception areas where guests check in/out. New employees must complete training within 60 days of starting such roles or by January 1, 2021, whichever is later.
• Local Tax Registrations (County-level)
  • Local Business Tax Receipt (county tax collector) for each rental location. Many counties require proof of the DBPR state license before issuing the local BTR.
  • Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account and monthly returns for rentals of six months or less. TDT is administered at the county level (county tax collector); rates and procedures vary by county.
  • Sales and Use Tax registration and monthly returns through Florida Department of Revenue when transient rentals occur.
  • Remit TDT and sales tax, keep records, and retain license copies on-site. Filing fraud is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Specific Regulations and Tax Framework

• State-Level Regulations (DBPR)
  • Vacation rentals are regulated under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and associated rules (61C-1 and 61C-3, FAC).
  • DBPR oversees licensing, inspections, and compliance (fire safety items recorded and referred to the State Fire Marshal and local fire authorities).
  • Human trafficking training mandated for applicable staff.
• County-Level Requirements (Suwannee County)
  • A Local Business Tax Receipt is required for each STR location. Counties typically require proof of a corresponding state license (DBPR) prior to issuance.
  • Tourist Development Tax applies to rentals of six months or less; Suwannee County administers TDT through the Tax Collector’s Office. Investors must register a TDT account and file monthly returns.
  • Some counties also require sales and use tax for STR activities and may impose a local business tax receipt even if the rental is infrequent (three or fewer times per calendar year, ≤30 days), generally under a Class A accommodation category; confirm specific local classification with the Suwannee County Tax Collector.
  • TDT and local BTR processes and rates can change; confirm the current rate, due dates, and filing procedures directly with the Suwannee County Tax Collector.
• Municipal-Level (City of Suwannee and other municipalities)
  • No city-specific STR licensing or zoning requirements are cited in the provided materials. Operators should verify with local municipal planning/zoning departments if additional constraints apply (e.g., occupancy limits, parking, signage).

Fees and Key Dates

• DBPR Application and Fees
  • Application fee: $50; HEP fee: $10; plus license fee (full or half-year based on application timing).
  • Renewal schedule and half-year fee thresholds are district-specific. Suwannee County is in District 5 (Jacksonville). Annual renewal date is June 1; half-year fee applies on or after December 1.
• License Fee Examples (Single or Group License)
  • Single rental unit: Full Year $170; Half-Year $90
  • 2–25 units: Full Year $180; Half-Year $95
  • 26–50 units: Full Year $195; Half-Year $102.50
  • 51–100 units: Full Year $210; Half-Year $110
  • 101–200 units: Full Year $235; Half-Year $122.50
  • 201–300 units: Full Year $265; Half-Year $137.50
  • 301–400 units: Full Year $295; Half-Year $152.50
  • 401–500 units: Full Year $320; Half-Year $165
  • 501+ units: Full Year $350; Half-Year $180
• Collective License Fee
  • Full Year: $150 basic fee + (number of rental units × $10)
  • Half-Year: one-half of the Full Year fee

Practical tip: Because licenses renew on a fixed cycle, applying late in the cycle can trigger an immediate full renewal payment in addition to the application fee. For example, applying in late May for a District 5 property would require a full-year payment that renews on June 1. Plan timing accordingly.

Contacts and Local Authority

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels & Restaurants
  • 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011
  • Telephone: 850.487.1395
  • Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
  • Emergency Information: myfloridalicense.com/emergency
  • DBPR Customer Contact Center: 850.487.1395; TTY: 800.955.8771
• Suwannee County Tax Collector (Local BTR and TDT administration)
  • Website: fl-suwannee-taxcollector.manatron.com (link in sources)
  • Use this office for local business tax receipts and Tourist Development Tax registration and monthly returns.
• State Fire Marshal (fire safety compliance)
  • Florida Chief Financial Officer, Division of State Fire Marshal
  • Website: myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/ (see sources)
• Florida Department of Revenue (Sales and Use Tax)
  • Website: floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/sales_tax.aspx (see sources)

Source Pages and Links

• DBPR Secretary Approval of Suwannee County Vacation Rental Request (June 4, 2020): suwanneecountyfl.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020.06.04_DBPR_Secretary_Approval_of_Suwannee_County_Vacation_Rental_Request.pdf
• DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants – Guide to Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects: www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/
• DBPR Emergency Information Page: www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency
• Vacation Rental Database (search licensed STRs): dbpr-publicrecords.myfloridalicense.com/qpr/single/?appid=ab66df14-644f-4a21-bc08-1bb0fe735072&sheet=8fc1cd5b-1341-4f49-bbab-108d6b14b137&opt=ctxmenu,currsel
• Suwannee County Tax Collector: fl-suwannee-taxcollector.manatron.com
• Florida Chief Financial Officer – State Fire Marshal: myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/
• Florida Department of Revenue – Sales and Use Tax: floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/sales_tax.aspx

Investor Checklist for Suwannee County

• Confirm property classification (Dwelling vs. Condo) and choose license structure (Single/Group/Collective).
• Create DBPR Online Services account and submit the appropriate license application with all unit addresses.
• Budget for application fee ($50), HEP fee ($10), and the license fee (full or half-year).
• Schedule inspections and complete human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping and front desk staff.
• Apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt with the Suwannee County Tax Collector (bring DBPR license proof).
• Open a Tourist Development Tax account with Suwannee County and set up monthly filing.
• Register for Sales and Use Tax with Florida Department of Revenue and implement a compliant collection/remittance process.
• Verify fire safety, sanitation, and NFPA compliance; post required notices if sanitization facilities are unavailable.
• Maintain on-site license copies, keep bedding/linens in clean condition, and provide required amenities.
• Monitor renewal deadlines (June 1 for Suwannee’s district) and adjust filings for new acquisitions or dispositions via DBPR Online Services.