Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Tallahassee, Florida (2025)

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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Tallahassee, Florida. The City's Zoning Code regulates land use rather than occupancy type, meaning it makes no distinction between owned versus rented residential units, nor between different rental terms. Short-term rentals operate within the same zoning framework as traditional residential uses, provided they comply with all applicable state, county, and local regulations.

This permissive approach places Tallahassee among Florida cities that allow STR operations, though operators must navigate a multi-layered regulatory environment involving state licensing requirements, local tax obligations, and property-specific compliance standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tallahassee

Step 1: State Licensing Through DBPR

Obtain a Vacation Rental License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is mandatory for renting entire units more than three times per calendar year for periods less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less.

Licensing Options:

Vacation Rental - Dwelling: For single-family houses, townhouses, or units in duplex, triplex, or quadruplex buildings
Vacation Rental - Condominium: For units in condominium or cooperative buildings
Single License: One property owned/operated by the same individual/entity
Group License: All units within a building or complex operated by a licensed agent
Collective License: Group of separate properties (limited to 75 units max, same district only)

Application Process:

Create DBPR Online Services account
Submit online application with property details
Pay application fees ($50 + $10 HEP fee + license fee)
Receive digital license via email upon approval (typically 1-2 business days)

Step 2: Tax Registration and Setup

Florida State Sales Tax (6%): Register with Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales tax on all short-term rentals.

Leon County Tourist Development Tax (5%): Register with county authorities to collect this local tourism tax, funding local tourism infrastructure.

Combined Tax Rate: 11% total tax burden on short-term rentals (6% state + 5% local)

Step 3: Safety and Inspection Compliance

Required Safety Measures:

Install smoke detectors in every living unit
Install carbon monoxide detectors where applicable
Provide functional fire extinguishers
Ensure electrical systems meet safety standards (no extension cord use)
Comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements

Certificate of Inspection Requirements:

Single-Family Homes: Annual general safety inspection
Multi-Family Buildings (3+ stories): Balcony inspection every 3 years (unless common elements)
Fire Safety Check: Required before license renewal

Step 4: Property Preparation and Operations

Physical Requirements:

Display current license conspicuously on premises
Maintain clean, safe, and physically sound conditions
Provide clean, properly fitted bedding and linens
Ensure soap availability (individual bars or dispensers)
Sanitize dishes/glassware between guests (or post required notice)
Maintain pest-free environment

Operational Considerations:

Maximum rental periods typically 30 consecutive days
Noise ordinance compliance mandatory
Parking regulations adherence
Neighbor relations management protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (DBPR)

Licenses:

Vacation Rental License ($50 application + $10 HEP + license fee)
License classifications: Single ($170-$350), Group ($180-$350), Collective ($150 + $10/unit)

Documentation:

Proof of property insurance
Property details and specifications
Compliance verification certificates
Tax registration confirmations

Local Requirements (Tallahassee/Leon County)

Tax Registrations:

Florida Department of Revenue sales tax permit
Leon County Tourist Development Tax registration

Property Compliance:

Certificate of Inspection (annual for single-family, every 3 years for 3+ story buildings)
Fire safety compliance documentation
Zoning compliance verification

Operational Documentation

License Display: Current license must be prominently displayed in visible location on premises

Guest Information: House rules, local ordinances, emergency contact information, noise guidelines

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

State Regulations (Florida)

Governing Body: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Key Requirements:

License mandatory for entire unit rentals (>3 times/year, <30 days)
Annual license renewal required
Inspection compliance (fire safety, health standards)
Human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping/reception staff
Bedding and linens cleaning protocols (between guests or weekly)
Dish sanitization requirements or guest notification

Fee Structure:

Application: $50 + $10 HEP fee + license fee
Annual renewal: $10 HEP + license fee
License fees vary by type and unit count (Single: $170-$350, Group: $180-$350)

County Regulations (Leon County)

Tourist Development Tax: 5% levy on short-term rentals Zoning Authority: Leon County planning/zoning for unincorporated areas Enforcement: County code enforcement for non-compliance

City Regulations (Tallahassee)

Zoning Code: STRs permitted in all residential zones (same as traditional residential use) Noise Ordinances: Standard residential noise limits apply Parking Regulations: Must comply with residential parking requirements Duration Limits: Typically maximum 30 consecutive days for short-term rentals

HOA/Condo Considerations

Private Restrictions: Properties may be subject to additional rental restrictions through:

Condominium declarations and bylaws
HOA governing documents
Private community rules and regulations

Compliance Required: STR operators must verify property-specific restrictions before licensing.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Director: Steven von Bodungen
Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011
Phone: (850) 487-1395
TTY: (800) 955-8771
Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
Website: www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/
Online Services: www.myfloridalicense.com/datamart/mainMenuFLDBPR.do

City of Tallahassee - Growth Management

Planning & Zoning Division

Address: 435 North Macomb Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 891-7001
Contact: www.talgov.com/main/email.aspx?emailto=zoning
Zoning Maps: www.talgov.com/growth/gm_zoning
FAQ: www.talgov.com/growth/gm_faqs

Leon County Tax Collector

Tourist Development Tax Administration

Website: www.leoncountytaxcollector.gov/
Address: 918 Railroad Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 606-4400

Florida Department of Revenue

Sales Tax Registration

Website: floridarevenue.com/
Phone: (877) 357-3725
Registration: floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/sales_tax.aspx

Important Regulatory Notes and Recent Developments

SB 280 Impact

Recent legislative attempts to further regulate STRs were vetoed by Governor DeSantis in 2024, maintaining the current regulatory framework with primary state oversight through DBPR and local tax collection authorities.

Compliance Monitoring

Active Enforcement: DBPR conducts regular inspections and maintains a searchable database of licensed vacation rentals (dbpr-publicrecords.myfloridalicense.com/qpr/single/)

Violation Consequences: Non-compliance can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation. Repeat violations may lead to permanent license denial.

Market Dynamics

STRs in Tallahassee operate within a competitive environment with approximately 11% combined tax burden and moderate regulatory oversight compared to other Florida markets, making it a relatively accessible market for new entrants while maintaining required compliance standards.

Sources and References

This comprehensive regulatory framework positions Tallahassee as a viable market for short-term rental investment, provided operators maintain strict compliance with state licensing requirements, local tax obligations, and property-specific regulations. The explicit allowance of STRs in the city's zoning code, combined with clear state-level guidance through DBPR, provides a structured pathway for legitimate operations.

Overview of Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, is located in the Florida Panhandle. It boasts a population of approximately 196,000 residents, making it a bustling hub of political and educational activity. Situated about 256 miles northwest of Orlando and roughly 165 miles west of Jacksonville, Tallahassee serves as a key player in the state's governmental operations.

Appeal for Short-Term Rentals

Tallahassee holds significant appeal for short-term rentals for a variety of reasons:

Governmental Hub: As the state capital, Tallahassee attracts a steady stream of government officials, lobbyists, and visitors attending legislative sessions and other governmental events, driving a constant demand for short-term accommodation.
Educational Institutions: Home to Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), the city sees an influx of students, faculty, and visiting families. These educational institutions often host conferences, sporting events, and commencements, which increase the need for temporary housing (Florida State University, Florida A&M University).
Historical and Cultural Landmarks: Tallahassee offers a variety of historical sites and cultural attractions. The Florida State Capitol building, with its distinctive architecture, is a major draw (Florida State Capitol). The Mission San Luis is a living history museum that recreates the 17th-century Spanish and Apalachee Native American settlement (Mission San Luis). Additionally, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum features an extensive collection of rare automobiles and memorabilia (Tallahassee Automobile Museum).
Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities: The city is surrounded by lush natural landscapes perfect for outdoor activities. The Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park offers ornamental gardens and scenic landscapes (Maclay Gardens). Additionally, Tallahassee’s proximity to the Apalachicola National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor pursuits (Apalachicola National Forest).
Cultural and Athletic Events: Being home to universities and a rich local culture, the city frequently hosts cultural festivals, concerts, and sports events. These events draw visitors who often seek short-term rentals for the duration of their stay.

In summary, Tallahassee’s blend of political, educational, historical, and natural attractions creates an appealing environment for short-term rentals. The city's significant role within Florida, coupled with its educational institutions and rich cultural landscape, make it a desirable destination for both business and leisure travelers.

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STR Regulations for Tallahassee, Florida