Tampa, Florida
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Tampa, FL
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STR Regulations for Tampa, Florida
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Tampa, FL?
YES — Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Tampa, FL, and throughout Hillsborough County. However, they are subject to specific zoning restrictions and regulatory requirements. STRs are defined as rentals for periods of less than six months, and both residential and commercial zones may permit STR operations depending on local zoning ordinances.
Hillsborough County explicitly allows short-term rentals (7 nights or less) in certain residential and commercial zones, but property owners must verify zoning compliance before operating. The regulatory framework operates at three levels: state regulations (vacation rental licensing), county regulations (zoning and business licensing), and municipal considerations (though Tampa city-level STR-specific ordinances remain under discussion).
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tampa
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Critical First Step: Before any other actions, consult the Hillsborough County Land Development Office to determine if your property is zoned appropriately for short-term rental operations. STRs are generally permitted in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts but may be restricted in single-family residential zones. Operating outside approved zones can result in significant fines.
Step 2: Determine License Type
Florida offers two primary vacation rental license categories:
- Condo License: For rental units within condominium complexes
- Dwelling License: For standalone residential properties
Step 3: Complete State Registration
- Apply online through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website
- Obtain your unique registration number
- Fees vary based on unit count and license duration
Step 4: Add Registration to Listings
Add your license number to all platform listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) to finalize registration with local authorities.
Step 5: Annual Renewal
Licenses expire one year from issuance date and require annual renewal.
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
State-Level Requirements (Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation)
- Vacation Rental License: Mandatory for any rental period less than six months
- Business Tax Receipt (Form DR-1): General business license through Florida Department of Revenue
- Registration Number: Must be displayed in all advertising materials
County-Level Requirements (Hillsborough County)
- General Business License: Required from County Tax Collector
- Zoning Approval: Verification that property is in an STR-permitted zone
Document Checklist
- Proof of property ownership
- Floor plan indicating guest areas
- Tax registration confirmation
- Zoning approval documentation
- Landlord consent (if leasing property)
- Insurance documentation (minimum $1 million liability coverage recommended)
License Fees
- New owner/changing ownership: $50 non-refundable fee
- Half-year license: $90
- Full-year license: $170
- State license fees: $50 (1-4 units), $100 (5-25 units), $150 (26+ units)
Specific Regulations by Level
State Regulations (Florida)
- License Requirement: All STRs under six months require state vacation rental license
- Annual Renewal: State licenses expire one year from issuance
- Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax on rental income
- Registration: Form DR-1 required for business tax receipt
- Platform Tax Remittance: Airbnb and VRBO remit state taxes on hosts' behalf
County Regulations (Hillsborough County)
- Zoning Compliance: STRs permitted in commercial and mixed-use zones
- Business License: Required from County Tax Collector
- Tourist Development Tax: 5% on short-term rentals
- Tenant Requirements: Renters must obtain landlord permission before STR operations
Municipal Considerations (City of Tampa)
- No STR-Specific Ordinances: Currently no city-level STR regulations beyond county requirements
- Proposed Regulations: City council discussing potential occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety standards
- Zoning Authority: City planning department can provide zoning verification
Key Operational Regulations
- Maximum Occupancy: 6 persons or 2 per bedroom (whichever is greater)
- Property Types: ADUs, duplexes, and multifamily homes permitted with compliance
- Management Agents: Owners may designate agents but remain responsible for compliance
- Hosted Rentals: Hosts staying in dwelling while renting rooms may not need vacation rental license
Contact Information for Local Authorities
Hillsborough County Land Development Office
- Phone: Contact through main county line
- Website: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/businesses/land-development
- Zoning Counseling: Available for property-specific guidance
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Phone: (850) 487-1395
- Online Contact: myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/contact-us.html
- License Applications: myfloridalicense.com
Hillsborough County Tax Collector
- Phone: (813) 635-5200
- Email: taxcollector@hcfl.gov
- Website: hillstax.org/taxes/business-tax-services/
- Business Tax Services: Additional requirements and filing procedures
Tampa City Planning Department
- Phone: (813) 274-3100
- Email: zoning@tampa.gov
- Zoning Verification: Available for municipal considerations
Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement (Rental Information)
- Director: Keith O'Connor
- Phone: (813) 274-5545
- Address: 2555 E Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
- Mailing: P.O. Box 2200, Tampa, FL 33601
- Website: tampa.gov/neighborhood-enhancement/rental-information
Tax Obligations and Remittance
Tax Structure (Up to 11% Total)
- State Sales Tax: 6%
- Hillsborough County Tourist Development Tax: 5%
- Local Lodging Taxes: Variable by rental classification
Registration and Payment
- State Registration: Florida Department of Revenue (Form DR-1)
- County Registration: Hillsborough County Tax Collector
- Payment Schedule: Monthly filings due by 20th of each month
- Platform Compliance: Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on hosts' behalf
Filing Requirements
- Monthly tax reporting and payment mandatory
- Accurate record-keeping essential
- Professional tax consultation recommended
Source Links
- Airbnb Tampa STR Help Article
- Vacation Rental License Guide - Tampa
- Steadily STR Laws Tampa
- Chalet Tampa Rental Regulations
- Tampa Official Rental Information
- Hillsborough County Land Development
- Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing
- Hillsborough County Tax Collector
Investor Considerations
Multiple Property Ownership: Investors may own unlimited STR properties without specific restrictions.
Business Entity Flexibility: Investors can operate STRs through LLCs or other business entities without restrictions.
Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive coverage including homeowner's insurance with fire, hazard, and liability provisions (minimum $1 million per occurrence) strongly recommended.
Active Enforcement: Tampa maintains active enforcement with potential daily fines for non-compliance.
Market Strength: Tampa remains a robust STR market driven by tourism and event-driven rental demand, making it attractive for investors despite regulatory requirements.
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for STR investment in Tampa, but investors should verify current regulations with local authorities and consult legal professionals for complex situations.
Tampa
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Tampa
Overview of Tampa
Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant city located on the west coast of the state, along Tampa Bay near the Gulf of Mexico. As of the latest data, Tampa boasts a population of approximately 400,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in Florida. It is part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which has a population exceeding 3 million people. Tampa is situated about 84 miles southwest of Orlando, a major city renowned for its theme parks and entertainment attractions.
Tampa's appeal for short-term rentals is bolstered by its diverse array of attractions and amenities. The city's most famous landmark is Busch Gardens Busch Gardens, a sprawling amusement park that combines thrilling rides with a zoo featuring over 200 species of animals. Another major attraction is the Florida Aquarium Florida Aquarium, which offers visitors a chance to see marine life up close through interactive exhibits.
The city's rich history is showcased at landmarks such as the historic Ybor City Ybor City, known for its Cuban-influenced architecture and vibrant nightlife. Tampa is also home to the Tampa Riverwalk Tampa Riverwalk, a meandering path along the Hillsborough River that connects several parks, museums, and dining options, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
For sports enthusiasts, Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Amalie Arena Amalie Arena, where the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning play, are significant draws.
Given its close proximity to beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, such as Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach, just a short drive away, Tampa combines the allure of urban amenities with easy access to natural attractions, making it a prime location for short-term rentals.
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