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

Yes, short-term rentals (defined as rentals of seven nights or less) are legal in Thonotosassa, FL. However, this legality is contingent on strict adherence to zoning regulations and licensing requirements. The key point is that your property must be located in a zoning district that permits transient rental accommodations. Renting a property short-term in a zone not designated for such use is illegal and can result in severe fines. The Thonotosassa area is governed by the regulations of Hillsborough County, as it is an unincorporated community within the county.

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

Starting a compliant STR business in Thonotosassa involves a sequential process focused on legal verification and licensing.

1. Verify Zoning Compliance (Critical First Step): Before purchasing or listing any property, you must confirm with the Hillsborough County Land Development Office that the property's zoning allows for transient rental accommodations (short-term rentals). This is the most crucial step. Operating an STR in a non-compliant zone can lead to immediate and significant fines. You can contact the Land Development Office for zoning counseling and guidance.

2. Obtain Required Licenses: Once zoning compliance is verified, you must secure the necessary state and county licenses.

   • State of Florida Vacation Rental License: Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You will need to file the DR-1 form for tax registration. Licenses must be renewed annually.
   • Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt (Local Business License): Apply through the Hillsborough County Tax Collector. This can be done online, by mail, or at a dropbox. Licenses must be renewed annually.
   • License Fees: Fees for the state license vary based on the number of units and the duration of the license (e.g., full year vs. half year), typically ranging from $150 to $350.
   • Exemption: If you are renting out a room in your primary residence while you are living there, you are not required to obtain the state vacation rental license.

3. Add License Information to Listings: Once you have your state registration number, you must add it directly to your listing on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO to finalize the registration process.

4. Pay Applicable Taxes: Income from short-term rentals is subject to both state and local taxes. You are responsible for reporting and paying these taxes. It is highly recommended to consult with a tax professional.

5. Check for Other Restrictions: Review any Homeowners Association (HOA), co-op, or lease agreements, as they may have their own rules prohibiting or restricting short-term rentals.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The primary licenses and registrations required are:

• Zoning Clearance/Land Use Verification: Confirmation from the Hillsborough County Land Development Office that the property is in a zone allowing transient rentals.
• Florida State Vacation Rental License: Issued by the DBPR. The application process involves filing the DR-1 form for tax registration. A fee is required.
• Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt: A local business license obtained from the County Tax Collector.
• Adherence to State and Local Tax Laws: Compliance with the collection and remittance of sales and use taxes, as well as any local tourist taxes.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County, and Florida)

Florida State Level:

• Florida law does not allow local governments to ban short-term rentals or regulate the length or frequency of stays. It does, however, permit counties and cities to enforce rules to control the negative impacts of vacation rentals on communities.
• Short-term rentals are considered "transient rental accommodations."
• A valid state vacation rental license is required for most properties operated as short-term rentals.

Hillsborough County Level (Applicable to Thonotosassa):

• The county defines a "dwelling" as a property occupied for more than seven days at a time.
• For a property to be legally rented for seven days or less, it must be zoned specifically for lodging or transient accommodations.
• Renting a property short-term in a residential zone not designated for lodging is a zoning violation and is subject to strict enforcement and steep fines. Enforcement actions have included daily fines of $1,000 per day for non-compliant properties.
• Hillsborough County does not have a separate, standalone STR ordinance; instead, it relies on its zoning codes and the requirement for proper licensing to regulate the activity.

Key Regulation Summary: The primary regulation is the seven-day minimum stay rule in residential zones. If your property is in a residential area, it is legally considered a "dwelling" and cannot be rented for less than a week. To legally offer short-term (less than 7 days) stays, the property must be in a commercial or lodging zone, which is a much more restrictive designation.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

• Hillsborough County Land Development Office (Zoning):

  • Website: Hillsborough County Land Development
  • The main website provides contact forms and resources. They offer zoning counseling services.

• Hillsborough County Tax Collector (Business Tax Receipt):

  • Website: Hillsborough County Tax Collector - Business Tax Services

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) - Vacation Rental Licenses:

  • Website: DBPR - Vacation Rental Licenses

Source Links

• Hillsborough County Short-Term Rental Laws Overview: https://www.eatonrealty.com/blog/property-management/hillsborough-county-short-term-rental-laws
• News Report on STR Fines in Thonotosassa: https://www.fox13news.com/news/hillsborough-county-issues-fines-for-nightly-airbnb-rentals
• Airbnb Help Article on Tampa/Hillsborough County Regulations: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3346
• STR Market and Regulatory Page for Thonotosassa: https://www.strprofitmap.com/analysis/state/FL/thonotosassa