Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Trenton, Florida

OVERVIEW: Short-Term Rental Status

Short-term rentals ARE permitted in Trenton, FL, though specific regulations appear to be limited in the current municipal code. The city operates under a general business framework rather than dedicated STR-specific ordinances, meaning STR operators must comply with standard business licensing, taxation, and zoning requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Trenton

Step 1: Business Registration and Licensing

1. Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (Occupational License)

   • Required under Chapter 34, Article II of the Trenton Code
   • Process through the City Clerk's office
   • Annual renewal required

2. Verify Zoning Compliance

   • Confirm your property is in an appropriate zoning district for commercial lodging
   • Contact the Planning Department for zoning verification
   • Note: Specific zoning restrictions for STRs are not detailed in the current code

Step 2: Financial Setup

3. Tax Registration
   • Register for state sales tax (Florida Department of Revenue)
   • Collect and remit applicable state and local taxes
   • Note: Transient rental tax may apply at state level

Step 3: Operational Compliance

4. Meet Safety and Building Standards
   • Ensure property meets all applicable building codes
   • Obtain any required building permits for modifications
   • Comply with fire safety and occupancy requirements

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City-Level Requirements:

• Business Tax Receipt (Chapter 34, Article II)
• Building Permits (if modifications needed - Chapter 8)
• Zoning Compliance Verification

State-Level Requirements:

• Florida Sales Tax Registration (for collecting/remitting tourist taxes)
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license if required
• Transient Rental Registration (if applicable under F.S. 509.013)

Recommended Documentation:

• Property insurance covering commercial lodging
• Guest screening policies
• Emergency contact procedures
• House rules and regulations

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Trenton Regulations:

Business Operations (Chapter 10):

• General business license requirements apply
• No specific STR restrictions identified in current code
• Must comply with all applicable city ordinances

Building and Safety (Chapter 8):

• Building permits required for structural modifications
• Compliance with Florida Building Code mandatory
• No specific short-term rental safety requirements detailed

Taxation (Chapter 34):

• Business tax receipt required annually
• Municipal business tax structure applies
• Property taxes assessed as residential/commercial depending on use

Enforcement:

• General penalty: $500 fine or 60 days imprisonment (Section 1-7)
• Special Magistrate handles code enforcement (Section 2-185)

Gilchrist County Level:

• County animal control ordinances apply (Chapter 6 references county ordinances)
• County health department requirements may apply
• County land development regulations

State of Florida Regulations:

• Chapter 509, Florida Statutes - Lodging establishments
• Transient Rental Tax requirements
• Sales Tax collection and remittance
• DBPR oversight for licensed facilities
• ADA compliance requirements

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Trenton:

• City Hall: (352) 463-3444
• City Clerk/Manager: Lyle Wilkerson
• Physical Address: 114 N Main St, Trenton, FL 32693
• Website: www.trentonflorida.org
• Business License Office: Contact City Hall for Business Tax Receipt information

Gilchrist County:

• County Administration: (352) 463-3170
• Building Department: Contact County offices for permit information
• Health Department: Contact Florida Department of Health in Gilchrist County

State of Florida:

• Florida Department of Revenue: (850) 488-6800
• Florida DBPR: (850) 487-1395

Key Regulatory Considerations

Zoning and Land Use:

• Verify STR use is permitted in your zoning district
• Contact city planning department for specific guidance
• Consider neighboring land uses and potential conflicts

Tax Obligations:

• Collect applicable state transient rental taxes
• File quarterly sales tax returns
• Maintain detailed financial records
• Consider property tax implications if use changes

Neighbor Relations:

• No specific noise or parking regulations for STRs identified
• Standard nuisance ordinances apply
• Consider voluntary good neighbor policies

Insurance and Liability:

• Standard homeowner policies typically don't cover commercial lodging
• Obtain appropriate commercial liability coverage
• Consider property damage protection

Important Notes and Recommendations

1. Regulatory Evolution: The STR regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly. Verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.

2. Professional Consultation: Given the complexity of overlapping jurisdictions (city, county, state), consider consulting with local real estate attorney familiar with Florida STR regulations.

3. Insurance Verification: Ensure adequate coverage before beginning operations.

4. Tax Planning: Work with tax professional to understand all federal, state, and local tax implications.

5. Neighbor Relations: Establish positive relationships with neighbors to prevent code enforcement complaints.

Source Documentation

• City of Trenton Code of Ordinances, May 2022 Supplement (MUNICODE-May-2022-2.pdf)
• Florida Statutes Chapter 509 (Lodging Establishments)
• Florida Department of Revenue Guidelines

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the municipal code content provided. Regulations change frequently, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. This document is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional advice.