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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Valrico, Florida, but with significant caveats. Valrico is an unincorporated community within Hillsborough County. Therefore, STRs are governed by Hillsborough County zoning regulations and Florida state law, not city-specific rules. A property can be rented for seven nights or less only if it is located in an area zoned for transient rental accommodations. Operating an STR in a non-compliant zone can result in fines. Florida law prohibits local governments from banning short-term rentals or regulating stay lengths/frequency, but counties can enact rules to manage community impacts.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Valrico

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: The absolute first step. Contact the Hillsborough County Land Development Office to confirm your property is zoned for transient rental accommodations. Renting short-term in an ineligible zone is prohibited and can lead to steep fines. Source: Eaton Realty Blog, Source: Airbnb Help

2. Obtain Required Licenses & Registrations:

   • State License (DBPR): Apply for a Vacation Rental License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is mandatory if you rent the property for periods of less than 30 days more than three times per year. Hosts renting out a room or part of their own dwelling while residing there are exempt from this license requirement.
   • Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt: Obtain a General Business License (Business Tax Receipt) from Hillsborough County. This can typically be done online, by mail, or in-person.
   • Add License Number: Once obtained, add the state license number to your STR listing (e.g., on Airbnb). Source: Eaton Realty Blog, Source: Airbnb Help

3. Set Up Tax Accounts & Comply with Taxing Authorities:

   • Florida Sales Tax Account: Secure a Florida Sales Tax account from the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 7.5% Florida State Sales Tax on all bookings.
   • Hillsborough County Tourist Development Tax Account: Obtain a Tourist Development Tax account to collect and remit the 5% Tourist Development Tax on all gross rental proceeds to Hillsborough County.
   • File & Pay Taxes: You are responsible for filing and paying these taxes (State Sales Tax and County Tourist Development Tax) on your STR income. Consult a tax professional.
   • Source: GoSummer Blog

4. Review Other Binding Rules: Check your Homeowners Association (HOA), lease agreement (if renting), or co-op rules. These entities may expressly prohibit transient rentals. This is a critical compliance step outside of government regulations. Source: Eaton Realty Blog, Source: Airbnb Help

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning Verification: Confirmation from Hillsborough County Land Development Office (LCD) that the property is zoned for transient rentals.
• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License: Mandatory if renting <30 days >3 times/year. License fee varies ($150-$350 range cited). Exempt if renting part of your own dwelling while residing there.
• Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt (General Business License): Required from the County Tax Collector.
• Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax Account: Required for collecting/remitting state sales tax.
• Hillsborough County Tourist Development Tax Account: Required for collecting/remitting the county tourist tax.
• Tax Registration Numbers: Display the DBPR license number on listings. Keep registration numbers for taxes readily available.
• HOA/Lease Documentation: Review governing documents for any STR prohibitions or restrictions.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (County & State)

• Hillsborough County (Valrico's Jurisdiction):

  • Zoning: STRs for <=7 nights are allowed only in zones specifically permitting transient rental accommodations. Confirm with LCD.
  • Business License: Requires a County Business Tax Receipt.
  • Taxes: Requires registration for and remittance of the 5% Tourist Development Tax on gross rental proceeds.
  • Source: Eaton Realty Blog, Source: GoSummer Blog

• State of Florida:

  • Definition: A rental is typically "short-term" if rented for seven days or less.
  • DBPR License: Required for renting a dwelling for less than 30 days more than three times per year. Exemption exists for renting part of your residence while living there.
  • Taxes: State law imposes a 7.5% Sales Tax on the rental transaction, which the host must collect and remit.
  • Local Control: State law prohibits counties/cities from banning STRs or regulating stay length/frequency, but allows rules to mitigate negative impacts (like zoning restrictions).
  • Source: Eaton Realty Blog, Source: Airbnb Help

• City of Valrico: No specific city-level regulations. Valrico is governed by Hillsborough County and Florida state law for STRs.

Key Contacts for Local Authority in Charge of STRs (Hillsborough County & State)

• Hillsborough County Land Development Office (LCD):

  • Website: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/businesses/land-development (Source: Airbnb Help)
  • Zoning Counseling: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/businesses/zoning/zoning-counseling (Source: Eaton Realty Blog)
  • Purpose: Verify zoning compliance for transient rentals.

• Hillsborough County Tax Collector:

  • Website: https://www.hillstax.org/taxes/business-tax-services/ (Source: Eaton Realty Blog)
  • Purpose: Obtain the required Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt.

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):

  • Vacation Rental Info: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/ (Source: Airbnb Help)
  • Purpose: Obtain the Florida Vacation Rental License (if required).

• Florida Department of Revenue (DOR):

  • Registration: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/eservices/Pages/registration.aspx (Form DR-1 - Source: Eaton Realty Blog)
  • Purpose: Set up Sales Tax account and file/pay State Sales Tax.

• Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council (TDC) / Tax Collector (for Tourist Tax):

  • Note: Specific contact for the Tourist Development Tax account may be handled through the County Tax Collector or TDC. Refer to links provided in sources for guidance. Source: GoSummer Blog

Important Links to Source Pages

1. Hillsborough County STR Laws (Eaton Realty): https://www.eatonrealty.com/blog/property-management/hillsborough-county-short-term-rental-laws
2. Tampa, FL STR Regulations (Airbnb Help): https://www.airbnb.ca/help/article/3346
3. Valrico STR Management Overview (GoSummer): https://www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/valrico-florida (Note: While focused on management, it provides concise summaries of key county/state tax requirements and the rental frequency rule).
4. Local Impact Discussion (Reddit - r/tampa): https://www.reddit.com/r/tampa/comments/v40wqd/shocking_to_search_your_own_zip_code_and_see_the/ (Provides community context but not regulatory information).

Investor Focus: Success in Valrico's STR market hinges on strict adherence to zoning and licensing rules at the county/state level, diligent tax compliance, and consideration of HOA/lease restrictions. Verify zoning compliance before purchasing any investment property. The high tourist influx in Florida (including the Tampa/Valrico area) presents strong revenue potential for compliant operators.