Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Wellington, FL. The Village permits vacation rentals under a regulated framework that requires both a Vacation Rental Permit and a Business Tax Receipt. Wellington implemented its current vacation rental program on March 1, 2024, under Ordinance No. 2023-13, establishing a comprehensive regulatory structure while maintaining the ability for property owners to operate short-term rentals.

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

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

• Submit a rental property BTR application
• Required for all property owners leasing or renting residential dwelling units for any duration
• Contact BTR@Wellingtonfl.gov for processing or submit in person at Village Hall

Step 2: Acquire Human Trafficking Prevention Certificate

• Complete mandatory training and obtain certification
• Required documentation for all vacation rental operations

Step 3: Apply for Vacation Rental Special Use Permit

• Fee: $600 per unit (non-refundable, one-time payment)
• Permit is not currently required to be renewed and is not transferable
• Apply through Wellington's Citizen Self Service Portal
• Processing includes administrative review and invoice generation within 2-3 business days

Step 4: Ensure Property Compliance

• Verify all property standards meet Wellington's vacation rental guidelines
• Confirm parking, occupancy, and property maintenance capabilities

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

   • Required for all rental properties (long-term and short-term)
   • Annual renewal required

2. Vacation Rental Special Use Permit

   • $600 fee per unit
   • One-time permit (non-renewable, non-transferable)
   • Governed under Article 6 of Wellington's Land Development Regulations

3. Human Trafficking Prevention Certificate

   • Mandatory training completion required
   • Must be provided with permit application

Required Documentation

• Property owner's driver's license
• Proof of ownership from Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
• Issued BTR copy
• Human Trafficking prevention certificate
• Fictitious Name Registration and/or Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)

Submittal Requirements

Completed applications and documents can be submitted via:

• Email: BTR@Wellingtonfl.gov
• Mail: Village Hall, 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414
• In-person: Village Hall, Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Maximum Occupancy

• Overnight occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom (excluding children under age 3)
• Daytime occupancy: Maximum overnight occupancy plus 4 (excluding children under age 3)
• Overnight period: Defined as 11:00 PM until 6:00 AM

Parking Regulations

• Standard rule: 1 vehicle per bedroom, maximum 4 vehicles
• Large properties: Vacation rentals with more than 4 bedrooms on parcels ≥1 acre may park 1 additional vehicle per bedroom over 4
• Location requirements: All vehicles must park on approved off-street parking or driveway
• Prohibited parking: Swales, lawns, landscape areas, public right-of-way, or sidewalks

Property Maintenance Standards

Yard Maintenance:

• Maintain landscaping in healthy, neat, and orderly appearance
• Keep grass, weeds, and underbrush under 6 inches in height
• Maintain landscaping free from disease, pests, weeds, and litter
• Regular maintenance includes weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, edging, mulching

Garbage Collection:

• Place containers curbside no earlier than 6:00 PM the day before pickup
• Remove containers no later than 11:00 PM on pickup day
• Store containers indoors or in screened rear/side yard areas
• Collection service information available at Wellington FL Garbage page

Bulk Collection:

• Place bulk trash 24 hours prior to collection day
• Limit: 4 cubic yards (equivalent to small pickup truck bed)
• Cut items to less than 6 feet in length
• Place at least 3 feet from other objects

Noise Regulations

• Prohibition on loud speakers, sound amplifiers, radios, televisions, phonographs, musical instruments when plainly audible across property lines
• Applies to inhabited residential land at any time
• Enforced 24/7 through complaint hotline

Pet Regulations

• Pets must be secured within property lines or on leash (not tethered)
• Continual nuisance barking prohibited

Enforcement and Penalties

Daily Fines: $125 per day for violations Suspension/Revocation: Permits may be suspended or revoked for:

• Repeated violations
• Cases involving injury, drugs, or prostitution
• Underage drinking incidents (allow faster action for these cases)

Citation Process:

• Officials may issue citations without prior warning
• Citations may be served through certified mail
• Local responsible party may accept citations on behalf of property owners

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Village of Wellington - Planning, Zoning & Building Department

• Physical Address: 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414
• Phone: 561-791-4000 or 561-363-7905
• Email: vacationrentals@wellingtonfl.gov
• Business Tax Receipt Email: BTR@Wellingtonfl.gov

24/7 Complaint Hotline

• Phone: 561-486-9022

Code Compliance

• Email: code@wellingtonfl.gov
• Phone: 561-791-4000 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM)

Emergency Services

• 9-1-1: For suspected illegal activities or emergencies
• PBSO Non-Emergency: 561-688-3400

Application Portal

• Citizen Self Service: WellingtonFL-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService

Source Pages and References

Official Village Documents

1. Vacation Rentals Page: www.wellingtonfl.gov/2133/Vacation-Rentals
2. Rental Properties Requirements: www.wellingtonfl.gov/1046/Rental-Properties
3. Application Forms: www.wellingtonfl.gov/formcenter/planning-zoning-5/planning-zoning-forms-applications-reque-48
4. Citizen Self Service Portal: wellingtonfl-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home
5. Human Trafficking Certificate: fateht.vidcert.com/register

News Coverage and Community Discussion

6. Town-Crier Article (November 2023): gotowncrier.com/2023/11/wellington-tightens-rules-on-vacation-rentals/
7. Airbnb Community Forum Discussion: community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help-with-your-business/Wellington-Florida-Limits-Short-Term-Rentals-under-31-Days/m-p/1373841

Important Clarification on Airbnb Platform Issues

The provided community forum discussion (2020) reveals that Airbnb temporarily restricted Wellington listings to 31+ day stays due to a platform misunderstanding. Wellington Village Attorney Laurie Cohen clarified in a letter that Wellington's ordinance does not place limitations on vacation rental duration or frequency, and Airbnb's restriction was based on misinterpretation of local regulations. This issue was resolved, and short-term rentals remain permitted within Wellington's regulatory framework.

This guide reflects regulations current as of March 2024. Property owners should verify current requirements with Wellington's Planning, Zoning & Building Department before initiating operations.