Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in West Palm Beach?

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in West Palm Beach, FL. Short-term rentals, including platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and other vacation rental arrangements, are permitted within the City of West Palm Beach when property owners obtain the required licenses, permits, and tax registrations. The City defines short-term rentals as rental periods of less than 180 consecutive nights, and all rental properties must comply with the same regulatory framework regardless of whether they operate as short-term or traditional long-term rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in West Palm Beach

Step 1: Obtain City Rental License

1. Submit Rental Tax Application through the Development Services Department
2. Complete Zoning Review to verify property units and compliance
3. Schedule Code Compliance Inspection (mandatory for all rental properties)
4. Schedule Fire Inspection (required for properties with 3+ units under same roof)

Step 2: County-Level Registration (Palm Beach County)

1. Obtain Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Account Number
2. Obtain Business Tax Receipt (BTR) Number
3. Register each listing individually

Step 3: Property Preparation

Ensure your property meets all safety and maintenance standards before inspection.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements (West Palm Beach)

Rental License Application

• Rental Tax Application (available on City website)
• Processing Time: 7-10 business days
• Contact: Development Services Department

Documentation Required

• Property deed matching ownership information
• Owner-occupancy documentation (if applicable for Type 1 properties)
• Proof of total buildings/units (for multifamily properties)

Inspection Requirements

• Code Compliance Inspection: All rental properties
• Fire Inspection: Required for 3+ units under same roof
• Zoning Review: Verifies number of units

County-Level Requirements (Palm Beach County)

Tourist Development Tax (TDT)

• Requirement: Mandatory for stays under 180 consecutive nights
• Tax Rate: 6% of total taxable rental receipts
• Account Number: Required for tax collection and remittance
• Returns Due: 1st of each month for previous month's activity
• Late Penalty: Returns after 20th of month may be delinquent

Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

• Requirement: Mandatory for each listing
• Renewal: Annual
• Fee: Application fee per listing (contact County for current rates)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Property Types and Classifications

Type 1: Owner-Occupied Properties

• Definition: Owner-occupied or associated with owner-occupied principal residence
• Includes:
  • Rental of entire dwelling unit, OR
  • Part of unit (minimum sleeping room with shared full bathroom)
  • Limited to single party of individuals
  • Owner generally present during rental
• Requirements: Documentation of owner-occupancy status

Type 2: Not Owner-Occupied (Single-Family/Duplex)

• Definition: Non-owner-occupied single-family or duplex properties
• Includes: Rental of entire dwelling unit
• Requirements: Deed must match ownership information

Type 3: Not Owner-Occupied (Multifamily)

• Definition: Non-owner-occupied multifamily properties
• Requirements:
  • Documentation of total buildings and units per building
  • Compliance with geographic caps (if applicable)

Safety and Maintenance Standards

Interior Requirements

• Sanitary and safe conditions
• Working appliances, electrical, plumbing, windows, basic facilities
• Window screens in place or available for installation
• No insects or rodents present (extermination completed)

Exterior Requirements

• Sanitary and safe conditions
• No outdoor storage of items not typically used outdoors
• Completely paved parking areas
• Proper landscape maintenance
• Safe egress (no tripping hazards)
• Visible address numbers on structure

Occupancy Limits (Palm Beach County)

• Maximum: Two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons per unit
• Cap: Maximum 12 persons per rental unit

Insurance Requirements

• Minimum Liability Coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Additional Insured: Property owner, responsible agent, and Palm Beach County must be listed

Responsible Agent Requirements

• Designation Required: 24/7 availability
• Duties: Respond to complaints and emergencies
• Contact: Must be reachable at all times

Tax Obligations and Remittance

Tourist Development Tax (TDT)

• Rate: 6% of total taxable rental receipts
• Collection: Host responsible for collecting from guests
• Remittance: Monthly via TDT account number
• Platform Handling: Airbnb and VRBO may handle remittance on host's behalf

Filing Requirements

• TDT Returns: Due 1st of each month for previous month's activity
• Documentation: Required even for months with $0 rental activity
• Penalties: Additional fees for late submission after 20th of month

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of West Palm Beach

• Address: 401 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
• City Hotline: (561) 822-2222
• TTY: (800) 955-8771
• Code Enforcement: (561) 822-1465
• Development Services: Contact through City website

Palm Beach County

• Tax Specialist Hotline: (561) 355-3547
• Email: ClientAdvocate@pbctax.com
• Address: 301 N. Olive Ave, 3rd FL, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM
• Zoning Division: (561) 233-5200
• Email: PZBPlanning@pbcgov.org

Additional Contacts

• Public Works Sanitation: (561) 822-2075
• Email: publicworks@wpb.org
• Solid Waste Authority: (561) 640-4000

Source Pages

1. West Palm Beach Rental Property Guidelines
2. Palm Beach County Airbnb Host Requirements
3. Palm Beach County Short-Term Rental Guide
4. Town of Palm Beach STR Regulations (for reference only)

Important Note: The Town of Palm Beach is a separate municipality from the City of West Palm Beach and has completely different regulations. Town of Palm Beach strictly prohibits all short-term rentals, while City of West Palm Beach allows them with proper licensing. Always verify you are complying with the correct jurisdiction for your specific property location.

Important Reminders for STR Investors

• Each property requires individual licensing and registration
• Annual renewals are mandatory for both city and county requirements
• Geographic caps may apply for multifamily properties (verify current status)
• Always maintain compliance with HOA, condo association, and lease agreement requirements
• Regular code compliance monitoring is essential to avoid violations and penalties
• Stay informed about regulatory updates as local ordinances can change

This guide provides the foundational requirements for operating a compliant short-term rental business in West Palm Beach, FL. Always consult with local authorities or legal professionals for the most current regulations and specific compliance questions.