Executive overview for investors: Short-term rentals are allowed in White-Springs, FL. Because no city-specific or county-level STR rules were identified in the provided materials, Florida statewide laws and standard compliance procedures apply. Operationally, this means you must register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) if your property is rented for fewer than 30 days more than three times per year or is advertised as a short-term rental; collect and remit state and applicable local taxes; and comply with statewide safety and occupancy rules. You must also confirm whether any HOA/Condo restrictions apply. Investors should treat this as a standard Florida STR investment with state-level compliance obligations.

Overview: Are STRs Allowed in White-Springs, FL?

• Allowed: Yes. Florida does not prohibit short-term rentals; rentals of fewer than 30 days (or one calendar month, whichever is less) more than three times per year are treated as “vacation rentals” subject to state oversight by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Regulatory posture: White-Springs is a small municipality in Hamilton County. No city-specific or county-level STR regulations were provided in the source materials. Therefore, Florida’s statewide rules apply, along with any HOA/Condo bylaws that may govern leasing activity.
• Source sections used: statewide definition and DBPR licensing guidance (see “How to Start” and “Regulations” below).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

1. Determine licensing trigger

• You need a DBPR Vacation Rental license if you:
  • Rent for fewer than 30 days or one calendar month (whichever is less) more than three times in a calendar year; or
  • Advertise or hold out the property to the public as a vacation rental.
• DBPR classifies vacation rentals as either a “dwelling” (single-family, duplex, triplex, quadruplex) or a “condominium/cooperative” unit.

2. Prepare and submit DBPR application

• Choose the correct license class (dwellings vs. condos/co-ops).
• For multi-unit properties, select the appropriate license coverage:
  • Single License: one building/units owned and operated by a non-licensed agent.
  • Group License: units in one building/complex managed by a licensed agent.
  • Collective License: units across different locations within the same county/district (up to 75 units).
• Prepare required documentation (see “Required Documents” below).
• Submit online. Processing is typically 1–2 business days; digital license is emailed upon approval.

3. Register for taxes

• Register with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect/remit:
  • Florida sales tax (6%).
  • Discretionary sales surtax (county-specific, typically 0.5%–1.5%).
• Determine and register for any local transient rental taxes (county Tourist Development/Tax Collector); rates and remittance channels vary by county.

4. Set up accounting and compliance cadence

• Collect 6% sales tax and applicable local taxes from guests.
• File returns per your registration cadence (commonly monthly), even if no revenue was earned in a period.
• Monitor tax remittance and DBPR license renewal dates.

5. Operational readiness

• Implement safety measures (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, posted emergency info).
• If applicable, install and maintain a balcony inspection certificate (for multi-story buildings/elevated balconies).
• Ensure human trafficking awareness training is completed for applicable staff (housekeeping/front desk roles).
• Designate a local contact who can respond to guest issues or complaints.

6. Platform setup and listings

• After licensing, list on platforms (Airbnb/Vrbo). Some platforms collect/remit certain taxes automatically, but you remain responsible for full compliance with all tax obligations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• DBPR Vacation Rental License (dwellings or condos/co-ops)
• DBPR online account and license fee payment (application fee typically $50; HEP fee $10; total first-year license fee commonly around $170 for a single unit; higher for 2–25 units)
• Florida DOR sales tax registration and discretionary surtax registration
• County/local transient rental tax registration (Tourist Development Tax account)
• Federal EIN (for banking and tax filings)
• Personal identification and proof of ownership (or lease authorization if renting arbitrage)
• Safety documentation:
  • Certificate of balcony inspection (DBPR HR-7020), if applicable (buildings three or more stories tall or balconies ≥17 feet above ground)
  • Internal safety measures (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, clear emergency exits, posted emergency contacts)
• Staff training:
  • Annual human trafficking awareness training for employees in housekeeping/front desk roles
• Site plan and parking plan (commonly requested by municipalities; confirm if White-Springs requires these)
• Renewal calendar:
  • Annual DBPR license renewal
  • DOR/local tax filings per cadence (commonly monthly)
• HOA/condo approval (if applicable) and adherence to association rules

Specific Regulations: Statewide (Florida) + Occupancy/Safety

Definitions and scope

• “Vacation rental” under Florida law means a transient public lodging establishment (single-family, duplex, triplex, quadruplex, condo, or cooperative) rented for fewer than 30 days or one calendar month (whichever is less). This includes any unit(s) advertised or regularly rented to transient occupants.
• Timeshare projects are not considered “vacation rentals” and follow different rules.

Licensing and oversight

• DBPR regulates vacation rentals via licensing. If you rent for fewer than 30 days more than three times per year or advertise as a short-term rental, you must obtain a DBPR license.

Taxes and tax collection

• Collect and remit:
  • Florida sales tax (6%) on transient rentals.
  • Discretionary sales surtax (county-specific).
  • Local option transient rental taxes (varies by county).
• Registration is required with the Florida DOR and the relevant county Tax Collector. File returns per your registration cadence (often monthly), even with no activity.

Occupancy limits (SB280 – statewide default)

• Maximum occupancy is two persons per bedroom, plus two additional persons in a shared living area.
• Exception: If each person in a bedroom has at least 50 square feet, local governments may allow more than two per bedroom; the allowable number is whichever is higher.
• Local governments may impose stricter occupancy caps and additional limits.

Local allowances and restrictions

• Counties and cities may impose additional rules (zoning, registration fees, local permits, safety inspections, business tax receipts). Because no White-Springs or Hamilton County–specific rules were provided, confirm with local authorities before listing.

HOA/Condo constraints

• HOAs and condo associations can prohibit or limit short-term rentals, impose occupancy caps, and require board approval. Even if state/city allow STRs, HOA bylaws can override and enforce steep penalties.

Safety requirements

• Properties must meet safety codes: working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, clear emergency exits, posted emergency information, and (if applicable) balcony inspections for taller buildings.
• Some cities require annual inspections and local safety certifications.

Penalties for non-compliance

• Unlicensed operation: first violation up to $500; repeated violations escalate.
• Tax non-compliance: back taxes, interest, fines, possible license suspension.
• Local enforcement: fines, permit revocation, forced shutdowns, legal action.
• Examples of strict enforcement in Florida include Miami Beach (fines starting at $20,000), Naples ($500/day for unregistered STRs), and Orlando (daily fines/shutdowns for non-compliant STRs).

Rental arbitrage

• Not banned statewide but requires:
  • Landlord permission to sublease per the lease agreement.
  • Compliance with local zoning and STR rules.
  • Proper licensing and tax registration.
• Many Florida cities restrict non-owner-occupied STRs; verify local rules before proceeding.

Contact Information

State agencies

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
  • Licensing: Vacation Rental license application and compliance
  • DBPR Vacation Rental Guide and online portal
• Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)
  • Sales tax and discretionary surtax registration and filings
• Florida Statutes Chapter 509 (definitions and framework for vacation rentals)
• Florida Statute 212.03 (transient rental tax rules)

County and municipal contacts

• Hamilton County Tax Collector and Tourist Development/Tax Administration (for local transient rental taxes)
  • Verify tax rates and remittance procedures directly with the county.
• Town of White-Springs (city Hall/Code Enforcement)
  • Confirm zoning, business tax receipt requirements, and any local permitting.

Note: Phone/email for Hamilton County or White-Springs STR administration were not provided in the source content. Verify contacts via official county/city websites before initiating registration.

Links to Source Pages

• Short-Term Rental Laws in Florida: What Property Owners Must Know — Llaudy Law: llaudylaw.com/short-term-rental-laws-in-florida-what-property-owners-must-know/
• Florida Airbnb Laws: Short-Term Rental Regulations in the Sunshine State — Home Team Luxury Rentals: hometeamluxuryrentals.com/blog/florida-airbnb-laws
• Florida Airbnb Laws & Taxes | Guide to Vacation Rental Rules — Hostaway: www.hostaway.com/blog/florida-airbnb-laws-and-taxes/

Investor takeaway: Treat White-Springs as a Florida-standard STR investment. Because no local ordinance data were provided, proceed under statewide rules: obtain a DBPR vacation rental license if the rental trigger is met; register for and remit Florida sales tax and any applicable local taxes; comply with SB280 occupancy limits and statewide safety requirements; and confirm HOA/Condo restrictions before listing. Before launch, verify any local registration or fee requirements with Hamilton County and the Town of White-Springs.