Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Winter Haven

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED and LEGAL in Winter Haven, Florida. The City of Winter Haven actively regulates and permits short-term rentals (STRs), commonly referred to as "Airbnbs," within the city limits. Properties must comply with specific licensing, safety, and operational requirements established by the city government.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Winter Haven

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Confirm your property is located within Winter Haven city limits
• Check zoning compliance through the Planning Division
• Ensure the property type (lakeside cabins, modern apartments, homes with outdoor amenities) is suitable for STR operations

Step 2: Obtain Required State Licensing

• Apply for a Transient Public Lodging Establishment License through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• This is required for properties rented more than three times per year for periods less than 30 days
• Complete human trafficking training for employees as part of the application process

Step 3: City Registration and Licensing

• Obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Winter Haven
• Complete the short-term rental registration process with the local government authority

Step 4: Tax Registration

• Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax certificate
• Register with Polk County Tax Collector for local tax obligations

Step 5: Safety and Property Preparation

• Install operational smoke detectors in all required areas
• Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property
• Ensure all safety equipment is functional and up to code

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

1. State-Level Requirements:

   • Transient Public Lodging Establishment License (DBPR)
   • Florida Department of Revenue sales tax certificate
   • Proof of human trafficking training completion

2. City-Level Requirements:

   • Business Tax Receipt from Winter Haven
   • Short-term rental registration with the city
   • Proof of liability insurance
   • Copy of rental agreement template
   • Property layout sketch showing bedrooms and exits

3. Safety Documentation:

   • Proof of operational smoke detectors
   • Carbon monoxide detector installation verification
   • Fire extinguisher placement documentation
   • Emergency exit plan posted in rental unit
   • Balcony inspection certificate (if applicable)

Licensing Fees:

• State DBPR License: Varies based on location and number of units
• City Business Tax Receipt: Contact city for current fees
• Annual renewal requirements: Must be maintained to continue operations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Winter Haven Regulations:

• Business tax receipt required for all STR operators
• Compliance with specific safety and health standards mandatory
• Properties must have operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Registration with city government required
• Annual license renewal obligations

Polk County Regulations:

• Local occupancy taxes applicable
• Tourist development tax collection required
• County-specific safety and zoning compliance

Florida State Regulations:

• Definition: Any residential rental with term less than 90 days
• Licensing Threshold: Properties rented more than 3 times annually for short periods
• Tax Obligations: 6% state transient rental tax plus local taxes
• Hosted Rentals Exception: No state license required if host remains on-site
• Building/Community Restrictions: Some luxury buildings may prohibit STRs
• Homestead Exemption Risk: May lose homestead tax exemption if renting homestead residence

Tax Requirements:

• State Sales Tax: 6%
• Local Discretionary Sales Surtax: Varies by location
• Tourist Development Tax: Polk County specific rates
• Total Tax Range: 7.5% to 12% depending on location

Operational Guidelines:

• Properties must cater primarily to tourists
• Peak season: December to April
• Focus on quality guest experiences and amenities
• Compliance with noise, parking, and trash regulations
• Occupancy limits may be set by local government
• Emergency contact information must be provided

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Winter Haven - Planning Division

Primary Authority for STR Oversight

Physical Address: 451 Third Street NW Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-291-5891

Main City Contact: 863-291-5600

Key Personnel:

Sean Byers, AICP - Planning Manager

• Email: sbyers@mywinterhaven.com
• Phone: 863-291-5600, ext. 6106

Heather Reuter, CPM - Senior Planner

• Email: hreuter@mywinterhaven.com
• Phone: 863-291-5600, ext. 6104

Chris Young - Senior Planner

• Email: cyoung@mywinterhaven.com
• Phone: 863-291-5600, ext. 6103

Jordan Warren - Planning Assistant

• Email: jwarren@mywinterhaven.com
• Phone: 863-291-5600, ext. 6107

Additional Resources:

Website: mywinterhaven.com Code of Ordinances: Available through Winter Haven's municipal code (Chapter 21 - Unified Land Development Code)

Source Links

1. Lodge Compliance - Winter Haven: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/winter-haven-fl
2. Lodge Compliance - Florida State Regulations: www.lodgecompliance.com/states/florida
3. City of Winter Haven Official Website - Planning Department: mywinterhaven.com/185/City-of-Winter-Havens-Unified-Land-Devel
4. Vacation Rental License Guide (Reference for Context): www.vacationrentallicense.com/post/winter-garden-short-term-rental-license

Important Note: The STR market in Winter Haven is bolstered by proximity to major attractions like Legoland and the Chain of Lakes, making it particularly attractive to both tourists and business travelers. Properties with lake access, modern amenities, and outdoor features tend to perform best, especially during the peak tourist season from December through April.