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

Short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in residential zoning districts such as R-C1 in Winter Springs, Florida. This restriction was established by the Winter Springs Code of Ordinances and approved by the Code Enforcement Board in January 2022. However, short-term rentals may be permitted in commercial zoning districts with proper permits and licensing.

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

Given the restrictive nature of Winter Springs regulations, the following steps outline the legal pathway to operate a short-term rental:

1. Property Zoning Verification

   • Contact Winter Springs planning department to verify your property zoning
   • Ensure your property is located in a commercial zone that allows short-term rentals
   • Residential properties in zones like R-C1 are explicitly prohibited

2. Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

   • Apply for appropriate business permits from Winter Springs
   • Secure Florida state licensing if renting more than 3 times per year
   • Complete all building safety inspections

3. Tax Registration and Collection Setup

   • Register for state and local tax collection
   • Implement systems to collect applicable taxes on rental income

4. Compliance Monitoring

   • Regularly review regulatory updates (Senate Bill 280 changes coming in 2024)
   • Maintain documentation for all legal requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

• Business License/Permit: Required for commercial zone operations
• Zoning Compliance Certificate: Verify commercial zoning authorization
• Building Safety Inspection: Properties must meet Florida Building Code and Fire Prevention Code standards

State Requirements

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License: Required if renting more than 3 times per year or advertising as vacation rental
• Annual License Renewal: Must be renewed yearly with state authorities

Tax Registration

• State Sales Tax Registration: Required for collecting 6% state sales tax
• Local Tax Registration: Must collect 1.25% local surtax
• Tourist Development Tax Registration: Required for 5% tourist tax collection

Documentation Standards

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Annual renewal required
• Property Insurance: Liability coverage meeting local requirements
• Fire Safety Compliance Certificate: Meeting Florida Fire Prevention Code

Specific Regulations for Winter Springs

Zoning Restrictions

• Residential Zones (R-C1): Short-term rentals explicitly prohibited
• Commercial Zones: Permitted with appropriate licensing and permits
• Zoning Verification: Properties must be verified as commercial zone eligible

Operational Requirements

• Maximum Occupancy: Must comply with commercial building capacity limits
• Safety Standards: Must meet all Florida Building Code requirements
• Business Operations: Must operate as legitimate commercial enterprise

Tax Obligations

• Total Tax Rate: 12.25% on rental income
  • State Sales Tax: 6%
  • Local Surtax: 1.25%
  • Tourist Development Tax: 5%
• Collection Requirements: Must collect and remit all applicable taxes

Regulatory Timeline

• January 2022: Current residential ban implemented
• 2024: Senate Bill 280 expected to introduce additional statewide regulations

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Operating in prohibited residential zones results in code enforcement action
• Failure to obtain proper licensing may result in citations and fines
• Tax non-compliance leads to additional penalties and back-tax demands

Contact Information

While specific contact details for Winter Springs were not provided in the available content, investors should contact:

Winter Springs Code Enforcement

• Phone: Contact Winter Springs City Hall for current number
• Email: Contact city administration for appropriate department
• Website: Winter Springs official city website for current contact information

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Phone: Available through state licensing website
• Website: For license applications and renewals

Orange County Tax Collector

• For local tax registration and collection requirements
• Website: Orange County official tax collector page

Important Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Source:

• BNBCalc Winter Springs Guide - Contains current zoning restrictions and tax information

State Licensing Information:

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Vacation Rental Licensing

Tax Information Sources:

• Winter Springs Code of Ordinances
• Florida Department of Revenue - Tourist Tax Collection

Key Takeaways for Investors

1. High Barrier to Entry: Winter Springs maintains some of the most restrictive short-term rental regulations in the Orlando area
2. Commercial Focus: Only properties in commercial zones may qualify for legal short-term rental operations
3. Regulatory Vigilance Required: Ongoing monitoring needed due to evolving state regulations (Senate Bill 280)
4. Tax Compliance Critical: 12.25% total tax rate requires careful financial planning and collection systems

Recommendation: Given the restrictive nature of Winter Springs regulations, investors should carefully consider whether the investment in commercial zone properties and compliance costs justify the potential returns, especially when compared to neighboring municipalities with more favorable short-term rental environments.

Note: This guide is based on the available information from January 2022 regulatory framework. Investors should verify current regulations and requirements with Winter Springs city officials and state authorities before making investment decisions.