LicensedRental

State rules

Florida vacation rental license and rules

Every Florida vacation rental needs a state license from DBPR, a sales tax registration, and must meet the state fire safety rule for rental homes. Counties and towns add their own rules on top.

Checked against official sources October 26, 2026
State license
DBPR vacation rental license
A condo or dwelling license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.Source
Who needs one
Rented 3+ times a year for stays under 30 days
Advertising a property that way counts too.Source
State sales tax
6% plus the county surtax
On stays of six months or less.Source
Fire safety rule
Rule 69A-43.018
Hardwired smoke alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and a posted floor diagram.Source

What to do

  1. Get the DBPR vacation rental license

    Apply to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants as a vacation rental condo or vacation rental dwelling. There is no state inspection before the license is issued, but DBPR can inspect after a complaint. Renew it every year.Source

    DBPR online services →

  2. Register for Florida sales tax

    Register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect the 6% state tax and the county surtax on bookings you take directly. Booking platforms collect it for stays booked through them.Source

    Florida Department of Revenue →

  3. Meet the state fire safety rule

    Florida Administrative Code 69A-43.018 asks rental homes for smoke alarms powered by the house wiring plus one in every bedroom, NFPA 10 extinguishers, one hour of battery emergency lighting to the main exit, a posted floor diagram showing the primary and secondary exits, and fire safety information for guests.Source

  4. Balcony inspection for taller buildings

    Buildings three or more stories tall need a balcony inspection by a qualified inspector every three years.Source

  5. Then the county and town

    Most rules that affect day-to-day operation, like registration, inspections, occupancy, and parking, are set by the county and the town. Pick your town for its full checklist.

Counties

Full guide

Brevard County

Brevard County adds a 5% tourist development tax on every Space Coast rental. The beach towns each set their own registration and inspection rules, from detailed programs to almost none.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.