This guide covers short-term rental rules for the City of Davenport, Florida. If your property is in a neighboring area, see the following guides instead:
- Haines City: Separate city with its own STR rules and permitting process.
- Four Corners: Unincorporated area spanning multiple counties, often confused with Davenport for STRs.
- ChampionsGate: Resort/residential area just north of Davenport, mostly in unincorporated Osceola County.
- Kissimmee: Large city east of Davenport, with distinct STR regulations and enforcement.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Davenport, FL, but require a Florida DBPR license and compliance with state and county tax rules. The city uses digital monitoring and cross-agency enforcement. No city-level permit cap or moratorium is in effect.
- Legality Status: 4/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 3/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 2/5
TL;DR
Davenport, FL defines STRs as rentals under 30 days and requires a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (fee varies by unit count). The total lodging tax is 11% (6% state, 5% county). No city-level permit cap or occupancy rule is codified, but digital enforcement is active. The biggest gotcha: Hosts must register with both state and county for VRBO/direct bookings—Airbnb collects/remits taxes, but VRBO does not.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Rental of a residential property for less than 30 days or one calendar month LegalClarity |
| Registration Required | Yes — Florida DBPR vacation rental license required Florida DBPR |
| Permit Cost | $50 one-time processing fee + license fee per unit (confirm with DBPR) Florida DBPR |
| Annual Renewal | Yes — renewal fee per unit (confirm with DBPR) Florida DBPR |
| State Sales Tax | 6% Airbnb Help Center |
| County Tourist Development Tax | 5% Polk County Tax Collector |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 11% (6% state + 5% county TDT) Polk County Tax Collector |
| Local Accommodations Tax | Not codified — no separate city lodging tax Polk County Tax Collector |
| License Cap | Not codified — no city-level cap City of Davenport Code of Ordinances |
| Transferability | Not codified — DBPR licenses are not transferable Florida DBPR |
| Permitted Zones | Not codified — confirm with city planning City of Davenport Official Zoning Page |
| Occupancy Cap | Not codified — no city rule identified City of Davenport Code of Ordinances |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — no city rule identified City of Davenport Code of Ordinances |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — check HOA/condo docs City of Davenport Code of Ordinances |
| Inspection Requirement | Not codified — no city rule identified City of Davenport Code of Ordinances |
| Enforcement Penalties | $500–$5,000 per violation (state DBPR) Property Leads Florida |
| Primary Regulator | Florida DBPR; City of Davenport monitors listings FunStay Florida |
| Last Updated | May 22, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Davenport STRs must budget for a 11% total lodging tax (6% state, 5% county) and a Florida DBPR license (fee varies by unit count). No city-level permit cap or annual city fee is codified. Underwriters should model compliance costs at 11.1% of gross revenue, with median Davenport STRs earning $42,062 at an average daily rate of $225 and 53% occupancy. The binding constraint is the requirement to register with both state and county for VRBO/direct bookings, as Airbnb collects/remits taxes but VRBO does not. Digital enforcement and cross-agency monitoring are active in 2026. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Davenport, FL?
A short-term rental is any residential property rented for less than 30 days or one calendar month LegalClarity.
Are short-term rentals legal in Davenport, FL?
Yes, STRs are legal if you comply with state licensing and tax requirements FunStay Florida.
Does Davenport have its own STR ordinance?
No, the city does not separately codify STR rules; state and county frameworks apply City of Davenport Code of Ordinances.
Licensing
Do I need a city permit to operate an STR in Davenport?
No separate city permit is codified; you must obtain a Florida DBPR vacation rental license Florida DBPR.
How much does the DBPR license cost?
A $50 one-time processing fee plus a per-unit license fee (confirm with DBPR) Florida DBPR.
Is annual renewal required?
Yes, DBPR licenses must be renewed annually; renewal fees depend on unit count Florida DBPR.
Are STR licenses transferable to new owners?
No, DBPR licenses are not transferable; new owners must apply for a new license Florida DBPR.
Taxes
What taxes apply to STRs in Davenport?
A 6% Florida state sales tax and a 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) apply Polk County Tax Collector.
Does Davenport have a local lodging tax?
No, only state and county lodging taxes apply Polk County Tax Collector.
Does Airbnb collect and remit taxes for me?
Yes, Airbnb collects/remits both state and county taxes for Davenport bookings Airbnb Help Center.
Does VRBO collect taxes?
No, VRBO does not collect/remit taxes; hosts must register and remit directly LuxeHaus Stays.
Operations
Are there occupancy or parking limits for STRs?
No city-level occupancy or parking rules are codified; defaults or HOA rules may apply City of Davenport Code of Ordinances.
Do I need a local contact or manager?
No city requirement is codified, but HOAs may require a local contact City of Davenport Code of Ordinances.
Are inspections required?
No city-level inspection requirement is codified for STRs City of Davenport Code of Ordinances.
Can HOAs prohibit STRs?
Yes, HOA or condo associations may restrict or prohibit STRs regardless of city rules City of Davenport Code of Ordinances.
Enforcement
How is STR enforcement handled in Davenport?
The city uses digital monitoring; enforcement is coordinated with Polk County and HOAs FunStay Florida.
What are the penalties for operating without a license?
State fines range from $500–$5,000 per violation Property Leads Florida.
Has there been a recent crackdown?
Yes, enforcement activity increased in 2025–2026, with digital monitoring and cross-agency action FunStay Florida.
Are there pending changes to STR laws?
No new city ordinances or amendments have passed since 2024; state preemption remains in effect Avantio.
Permit Process
Davenport does not separately codify a city-level STR permit or registration. All operators must obtain a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, which requires a $50 processing fee plus a per-unit license fee. Annual renewal is mandatory, and fees depend on the number of units. The DBPR license is not transferable; new owners must apply for a new license. Launching before completing all licensing steps can result in fines or booking interruptions Florida DBPR.
Zoning
The City of Davenport does not codify which zoning districts allow or prohibit STRs in its online ordinances. Owners must review the Official Zoning Map and Land Development Regulations or contact city planning staff to confirm if STRs are permitted at a specific address. No city-level occupancy, parking, or density limits are codified, but HOA or CDD rules may impose additional restrictions City of Davenport Official Zoning Page.
Taxes and Remittance
Davenport STRs are subject to a 6% Florida state sales tax and a 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax, totaling 11%. Airbnb collects and remits both taxes for bookings, but VRBO and direct bookings require hosts to register with the Florida Department of Revenue and Polk County Tax Collector. Remittance is due monthly. No separate city lodging tax applies Polk County Tax Collector.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Enforcement in Davenport intensified in 2025–2026, with the city using digital monitoring of rental listings. Cross-agency enforcement involves the city, Polk County (zoning and nuisance), and HOAs (community rules). State DBPR fines for unlicensed operation range from $500–$5,000 per violation. No new city-level penalties or amendments have been enacted since 2024 FunStay Florida.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
Florida Senate Bill 280, which would have created a statewide STR registry and limited local authority, was vetoed in June 2024. Davenport continues to operate under the previous framework, with no new city-level STR ordinances or amendments since 2024. State preemption prevents local bans on STRs unless adopted before June 1, 2011 Avantio.
Comparable Markets
- Haines City, FL — Consider if you want a neighboring city with its own STR rules and permitting.
- Kissimmee, FL — Consider for higher tourism volume and distinct STR enforcement.
- Four Corners, FL — Consider for unincorporated Polk County rules and resort communities.
- Orlando, FL — Consider for a major metro with more defined STR ordinances.
Sources
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hr/forms/documents/5025_753.pdf
- City of Davenport Code of Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/fl/davenport/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH6.7FAHOCO
- City of Davenport Official Zoning Page: https://www.mydavenport.org/index.asp?SEC=F945CAE7-287E-496E-AF9E-963F8EAC99B4
- Polk County Tax Collector: https://www.polktaxes.com/services/tourist-development-tax/
- Airbnb Help Center: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2301
- LegalClarity: https://legalclarity.org/florida-short-term-rental-laws-compliance-and-regulations/
- FunStay Florida: https://www.funstayflorida.com/blog/2026-guide-to-davenport-fl-airbnb-laws-for-solterra-resort-owners/
- Avantio: https://www.avantio.com/blog/florida-vacation-rental-laws/
- LuxeHaus Stays: https://www.luxehausstays.com/insights/florida-tourist-development-tax/
- Property Leads Florida: https://propertyleadsflorida.com/florida-short-term-rental-laws-2026/
- The Acevedo Team FL: https://theacevedoteamfl.com/blog/short-term-rental-rules-in-davenport-how-to-check
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Davenport, Polk County, Florida.
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