7 Step Guide to Tampa Short-Term Rental Regulations
1. City Overview: Short-Term Rental Landscape
Tampa, Florida, regulates short-term rentals (STRs) under a structured framework that includes business licensing, zoning compliance, and tax obligations. The city distinguishes between short-term rentals (STRs) and long-term rentals, with STRs typically defined as rentals for periods of less than 30 days. Operators must comply with local and state regulations, including tax registration and neighborhood compliance measures.
For the most up-to-date short-term rental data, including occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue trends, visit the Chalet Market Dashboard.
2. Quick Facts
- Permit Required? Yes, all STRs must comply with business licensing and zoning regulations.
- Zoning Restrictions? STRs are only permitted in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts; residential zoning restrictions apply.
- Maximum Occupancy: Limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional guests.
- Tax Requirements: STR operators must collect and remit city, county, and state lodging taxes (up to 11%).
- Renewal Frequency: Annual renewal required for business licenses and tax registrations.
- Registration Fees:
- Business License Fee: $75 (initial), $45 (annual renewal)
- State Vacation Rental License Fee: $50–$150 depending on the number of units
- Insurance Required? Strongly recommended for liability protection.
- Enforcement Level: Active enforcement, including penalties for non-compliance.
3. Getting Started with STRs in Tampa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Before applying for an STR license, property owners must confirm their rental is in an eligible zoning district.
- Check Zoning Maps: STRs are generally permitted in commercial and mixed-use zoning areas but restricted in single-family residential zones.
- Where to Verify Zoning: Tampa Rental Information
- Contact Tampa Zoning & Land Use Department:
- Phone: (813) 274-3100
- Email: zoning@tampa.gov
Step 2: Obtain a Business License & State Registration
All STR operators must register their business and comply with local and state requirements.
- Business License Registration: Required for all STRs.
- Business License Fees:
- Initial Application: $75
- Annual Renewal: $45
- State Vacation Rental License: Managed by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- State License Fees:
- 1–4 Units: $50
- 5–25 Units: $100
- 26+ Units: $150
- Required Documents:
- Proof of property ownership
- Floor plan indicating guest areas
- Tax registration confirmation
- Zoning approval (if applicable)
Where to Apply:
- Tampa Business Licensing Portal: City of Tampa Rental Information
- Florida Vacation Rental License: Florida DBPR
Step 3: Register for Tax Collection & Payment
STR hosts must collect and remit applicable local and state lodging taxes.
- Tax Registration Required With:
- Hillsborough County Tax Collector (Hillsborough County Tax Portal)
- Florida Department of Revenue (Florida Tax Registration)
- Filing Fee: $5 per return
