This guide covers Hollywood, Florida only. Neighboring markets often confused with Hollywood in STR regulation research include:
- Fort Lauderdale: Major city just north of Hollywood with its own strict STR rules and registration requirements.
- Dania Beach: Smaller city directly north of Hollywood, often grouped in Broward County STR discussions.
- Hallandale Beach: City immediately south of Hollywood, with separate licensing and enforcement.
- Pembroke Pines: Large inland city west of Hollywood, not a coastal market but frequently mentioned in Broward STR contexts.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Hollywood, FL, but require three separate licenses and face active city enforcement. The total lodging tax is 12%. Investors must comply with strict operational and safety requirements.
- Legality Status: 4/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 3/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 2/5
TL;DR
Hollywood, FL defines STRs as any dwelling rented to guests for less than six months. Three licenses are required: city, county, and state. The total lodging tax is 12%. A local contact must respond within 60 minutes, and a noise detection device is mandatory. Enforcement is strict, with license revocation possible for violations. The biggest gotcha: active enforcement and high risk of permanent license loss for non-compliance.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Any dwelling unit for one family, rented as a transient public lodging establishment, not a timeshare City Code §119.02 |
| Registration Required | Yes—City, County, and State licenses required City of Hollywood |
| Permit Cost | [needs verification — call City of Hollywood Vacation Rental License Program at (954) 921-3225 or check https://www.hollywoodfl.org/946/Vacation-Rental-License] |
| Annual Renewal | [needs verification — call City of Hollywood Vacation Rental License Program at (954) 921-3225 or check https://www.hollywoodfl.org/946/Vacation-Rental-License] |
| State License Fee | $50 application fee + annual fee (varies by unit count) DBPR |
| Local Business Tax Receipt | Required (city and county) City of Hollywood |
| Inspection Required | Yes, prior to license issuance City Code §119.15 |
| Local Contact Requirement | Yes, must respond in person within 60 minutes City Regulations |
| Noise Monitoring | Yes, device required; data retained 180 days City Code §119.11 |
| Insurance Requirement | Yes, liability insurance required City Code §119.11 |
| Minimum Night Stay | Not codified — no city rule found City Code Index |
| Density Limit | Not codified — no city rule found City Code Index |
| Occupancy Cap | [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| Permitted Zones | [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| Prohibited Zones | [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| License Cap | Not codified — no city cap found City of Hollywood |
| Permit Transferability | Not codified — no city rule found City of Hollywood |
| State Sales Tax | 6% (transient rentals tax) LuxeHausStays |
| County Tourist Development Tax | 6% Broward County |
| Local Accommodations Tax | None Avalara |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 12% (state + county) LuxeHausStays |
| Advertising Requirement | License number must be on all ads Guestable |
| Enforcement Penalties | Warning letters, fines, license suspension/revocation Brosda and Bentley |
| Last Updated | May 22, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Underwriters should model compliance costs at 12.0% of gross revenue, with median Hollywood, FL STRs earning $50,968 at an average daily rate of $217 and 63% occupancy. The binding constraint is the strict city enforcement regime: three licenses are required, and violations (such as missed local contact calls or noise complaints) can result in permanent license loss. Permit and renewal fees are not published online and must be confirmed with the city. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Hollywood, FL?
A short-term rental is any dwelling unit rented to guests for less than six months, as a transient public lodging establishment, but not a timeshare City Code §119.02.
Are short-term rentals legal in Hollywood, FL?
Yes, STRs are legal but require city, county, and state licenses, and must comply with strict operational rules City of Hollywood.
Does Hollywood, FL have its own STR rules, or do county/state laws apply?
Hollywood has its own STR ordinance and licensing, separate from Broward County and Florida state rules Guestable.
Licensing
What licenses are required to operate an STR in Hollywood, FL?
You need a City of Hollywood Vacation Rental License, a Broward County Business Tax Receipt, and a Florida DBPR license City of Hollywood.
How do I apply for a Hollywood Vacation Rental License?
Applications must be submitted online, including a notarized owner certification and supporting documents City of Hollywood.
Is there a cap on the number of STR licenses in Hollywood?
No city-level cap is codified in available sources City of Hollywood.
Can STR licenses be transferred if I sell my property?
Permit transferability is not codified in city rules; default rules apply City of Hollywood.
Taxes
What is the total lodging tax rate for STRs in Hollywood, FL?
The total effective lodging tax is 12% (6% state + 6% county) LuxeHausStays.
Does Hollywood, FL charge a separate city lodging tax?
No, only state and county lodging taxes apply Avalara.
Who remits taxes for Airbnb and VRBO bookings?
Airbnb collects and remits both state and county taxes; VRBO hosts must remit all taxes directly Airbnb.
Operations
Is a local contact required for STRs in Hollywood, FL?
Yes, a local contact must be able to respond in person within 60 minutes City Regulations.
Are noise monitoring devices required?
Yes, a noise detection device is mandatory, and data must be retained for 180 days City Code §119.11.
Is an inspection required before operating?
Yes, an inspection is required before a license is issued City Code §119.15.
Is there a minimum night stay requirement?
No separate city rule on minimum night stays was identified in sources reviewed City Code Index.
Enforcement
How strict is STR enforcement in Hollywood, FL?
Enforcement is active, with a high risk of license revocation for violations such as missed calls or noise complaints Guestable.
What penalties apply for violations?
Penalties include warning letters, fines per incident or day, and license suspension or revocation Brosda and Bentley.
Do I need to display my license number in ads?
Yes, your city vacation rental license number must be displayed on every advertisement Guestable.
Permit Process
Hollywood, FL requires a Vacation Rental License for any property used as a short-term rental. The application is online only and must include a notarized owner certification, a building sketch, proof of insurance, and copies of state and county licenses. An inspection is required before the license is issued to verify compliance with building and safety codes City of Hollywood.
Zoning
Hollywood’s code defines vacation rentals as any dwelling for one family, rented as a transient public lodging establishment. The city does not separately codify minimum night stays or density limits for STRs. Zoning district eligibility and occupancy caps require direct verification with the city’s Planning Division City Code Index.
Taxes and Remittance
STRs in Hollywood, FL are subject to a 6% Florida state transient rentals tax and a 6% Broward County Tourist Development Tax, totaling 12%. There is no additional city lodging tax. Airbnb collects and remits both taxes, but VRBO hosts must remit all taxes directly. A Local Business Tax Receipt is also required from both the city and county LuxeHausStays.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Hollywood enforces STR rules actively, requiring a noise detection device and a local contact who can respond within 60 minutes. License numbers must be displayed in all ads. Penalties for violations include fines, license suspension, or permanent revocation. Repeat violations can escalate to civil actions Brosda and Bentley.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
No major changes to Florida’s STR regulatory framework took effect in 2026. Senate Bill 280, which would have centralized STR regulation, was vetoed in June 2024. Hollywood retains local control and continues to enforce its own STR ordinance Avantio.
Comparable Markets
- Fort Lauderdale, FL — Consider if you want a larger, more regulated urban market.
- Dania Beach, FL — Consider for smaller scale, adjacent to Hollywood.
- Hallandale Beach, FL — Consider for similar coastal dynamics but separate enforcement.
- Miami Beach, FL — Consider for high-demand, high-regulation STR environment.
Sources
- City of Hollywood – Vacation Rental License: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/946/Vacation-Rental-License
- City of Hollywood – Vacation Rental License Application Portal: https://apps.hollywoodfl.org/VacationRentals/Default.aspx
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances, Chapter 119.02: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hollywood/latest/hollywood_fl/0-0-0-77938
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances, Chapter 119.10: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hollywood/latest/hollywood_fl/0-0-0-77985
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances, §119.11: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hollywood/latest/hollywood_fl/0-0-0-77988
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances, §119.15: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hollywood/latest/hollywood_fl/0-0-0-78020
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances index: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hollywood/latest/hollywood_fl/0-0-0-33725
- City of Hollywood, FL – Official Website (Local Business Tax): https://www.hollywoodfl.org/218/Local-Business-Tax
- City of Hollywood official vacation rental regulations: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/18273/Vacation-Rental-License-Regulations
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hr/forms/documents/5025_753.pdf
- Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division: https://www.broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury/TaxesFees/Pages/TouristDevelopmentTaxes.aspx
- Florida Tourist Development Tax: What Airbnb and VRBO Collect (2026): https://www.luxehausstays.com/insights/florida-tourist-development-tax/
- 2026 Hollywood, Florida Sales Tax Calculator & Rate – Avalara: https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/florida/cities/hollywood.html
- Guestable: Short Term Rental Regulations in the City of Hollywood, FL: https://www.guestable.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulations-in-the-city-of-hollywood-fl/
- Guestable: Short Term Rental Regulations in Broward County: https://www.guestable.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulations-in-broward-county/
- Guestable: Short Term Rentals Hollywood Florida: https://www.guestable.com/blog/short-term-rentals-hollywood-florida/
- Brosda and Bentley: Hollywood Beach Short‑Term Rentals: Rules and Returns: https://brosdaandbentley.com/blog/hollywood-beach-shortterm-rentals-rules-and-returns
- Airbnb Help Center (Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Florida): https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2301
- LegalClarity: Florida Short-Term Rental Laws: Licensing, Taxes & Penalties: https://legalclarity.org/florida-short-term-rental-laws-compliance-and-regulations/
- Avantio: Florida Short-Term Rental Laws 2026: https://www.avantio.com/blog/florida-vacation-rental-laws/ Last updated: 2026-05-22. Reviewed by Ashley Durmo, President, Chalet.
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Hollywood, Broward County, Florida.
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