7 Step Guide to Key West Short-Term Rental Regulations
1. City Overview: Short-Term Rental Landscape
Key West, Florida, has strict regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs) to protect the residential character of the community. STRs, referred to as vacation rentals, are heavily regulated, and only properties within designated zones may operate legally. Monroe County also enforces additional rules outside of Key West city limits.
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, a Vacation Rental Permit is required.
- Zoning Restrictions? STRs are only allowed in specific zoning districts; restrictions apply.
- Maximum Occupancy: Defined by zoning rules and property classification.
- Tax Requirements: STR operators must collect and remit city, county, and state lodging taxes (11%)
- Renewal Frequency: Annual renewal required for the Vacation Rental Permit.
- Registration Fees:
- Initial Vacation Rental Permit: $500
- Annual Renewal Fee: $200
- Local Business Tax Receipt: Fee varies by property classification
- Insurance Required? Strongly recommended for liability protection.
- Enforcement Level: Active enforcement, including fines for non-compliance.
3. Getting Started with STRs in Key West (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Before applying for a Vacation Rental Permit, property owners must confirm that their property is located in an eligible zoning district.
- Check Zoning Maps: STRs are only allowed in designated zoning districts.
- Where to Verify Zoning: Monroe County Vacation Rentals Map
- Contact Key West Planning Department:
- Phone: (305) 809-3720
- Email: planning@cityofkeywest-fl.gov
Step 2: Obtain a Vacation Rental Permit
All STR operators must obtain a Vacation Rental Permit from Monroe County before renting their property.
- Permit Fees:
- Initial Application: $500
- Annual Renewal: $200
- Required Documents:
- Proof of property ownership
- Floor plan indicating guest areas
- Zoning compliance approval
- Local Business Tax Receipt
Where to Apply:
- Monroe County Vacation Rental Program: Vacation Rental Permit Application
Step 3: Register for Tax Collection & Payment
STR hosts must collect and remit applicable local and state lodging taxes.
- Tax Registration Required With:
- Monroe County Tax Collector
- Florida Department of Revenue
- Tax Rates:
- Florida State Sales Tax: 6%
- Monroe County Tourist Development Tax: 5%
- Total Lodging Tax Rate: 11%
- Filing and Payment Deadlines:
- Taxes must be reported and paid monthly.
- Payments are due by the 20th of each month for the previous month’s rentals.
Where to Register and Pay Taxes:
- Monroe County Tax Collector:
- Website: Monroe Tax Collector
- Phone: (305) 295-5000
- Email: taxcollector@monroecounty-fl.gov
- Florida Department of Revenue:
- Website: Florida Tax
- Phone: (850) 488-6800
Failure to collect, report, and remit taxes can result in fines and penalties. Hosts are encouraged to maintain accurate records and consult a tax professional if needed.
