Orlando Short-Term Rental Rules: What Investors Need to Know

Thinking about buying an Orlando property to use as an Airbnb or VRBO? Short-term rentals can perform well here, but the rules vary by address and missing a step can lead to fines or shutdowns. You want clarity on permits, taxes, zoning, and how Orange County and the City of Orlando treat STRs so you can invest with confidence.

This guide breaks down what to check before you buy or list, which agencies govern your property, the taxes you’ll owe, and practical steps to stay compliant. You’ll also get a due‑diligence checklist you can use right now. Let’s dive in.

Start with jurisdiction

Your first task is to confirm whether the property sits inside Orlando city limits or in unincorporated Orange County. City and county rules are different, and they sit on top of state law.

• If the property is within city limits, review the City of Orlando’s code and short‑term rental guidance on the City of Orlando site.
• If the property is in unincorporated areas, start with Orange County, Florida for county zoning, code enforcement, and tourist tax administration.
• State requirements apply everywhere. Use the Florida Department of Revenue for transient rental tax registration and filing, and consult the Florida Statutes for definitions and statewide standards.

When the boundary is unclear, contact the city or county planning department and verify zoning for the exact parcel.

Registration, permits, and local approvals

Local registration programs can include several parts. Confirm the exact requirements for your address, since rules change.

• STR registration or permit. Many municipalities require you to register and display a permit or registration number in your listings.
• Local Business Tax Receipt. City and county often require a business tax receipt for rental activity.
• Local contact. Some programs require a 24/7 local contact or manager with a posted phone number.
• Posting and advertising rules. Expect to display your registration number and house rules in the listing and on‑site.
• Inspections. Certain programs require initial or periodic inspections that focus on life‑safety items.
• Minimum stay and occupancy. Check whether the city or county sets minimum nights or occupancy caps.

Use the City of Orlando and Orange County sites to confirm what applies now to your address and property type.

Taxes you must plan for

Short‑term rentals are taxed as transient accommodations in Florida. Budget for taxes and confirm who collects and remits each one.

• State sales tax. Florida imposes sales and use tax on transient rentals. Rates and filing schedules vary by situation, and the statewide rate has historically been 6 percent. Register and verify your obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue.
• Tourist development tax. Orange County administers a bed or tourist development tax on short stays. Check current rates, filing rules, and exemptions with Orange County.
• Platform collection. Some platforms collect and remit certain taxes in some jurisdictions. Do not assume all taxes are covered. Confirm exactly which taxes the platform handles and what remains your responsibility.
• Recordkeeping. Keep detailed records of stays, receipts, taxes collected, and remittances. Many owners file monthly or quarterly.

Zoning, land use, and occupancy

Zoning determines whether transient use is allowed on a parcel and in what form. The details matter.

• Verify the zoning district and whether short‑term use is allowed by right or requires a permit.
• Check occupancy limits. Some jurisdictions cap guests by bedroom count, square footage, or an absolute number.
• Review building code and life‑safety standards, especially if the property has multiple units or unique features.
• If you are near resort or special districts, additional rules may apply. Confirm with the city or county planning office.

Start your review on the City of Orlando and Orange County planning and zoning pages, then contact staff for parcel‑specific confirmation.

HOA and condo rules

Private covenants can override your plan even when local law allows STRs.

• Many associations prohibit short‑term rentals or set minimum lease terms.
• Associations may require registration with the board, rental caps, or guest screening.
• Violations can trigger fines, suspension of privileges, and liens.

Before you write an offer, obtain and review the covenants, bylaws, amendments, and recent meeting minutes. Ask for the property’s leasing history.

Safety, insurance, and liability

Insurance coverage is often different for STRs compared to standard homeowner policies.

• Many homeowner policies exclude or limit short‑term rental use. Ask your insurance agent about STR endorsements or commercial liability coverage designed for transient occupancy.
• Platform “protections” typically have limits and conditions. Confirm coverage with your insurer.
• Safety best practices include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, clear egress, first‑aid kits, and pool safety measures like fencing and locks when applicable.
• Consider business interruption coverage for lost income and added coverage for guest‑caused damage.

Enforcement, complaints, and penalties

Orlando‑area enforcement is often complaint driven. Good neighbors and good systems reduce risk.

• Common triggers include noise, parking, and trash. Repeat complaints can lead to escalating fines or suspension of a permit.
• Many jurisdictions provide administrative hearings and appeal options. Deadlines are strict, so keep documentation.
• Maintain records of bookings, guest communications, local contact responses, and maintenance logs.

Check City of Orlando or Orange County code enforcement resources for processes and penalty schedules.

Orlando market realities

Orlando demand is shaped by tourism, conventions, and leisure travel tied to major attractions and event calendars. Performance varies by neighborhood, proximity to parks and the convention center, and property quality.

• Expect seasonality connected to school holidays and large events.
• Competition is significant, so property condition and management standards matter.
• Use third‑party data to benchmark occupancy and revenue by area. Services like AirDNA can help with underwriting and pricing.
• Compare rules across boundaries. Areas like central Orlando, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Thornton Park, Winter Park, and neighboring cities such as Kissimmee can have different regulations that affect feasibility and yield.

Step‑by‑step due‑diligence checklist

Use this checklist before you buy or launch an STR in Orlando or unincorporated Orange County.

1. Confirm jurisdiction

• Identify if the property is inside City of Orlando limits, in unincorporated Orange County, or another municipality.
• Verify with parcel maps and a quick call to city or county planning.

2. Read the current rules

• On the City of Orlando or Orange County site, locate STR guidance and the municipal code.
• Note registration or permit requirements, fees, occupancy caps, minimum stays, posting rules, and inspections.

3. Verify zoning at the parcel level

• Ask planning or zoning staff to confirm whether transient lodging is permitted for your specific address and structure type.

4. Review HOA or condo documents

• Obtain covenants, bylaws, amendments, and meeting minutes. Confirm minimum lease terms and any caps.

5. Confirm tax obligations

• Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales and transient rental taxes.
• Check Orange County tourist development tax rates and filing rules on Orange County.
• Verify which taxes your platform collects and which you must remit.

6. Line up insurance and safety

• Work with an insurance agent familiar with STRs for proper endorsements or commercial coverage.
• Install and test safety devices and prepare written house rules.

7. Set your operations plan

• Establish a 24/7 local contact, noise monitoring policies, trash and parking plans, guest screening, and response protocols.

8. Build a compliance budget

• Include registration fees, inspections, insurance upgrades, safety gear, and reserves for fines or mitigation.

9. Create a recordkeeping system

• Track bookings, taxes collected and remitted, and all guest and neighbor communications.

10. Consult professionals

• For legal or tax questions, consult a Florida attorney and a CPA who know hospitality and tourism taxes.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Relying on platform tax collection without verifying your obligations.
• Assuming HOA or condo rules will allow STRs because others are hosting.
• Operating without insurance tailored to transient rentals.
• Buying in an area where enforcement is tightening without reading current code and speaking with staff.
• Underestimating neighbor relations, which often drive complaints and fines.

Plan your next move with a local guide

Successful STR investing in Orlando starts with clarity on jurisdiction, taxes, zoning, and operations. If you want help evaluating addresses, reading local risk, and planning upgrades that boost revenue and compliance, our team can guide you through each step and connect you with trusted local resources. Ready to assess a property or compare neighborhoods across city and county lines? Reach out to VIP Home Client LLC to get started.

FAQs

What counts as a short‑term rental in Orlando and Orange County?

• Short‑term or transient rentals generally refer to lodging rented for short stays rather than a traditional long‑term lease; review the Florida Statutes and your local code for the definition that applies to your address.

Do I need a permit or registration to host in the City of Orlando?

• Many jurisdictions require STR registration, a permit number displayed in listings, and a local business tax receipt; confirm current City of Orlando requirements on the City of Orlando site.

Which taxes apply to an Orlando short‑term rental, and who remits them?

• Expect state sales tax and Orange County tourist development tax on transient stays; verify registration and filing with the Florida Department of Revenue and Orange County, and confirm what your platform collects.

How can HOA or condo rules impact my STR purchase?

• Private covenants can prohibit STRs, impose minimum lease terms, or require registration, with fines or liens for violations; review the association’s documents and amendments before you buy.

What are common enforcement triggers for STRs in Orlando and Orange County?

• Neighbor complaints about noise, parking, and trash often drive enforcement; consistent house rules, a 24/7 local contact, and strong documentation help reduce risk.