November 19, 2024
Before we jump into the details of getting a short-term rental license in Lakeland, let’s wrap our heads around what’s generally needed and what exceptions might exist in Florida for vacation rental licenses.
If you own property in Florida and rent out your place more than three times in a year for stays under 30 days, you need a license from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). This especially applies if you're listing on sites like Airbnb. Here’s the lowdown:
CriteriaRequirementNumber of RentalsMore than three times a yearDuration of StayUnder 30 daysPublic MarketingListed as frequently available
Every three years, you gotta fill out an application to inspect your balconies, stairwells, and private railings. This keeps you in line with the safety standards set by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
Not every vacation rental falls under the licensing hammer. Renting out single rooms or areas that don’t count as public lodging? They're off the hook for this license and fees. This is good news for folks who just want to rent out a spare bedroom hassle-free.
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Type of RentalExemption ConditionSingle Room RentalsRoom isn’t considered public lodgingPartial Unit RentalsSpace doesn’t meet public lodging criteria
Heads up on the tax side: if you rent more than three times a year for less than 30 days, your place needs to be in the short-term rental category and licensed through the DBPR. Don’t forget, you need to register for that sales tax certificate and send in the owed state and county taxes.
Knowing all this can make the licensing process simpler, making sure you're sticking to what the state requires.
For more detailed help on licenses in other Florida cities, check these out:
Bagging a short-term rental license in Florida ain't as tricky as wrestling a gator, but following the right steps is key. Property owners must follow a couple of straight paths to keep everything above board. Let's give the run-down on what's needed, focusing on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and the Certificate of Balcony Inspection.
The big players in the game, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), are the folks who regulate short-term rentals. If you plan to rent out your entire pad more than three times a year for stays under 30 days—or splash adverts all over the place inviting folks in—you've got to get the right license from them.
Here’s how you nail down that DBPR license:
RequirementResponsible AuthorityReference LinkOnline ApplicationDBPRDBPR WebsiteApplication FeeDBPRVaries by property size/typeSales Tax CertificateFlorida Department of RevenueFlorida RevenueLocal Business Tax ReceiptPolk County Tax CollectorPolk County
Each county might have its own twist to what’s required—check out specifics for spots like Lakeland, Miami, and Orlando if that’s your turf.
On top of the DBPR to-dos, there's the safety stuff with the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. If your property’s got railings, stairwells, or balconies and it's just your pad using them, you need a Certificate of Balcony Inspection every three years.
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How to bag that inspection certificate:
Inspection RequirementEnsured ByTimelineLicensed InspectorProperty OwnerEvery 3 yearsDetailed ReportInspectorAfter inspectionCertification SubmissionDivision of Hotels and RestaurantsPost-inspection
Tax duties also come into play with this gig—gotta handle the Polk County Tourist Development Tax (TDT), Florida Sales and Use Tax, and the Occupancy Tax. In Polk County, you're looking at a 12% total rate (BNBCalc).
For a deeper dive into the tax maze and city-specific licenses—like Tampa, Jacksonville, and St. Petersburg—check out our guides and thank us later.
Snagging a short-term rental license in Lakeland, Florida? You gotta know the city rules on zoning and permits. These guidelines are there to make sure vacation spots stick to the rules and fit in with the neighborhood vibe.
Alright, so zoning in Lakeland is kind of like the city's rulebook for land use—each area has its own do's and don'ts. Every zoning type lays down the law on what you can build, how tall, and even how many cars you can park.
Zoning ClassificationPermitted UsesRA-1, RA-2, RA-3, RA-4Only single homes (no side-by-side houses)RBTwo-homes are coolMFTwo-homes might be okay if approvedO-1Same deal with Two-homes up for debate
Want to run a duplex in one of those spots meant for just single houses like RA-1 and the lot? No can do. But head over to RB zoned areas and you're good to go, though MF and O-1 spots might let you with a green light from the Concept Plan review and a special permit (City of Lakeland - Planning FAQs).
Got plans to set up an extra little place (ADU)? Only in Lakeland's Urban areas, my friend. These mini homes need a thumbs up from the Planning and Zoning Board, and if you're in a Historic District, the Historic Preservation Board needs to like it, too (City of Lakeland - Planning FAQs).
Getting a building permit is a must to make sure your spot is safe and up to code. Whether you're sprucing up or building from the ground up in Lakeland, you need to play by the rules with building permits.
Here's the scoop for snagging that permit:
Permit TypeDescriptionConstruction PermitFor those new digs, makeovers, or big fixesElectrical PermitRewiring or new electrical stuff calls for thisPlumbing PermitBrand new pipes or tweaks need this passMechanical PermitFor fiddling with heating and cooling systems
If you're itching to get that short-term rental license in Lakeland, sticking to these zoning and permit rules is your best bet. Check out our city guides and learn the ropes in places like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa for broader tips and tricks.
For those owning or investing in properties, knowing your way around compliance and taxes is super important, especially if you're aiming to grab a Lakeland short-term rental license.
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In Florida, if you rent out your place more than three times a year and for less than 30 days each time, congrats—you're in the short-term rental club. This means you gotta get a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) (BNBCalc). And while you're at it, make sure to:
If you're hosting in Lakeland, nestled in Polk County, Florida, there's a little tax dance you'll need to perform. You have to collect and hand over both state and county taxes. The tax cocktail amounts to a 12% rate for short-term stays in Polk County. You'll see this as a 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and a 7% Florida Sales and Use Tax (BNBCalc).
Tax TypeRatePolk County Tourist Development Tax5%Florida Sales and Use Tax7%Total12%
Here's How You Handle That:
Pro Tip: Tin cans with strings? Nah. Use some modern tax software designed just for short-term hosts. It'll make your life a lot easier.
Got more properties across Florida? Check these out for details on keeping things legal:
Stick to the rules, and your rental biz in Lakeland will roll on without a hitch.
To keep from swimming in hot water, following short-term rental rules in Lakeland, Florida, is super important. Knowing what happens when the rules are bent or broken will help homeowners and investors steer clear of trouble when they're getting those rental licenses sorted.
Play it straight with the short-term rental rules in Polk County, Florida, or face some wallet-draining fines and other consequences. The Polk County Sheriff's Office spells out what happens if you play fast and loose:
These penalties are a not-so-gentle reminder to snag the right paperwork, like a Class B county local business tax receipt and a state license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Following zoning rules and grabbing necessary building permits is a must too (understanding vacation rental licenses).
Type of ViolationPenaltyOperating without a LicenseUp to $15,000Non-Compliance with Zoning RegulationsProperty ClosureFailure to Pay Required TaxesLegal Actions and Penalties
Homeowners and investors gotta know how to handle reporting incidents and investigations about short-term rentals. Anybody from neighbors to guests to local officials can blow the whistle if something's fishy. Here’s what to do:
If you're pulled into an investigation, have your stack of paperwork ready, like licenses, tax receipts, and proof you’re playing by the rules. Not cooperating can mean more legal troubles and steeper penalties. Keeping everything above board and sorting out any hiccups fast keeps operations running smooth (Gainesville Short Term Rental License).
Knowing the dos and don’ts of short-term rental enforcement can save homeowners and investors from nasty fines and ensure guests have a pleasant stay. For more detailed advice on snagging a rental license in different towns, read up on guides like Miami short term rental license or Tampa short term rental license.
