Complete Guide To Get A Short Term Rental License in Fort Lauderdale, FL [UPDATED 2024]

Dreaming of turning your Fort Lauderdale property into a thriving Short Term Rental (Airbnb)? Sunshine, beaches, and eager tourists create a prime market for short-term rentals, but before you welcome your first guests, obtaining the proper license is crucial. 

Don't worry, navigating the licensing process doesn't have to be a tropical storm! This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to secure your Short Term Rental (Airbnb) license in Fort Lauderdale, FL, smoothly and efficiently.

Understanding Fort Lauderdale's Short-Term Rental Regulations:

First things first, familiarize yourself with the city's regulations governing short-term rentals. Key points to remember:

• Registration: All short term rentals require annual registration with the City of Fort Lauderdale. Fees vary depending on occupancy and ownership status (owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied).
• Zoning: Certain zoning districts restrict or prohibit short-term rentals altogether. Double-check your property's zoning designation before proceeding.
• Business Tax License: Operating an Airbnb is considered a business activity, requiring a business tax license from the city. Costs vary based on factors like gross receipts and business type.
• Additional Rules: Regulations on parking, noise control, occupancy limits, and signage also apply. Review the city's ordinances thoroughly to ensure compliance.

A short-term rental (Airbnb) in Fort Lauderdale is called a short term rental. It can be any unit in a condo, apartment building, or single-family home that's rented out for stays less than 30 days more than 3 times a year. It can't be part of a timeshare project.

Here’s the main document outlining regulations for Fort Lauderdale STR Regulations.

Licensing Requirements & Fees

Fort Lauderdale requires all short-term rentals (including Airbnb's) to register annually with the city's Short Term Rental Registration Program. This ensures compliance with state and local licensing and tax regulations.

The annual registration fee is $350 and covers the first two inspections. Renewals are priced differently depending on whether the owner occupies the rental themselves:

• Owner-occupied: $80
• Non-owner-occupied: $160
  

All registrations must be renewed by September 30th each year. You can find the fee schedule for the program in Short Term Rental Fee Resolution 17-81. The fee schedule is outlined as follows:

In Fort Lauderdale, it is against the law for anyone to let someone else stay in a residential property (such as a single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit) as a short term rental without proper registration. To do so, the property owner or their authorized representative must register the property with the City of Fort Lauderdale and obtain a certificate of compliance under Article X – short term Rental, in accordance with the City's Code of Ordinances.

To register a Short Term Rental with the City Manager or their representative, you need to submit a separate application for each building intended for such use. The application should include:

• Legal description of the property (Address, Lot, Block, and Subdivision Name).
• Owner's details: Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone Number.
• Responsible party's details (for the property): Name, Address, E-mail, and Emergency Contact Number.
• Owner's acknowledgment of the following:

• Proof of current property ownership.
• Proof of registration for sales tax collection with the Florida Department of Revenue and for Tourist Development Tax with Broward County.
• Proof of licensure for a transient public lodging establishment with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Proof of compliance with Subsection 15-275.
• Authorization letter if the application is submitted on behalf of the property owner by their authorized representative.

A request for modification to an existing Short Term Rental registration becomes necessary under the following circumstances:

• Alteration in the gross square footage.
• Adjustment in the number of bedrooms.
• Change in the maximum occupancy.
• Variation in the number or relocation of parking spaces.

In the event of any of the aforementioned changes, the property owner is obligated to inform the city within 10 days following the completion of these modifications.

The Certificate of Compliance must be prominently displayed on or adjacent to the main entrance door's interior. This certificate should, at a minimum, feature the name, address, and telephone number of the Responsible Party. Additionally, it should include the maximum occupancy of the Short Term Rental. If deemed necessary under subsection 15-278(8) of this code, the certificate should also contain a statement asserting, "It is unlawful for a sexual offender or sexual predator to occupy this residence."

Owning Multiple Short-Term Rental Properties: What You Need to Know

Registration:

If you own more than one short-term rental property, including separate units within the same building, you need to register each property individually. Complete a separate application for each one.

Taxes:

Hosting platforms like Airbnb might already collect and pay taxes/fees directly to the county. Check with your platform for details.

Broward County, Florida:

• 6% Tourist Development Tax on bookings under 182 nights.
• 6% Florida Transient Rental Tax on bookings under 182 nights.
• 0.5%-1.5% Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax (varies by county, check the Florida Dept. of Revenue website).

Other Florida counties:

• 2-5% Tourist Development Tax on bookings under 182 nights for the following counties:

Occupancy Limits:

Responsible Property Management

The property owner is required to designate a responsible agent who holds the authority to promptly address and coordinate resolutions for any issues related to the rental property. This designated responsible party must be available 24/7 and situated in close proximity to the property, ensuring a one-hour response time upon notification by Short Term Rental occupants, law enforcement, emergency personnel, or the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a guest register accessible for inspection by authorized City of Fort Lauderdale personnel.
• Keep the entire property free of garbage and litter.
• Conduct on-site inspections at the conclusion of each rental period to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Provide guests, in advance of their stay, with information on relevant City of Fort Lauderdale ordinances and potential citations for non-compliance.
• Clearly display the name and telephone number of the responsible party within the short-term rental property unit.

Any violation of the above ordinances permits any individual to file a written complaint with the city manager or their designee, specifying the causes and basis of the complaint. The city manager will promptly record, investigate, and take necessary actions in accordance with Article X – Short Term Rental and Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Zoning Information

The city of Fort Lauderdale is part of incorporated Broward County, FL. To identify zoning details, refer to the county zoning atlas for Broward County, FL.

Florida State Regulations

Florida state regulations prohibit any city from establishing new short-term rental or short term rental regulations.

STR Management Considerations - Life/Safety Requirements:

• Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Safety: Comply with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, F.S. ch. 515.
• Dwelling Units: Ensure all dwelling units meet the minimum requirements of Article VI, Minimum Housing Code, Chapter 9, Buildings and Construction of this Code.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection: Install and maintain an interconnected, hard-wired system as per Florida Building Code—Residential, Sections R314 and R315.
• Fire Extinguisher: Place a portable, multi-purpose dry chemical 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher on each floor, meeting NFPA 10 standards.
• Vehicle Parking: All short term rental-associated vehicles must be parked within the property's driveway, complying with local codes.
• Local Telephone Service: Provide at least one landline telephone with 911 capability in the main level common area of the short term rental.

Remember, regulations can change. Regularly check the City of Fort Lauderdale website and relevant resources for updates to ensure your license remains valid and your rental operates within compliance.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you'll be well on your way to obtaining your Airbnb license and launching your successful short term rental business in sunny Fort Lauderdale!

If you need support with your licensing requirements, feel free to contact us.