Fort Lauderdale Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Application submitted online via LauderBuild; inspection required before a Certificate of Compliance is issued. Processing time is approximately 10-12 business days during the peak renewal season (August-September)

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Host self-remits to Broward County

Filing: Monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually (assigned by county)

Rental Limits

Fort Lauderdale does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Fort Lauderdale does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detection and notification system required (interconnected, hard-wired, per Florida Building Code—Residential)
• Noise level detection device required (data retained 180 days)
• Swimming pool, spa, or hot tub must comply with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (F.S. ch. 515)
• Annual compliance inspection required

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• First violation: civil infraction — $250 for an uncontested violation, $325 if contested
• Repeat violations lead to suspension of the vacation rental certificate of compliance (180 days on the third violation, 365 days on the fourth)
• Operating during a suspension is subject to a daily fine of up to $1,000 per day for a first violation, $5,000 per day for a repeat violation, and up to $15,000 per violation if a special magistrate finds the violation irreparable or irreversible

Additional remedies may include revocation of the certificate of compliance, injunctive relief, liens, and referral to other enforcing agencies.

Market Snapshot

Demand context for Fort Lauderdale from official government and tourism statistics — the latest published annual figures, not a projection of rental income.

Major annual events: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) — Late October to early November · Tortuga Music Festival (April) · Fort Lauderdale Air Show (May) · Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (December)

Figures are the latest annual statistics published by the linked official sources (retrieved 2026-07-13). Visitor counts cover the geography stated by each source, which can be wider than the city itself. Regulations above — not market conditions — determine whether and how you may operate.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Fort Lauderdale:

1. Meet safety requirements. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detection and notification system required (interconnected, hard-wired, per Florida Building Code—Residential). Noise level detection device required (data retained 180 days). Swimming pool, spa, or hot tub must comply with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (F.S. ch. 515). Annual compliance inspection required.
2. Apply for Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance. Submit application + $880 (up to 4 units under one folio, includes first inspection) fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Broward County Tourist Development Tax Section.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. $650 (non-owner-occupied); $200 (owner-occupied, homestead exempted) renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Fort Lauderdale requires a Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance.

Does Fort Lauderdale require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Fort Lauderdale allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Fort Lauderdale?

Short-term rental stays in Fort Lauderdale are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Tourist Development Tax + 6% Florida State Sales Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Fort Lauderdale?

Penalties run up to $15,000.