Fort Lauderdale Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-06
TL;DR
Fort Lauderdale requires Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance ($350) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 12%. No annual day limit.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance ($350)
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit
Tax Rate 12%
Max Penalty Not publicly specified
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance

FeeAmount
Initial cost$350
Renewal$160 / 1 year

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

In-person application with inspection required; processing time 10-12 business days during peak season (August-September)

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Tourist Development Tax 6% Broward County
Florida State Sales Tax 6% Florida Department of Revenue

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

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Not publicly specified

Compliance Checklist

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

  1. Meet safety requirements. Annual safety inspection required. Each vacation rental must be equipped with a noise level detection device (as of September 19, 2023). Must pass Certificate of Compliance inspection.
  2. Apply for Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance. Submit application + $350 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. $160 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.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Fort Lauderdale?
A Vacation Rental Certificate of Compliance in Fort Lauderdale costs $350 per year. Renewal is $160 per year.
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 happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Fort Lauderdale?
Not publicly specified.

Official Sources

  1. Vacation Rental Program | City of Fort Lauderdale, FL
  2. ARTICLE X. - VACATION RENTAL | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Municode
  3. Taxes And Fees Tourist Development Tax | Broward County