Kissimmee Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Conditional Use Permit and Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Properties must be in designated tourist zones: RB-1, RB-2, RC-1, RC-2 and similar resort/commercial districts.

Application Process

Apply online through the division's system. Processing typically takes one to two business days.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Rental Limits

Kissimmee does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be under 30 days.

Zoning & Restrictions

Conditional Use Permit and Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt: Properties must be in designated tourist zones: RB-1, RB-2, RC-1, RC-2 and similar resort/commercial districts

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Kissimmee 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

• Install smoke detectors in every unit
• Provide specialized detectors for hearing-impaired residents (1 per 50 units, max 5)
• Use safe electrical systems; avoid extension cords
• Comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
• Install automatic sprinklers in buildings three+ stories meeting specific height/egress criteria
• Maintain units in clean, safe condition
• Provide clean, properly-sized bedding changed between guests
• Make soap available (individually wrapped or liquid dispensed)
• Sanitize dishes and glassware between guests using proper three-compartment sinks or commercial equipment
• Keep facilities vermin-free
• Ensure cribs meet Consumer Products Safety Commission standards

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Not publicly specified

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Meet safety requirements. Install smoke detectors in every unit. Provide specialized detectors for hearing-impaired residents (1 per 50 units, max 5). Use safe electrical systems; avoid extension cords. Comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Install automatic sprinklers in buildings three+ stories meeting specific height/egress criteria. Maintain units in clean, safe condition. Provide clean, properly-sized bedding changed between guests. Make soap available (individually wrapped or liquid dispensed). Sanitize dishes and glassware between guests using proper three-compartment sinks or commercial equipment. Keep facilities vermin-free. Ensure cribs meet Consumer Products Safety Commission standards.
2. Apply for Conditional Use Permit and Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt. Submit application + $30.00 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Kissimmee City Tax Collector and Osceola County Tax Collector.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. $30.00 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Kissimmee?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Kissimmee requires a short-term rental permit.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Kissimmee?

A short-term rental permit in Kissimmee costs $30.00 per year.

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

No. Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee?

Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee?

Short-term rental stays in Kissimmee are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Florida Tourist Development Tax (Osceola County) + 6% Florida Transient Rental Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Kissimmee?

Not publicly specified.