Orlando Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Home Sharing Registration

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Application Process

Apply through City Planning Division; annual fee required

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit to Florida Department of Revenue for state sales tax; self-remit to Orange County Comptroller for TDT (most counties self-administer)

Filing: Monthly; due on 1st, late after 20th of following month; file via floridarevenue.com/taxes/filepay

Rental Limits

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

Occupancy & Density Limits

No more than four unrelated persons or a maximum of two persons per room, whichever is less

Zoning & Restrictions

No more than half of a dwelling unit can be used for home sharing; one half of a duplex may be home-shared only if both units are on the same lot and under one ownership

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Orlando 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

• Proof of registration must be linked to any online advertising
• No group home setups permitted
• No partitions or internal locks limiting free access within the structure

Platform Requirements

Proof of registration number must be included in all online advertising listings

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Confirm eligibility. The property must be your primary residence. Investment properties are not eligible.
2. Meet safety requirements. Proof of registration must be linked to any online advertising. No group home setups permitted. No partitions or internal locks limiting free access within the structure.
3. Apply for Home Sharing Registration. Submit application + $275 fee.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
5. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
7. Renew annually. $100 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Orlando requires a Home Sharing Registration.

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

A Home Sharing Registration in Orlando costs $275 per year. Renewal is $100 per year.

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

Yes. Every Orlando permit type requires the property to be your primary residence, so investment or non-owner-occupied rentals generally are not eligible.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando?

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