Sarasota Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Allowed in residential single-family and multiple-family zone districts (single, two, three, and four-family dwelling units). Owner-occupied rentals, condominiums, and cooperatives are exempt from registration.

Application Process

Apply online through the city's new registration portal (effective October 1, 2025); fee is due at time of submission. Application requires proof of ownership, a designated responsible party, a State of Florida DBPR transient public lodging license, a City of Sarasota business tax receipt, evidence of tax arrangements, and interior/exterior sketches. A safety inspection is required before an initial or renewed certificate is issued.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13% of gross rental income.

Collection: State sales tax and discretionary sales surtax are reported and remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax is remitted to the Sarasota County Tax Collector. Hosts must arrange for tax payment; platforms may collect some taxes but hosts are responsible for registration.

Filing: Monthly (Florida Form DR-15 for state sales tax and surtax; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax is also filed monthly)

Rental Limits

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

Occupancy & Density Limits

Single-family zones: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional per property, or 10 persons, whichever is less. Multiple-family zones: 2 per bedroom plus 2, or 12 persons, whichever is less. Children under 6 excluded from the count.

Zoning & Restrictions

Vacation rentals are permitted in residential single-family (RSF-E, RSF-1 through RSF-4, RSM-9, RTD-9) and multiple-family (RMF-1 through RMF-7) zone districts. Owner-occupied rentals, condominiums, cooperatives, and rentals of 30+ consecutive days are not subject to this chapter. In addition, every vacation rental stay must be for a minimum of 7 full days and 7 full nights.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Sarasota 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 detection and notification system, hardwired or with 10-year non-removable batteries; smoke alarms in each sleeping room and on each story; CO alarms within 10 feet of each sleeping room where fossil-fuel appliances or attached garage exist
• Portable multi-purpose dry chemical 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher installed and maintained per NFPA 10 on each floor level
• Pools and spas must comply with the Florida Building Code, Residential Code, Chapter 45
• Posted safety/informational notice (nearest hospital, non-emergency police number, trash pickup, address, responsible party contact, hurricane evacuation map, maximum occupancy, parking limit, noise notice)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Each day a violation exists is a separate violation. Certificate of registration suspension escalates: 1st violation no suspension; 2nd = 30 days; 3rd = 60 days; 4th = 90 days; each additional = +30 days up to a maximum of 360 days. Repeat violations go to a special magistrate hearing without the option to pre-pay a fine. Enforced under F.S. ch. 162 and section 2-315 of the Sarasota City Code.

Platform Requirements

All advertising (online, print, TV, and other media) must display the City of Sarasota Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration number, state the maximum occupancy limit, and conform to the 7-day minimum stay requirement. Advertising above the max occupancy is a violation.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Meet safety requirements. Smoke and carbon monoxide detection and notification system, hardwired or with 10-year non-removable batteries; smoke alarms in each sleeping room and on each story; CO alarms within 10 feet of each sleeping room where fossil-fuel appliances or attached garage exist. Portable multi-purpose dry chemical 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher installed and maintained per NFPA 10 on each floor level. Pools and spas must comply with the Florida Building Code, Residential Code, Chapter 45. Posted safety/informational notice (nearest hospital, non-emergency police number, trash pickup, address, responsible party contact, hurricane evacuation map, maximum occupancy, parking limit, noise notice).
2. Apply for Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration. Submit application + $500.00 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Florida Department of Revenue (state sales tax and discretionary surtax); Sarasota County Tax Collector (Tourist Development Tax).
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $350.00 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

A Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration in Sarasota costs $500.00 per year. Renewal is $350.00 per year.

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

No. Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

Short-term rental stays in Sarasota are subject to a combined 13% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Florida State Sales Tax + 1% Sarasota County Discretionary Sales Surtax + 6% Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

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

Operating without a permit can cost up to $250–$5,000/day.