Tampa Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Vacation Rental – Dwelling License (single-family homes, townhouses, buildings with 4 or fewer units)

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Vacation Rental – Condominium License

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply online through Florida DBPR portal or via printable application; state license required before operating.

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway auto-remit county Tourist Development Tax; hosts on other platforms self-remit

Filing: Monthly by first of following month; delinquent if not received by 20th; file via Tourist Express at hillsborough.county-taxes.com/tourist

Rental Limits

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

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Tampa 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 detectors required
• Fire safety standards maintained
• Clean bedding changed between guests
• Dishes sanitized
• Vermin-free conditions
• Annual human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping/front-desk staff

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Florida DBPR: operating without a license is a second-degree misdemeanor; penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation

Platform Requirements

• Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Misterb&b, and Vacation Rentals auto-remit Tourist Development Tax
• Hosts using other platforms remain responsible for remittance.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Determine your permit type. Tampa has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Vacation Rental – Dwelling License (single-family homes, townhouses, buildings with 4 or fewer units), Vacation Rental – Condominium License).
2. Meet safety requirements. Smoke detectors required. Fire safety standards maintained. Clean bedding changed between guests. Dishes sanitized. Vermin-free conditions. Annual human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping/front-desk staff.
3. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $170-$350 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $170-$350 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Tampa requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 2 permit types. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.

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

No. Tampa 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 Tampa?

Tampa 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 Tampa?

Short-term rental stays in Tampa are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Florida State Sales Tax + 6% Hillsborough 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 Tampa?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000 per day per violation.