Not sure if your property is fully legal or tax-compliant?
Let Our Experts Handle Licensing, Taxes, and Legal Compliance for You >>
The Most Overlooked Risk in Vacation Rental Hosting
Owning a short-term rental in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, or Palm Beach is exciting—but many self-managing hosts overlook one of the most serious (and expensive) mistakes: non-compliance with taxes, licensing, and local rental laws.
Without proper setup, you risk:
- Fines from city or county inspectors
- Forced listing removal
- Guest cancellations
- Civil penalties
- Even property shutdowns
Real Host Story: Legal Trouble in Miami Beach
A host in Miami Beach was grossing $100K+ per year through Airbnb. But they never registered for a business license or paid tourist development taxes.
They were flagged by the city after a neighbor complaint. The result?
- $7,500 in fines
- Forced listing suspension
- Months of lost revenue
- Scrambled paperwork and costly back taxes
Common Compliance Mistakes Vacation Rental Hosts Make
❌ Not Registering with City or County
Many Florida cities require business licenses, tax registrations, and local STR permits.
❌ Not Paying Tourist Development Taxes
Even if Airbnb or VRBO collects state taxes, local taxes (county-level) are often your responsibility.
❌ Ignoring HOA or Condo Restrictions
Some associations completely ban or restrict short-term rentals—violations can lead to legal disputes or evictions.
❌ Unaware of Zoning or Occupancy Limits
Some zones have limits on the number of nights, number of guests, or require owner presence.
❌ No Fire Safety or Inspection Records
Cities like Fort Lauderdale require inspections, smoke detectors, and local contacts on file.
What You Need to Stay Fully Legal in South Florida
📝 1. Florida DBPR Lodging License
All short-term rentals must be registered with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
🧾 2. Sales Tax (State + Local)
Register with the Florida Department of Revenue to remit state sales tax. Also check with your county for local tourist taxes.
🏢 3. City Registration or Permits
Each city has different rules. For example:
- Miami Beach: Rentals under 6 months are banned in most areas.
- Palm Beach County: Requires registration and STR compliance fees.
- Fort Lauderdale: Needs local business tax + city STR license.
- Boca Raton: Strict on zoning and owner-occupancy rules.
📃 4. Rental Agreements & Guest Rules
These protect you legally and ensure guests follow house rules—and can help in dispute claims.
Why It’s Hard to Navigate Alone
- Laws change frequently and without notice
- Conflicting rules between city, county, and state
- Lack of guidance from platforms like Airbnb or VRBO
- HOA restrictions often buried in dense documentation
- Mistakes can cost thousands—even if unintentional
How We Keep Our Clients 100% Compliant
At Grimaldi Vacation Rentals, we handle all the legal, licensing, and tax work so you don’t have to.
Our Compliance Services Include:
- Business license and tax registration
- Monthly and quarterly tax filings
- Local STR application management
- Ongoing regulation monitoring
- HOA communication and rule audits
- Fire safety setup and documentation
- Guest policy creation and enforcement
See How Our Team Keeps South Florida Rentals Legal and Profitable >>
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Airbnb and VRBO take care of taxes for me?
They may collect state taxes, but local tourism taxes and business licenses are usually your responsibility.
Can I rent short-term if my HOA says no?
No. HOA and condo bylaws override rental platforms. We review documents and guide you legally.
What happens if I rent without a license?
You risk fines, cancellation of bookings, account suspension, and legal trouble. It’s not worth the risk.
How often do I need to file taxes?
Most counties require monthly or quarterly filings, depending on volume and revenue.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Legal Mistake Wreck Your Rental
Running a vacation rental means more than keeping guests happy—it means staying legal, tax-compliant, and protected against ever-changing short-term rental laws.
Let our experienced team handle every form, fee, and filing—so you can focus on hosting and earning.