If you’re planning to rent out your property or book a vacation stay in the Sunshine State, it’s important to understand the rules. So, what is a short term rental in Florida exactly? The answer impacts both property owners and guests—and knowing the definition helps you stay compliant, avoid issues, and enjoy a smooth booking experience.
This guide explains how Florida defines short term rentals, how they’re regulated, and what you should know before listing or reserving your next stay.
Overview
What is a short term rental in Florida?
By state law, a short term rental is typically defined as the rental of a residential property for periods of less than 30 days at a time, and more than three times per year. These rentals include condos, houses, apartments, or accessory dwelling units made available to guests on a temporary basis.
Common platforms used include Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and local vacation rental managers.
In Fort Lauderdale, short term rentals must meet specific city requirements:
- Registration & licensing
- Safety inspections
- Tax collection and remittance
- Compliance with zoning and noise ordinances
Short term rentals are regulated not only by state statutes but also by county and city-level ordinances—making it important to check your location’s specific rules before hosting or booking.
For Fort Lauderdale-specific rentals and rules, visit our Fort Lauderdale Rentals page for compliant properties.
Benefits of Understanding the Definition
Knowing what qualifies as a short term rental in Florida offers key advantages:
✅ For Guests:
- Book With Confidence – Ensure your rental follows local laws and won’t be shut down during your stay.
- Get Full Transparency – Licensed properties often post safety info, permits, and emergency procedures.
✅ For Owners:
- Operate Legally – Avoid fines and city citations by understanding your responsibilities.
- Get Better Exposure – Legal properties can advertise on more platforms and receive better search visibility.
- Attract Quality Guests – Compliant homes often attract longer stays and higher-quality bookings.
Understanding what qualifies also helps distinguish short term rentals from hotels, long-term leases, or corporate housing.
Booking Tips
Whether you’re a guest or owner, here are some actionable tips based on the legal definition of short term rental in Florida:
🔍 Renters:
- Ask if the Property is Registered
Especially in Fort Lauderdale, where short term rental rules are strictly enforced. - Review the Rental Period
Stays under 30 days generally fall under short term rental law—make sure you’re booking the right type of property. - Use Reputable Sources
Book through trusted platforms or directly with professional property managers like Grimaldi Vacation Rentals.
🧾 Owners:
- Check Local Ordinances
Florida allows local governments to regulate short term rentals. Always check Fort Lauderdale or your specific city’s guidelines. - Obtain Proper Licensing & Permits
In Fort Lauderdale, this includes registration, safety inspections, and displaying your license number. - Maintain Documentation
Keep copies of all permits, insurance, tax receipts, and guest communication in case of inspection or legal dispute.
Need help navigating legal requirements? Reach out to our team for expert guidance and compliance assistance.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a short term rental in Florida? It’s any residential property rented out for less than 30 days at a time—and it comes with specific responsibilities and benefits. Understanding the legal definition protects everyone involved and sets you up for a successful stay or hosting experience.
📌 Want to browse legal, verified rentals? Check out our Fort Lauderdale Rentals.
📩 Have questions about renting, compliance, or permits? Reach out here—our experts are ready to help.