Fort Lauderdale Short-Term Rental Regulations in 2025: What Every Airbnb Owner Needs to Know

Fort Lauderdale has a more welcoming regulatory environment for short-term rentals than Miami Beach — but that doesn't mean you can list your property without doing your homework. Here's the full compliance picture for 2025.

The Three-Layer Compliance System

Like all Florida STR markets, Fort Lauderdale operates under overlapping state, county, and city regulations. You need to satisfy all three:

1. State of Florida: DBPR Vacation Rental License

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires a Vacation Rental Dwelling license for any property rented more than three times per year for periods under 30 days. The license requires a property inspection, an application fee, and annual renewal. This is non-negotiable and applies to every short-term rental in the state.

2. Broward County: Business Tax and Tourist Tax Registration

Broward County requires STR operators to register for a County Business Tax Receipt and to collect and remit the Broward County Tourist Development Tax of 6% on all qualifying rental income. Airbnb automatically collects and remits this on your behalf if you list on their platform, but you still need to register.

3. City of Fort Lauderdale: Local Registration

Fort Lauderdale requires STR operators to register with the city, designate a responsible agent available 24/7 who lives within close proximity to the property, and comply with occupancy limits (generally two people per bedroom plus two additional guests in common areas, or one person per 50 square feet). Noise, parking, and trash rules must also be followed and documented.

Tax Obligations at a Glance

• Florida State Sales Tax: 6%

• Broward County Tourist Development Tax: 6%

• Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: 0.5–1.5%

Airbnb collects and remits Florida state and Broward County taxes automatically. However, you must provide Broward County with a notarized letter confirming platform-managed tax collection as part of your registration.

HOA and Condo Association Rules

Fort Lauderdale has a significant stock of waterfront condos and HOA communities, many of which have their own short-term rental restrictions. Some prohibit rentals under 30 days entirely. Review your governing documents before listing — city compliance doesn't override HOA rules.

At Yours Truly Hospitality, compliance management is built into everything we do. We stay current on Broward County and Fort Lauderdale regulatory changes, manage all license renewals, and ensure every property we manage operates fully within the law. If you have questions about your specific property's compliance status, reach out for a free consultation.