Fort Lauderdale Short-Term Rental Regulations in 2025: What Every Property Owner Must Know

Fort Lauderdale operates under a layered regulatory system for short-term rentals — city, county, and state each have a role. The good news is that the city is relatively host-friendly compared to Miami Beach. The important news is that "relatively friendly" still means you need the right paperwork in place before your first guest checks in.

City of Fort Lauderdale Requirements

To legally operate a short-term rental in Fort Lauderdale, you need to register the property with the city. This includes providing proof of property ownership (or a notarized authorization letter if you're not the owner), a designated responsible agent available 24/7 who lives within close proximity to the property, and compliance with occupancy limits — generally two people per bedroom plus two additional people in common areas, or at least 50 square feet per person.

State of Florida DBPR License

Florida requires all short-term rental operators to hold a Vacation Rental Dwelling license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is a state-level license that requires a property inspection and annual renewal. If you rent your property more than three times per year for periods under 30 days, this license applies to you.

Tax Obligations in Broward County

Fort Lauderdale short-term rental operators are subject to three layers of lodging tax:

• Florida Transient Rental Tax: 6% of total booking value including cleaning fees

• Broward County Tourist Development Tax: 6% on the listing price including cleaning fees

• Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: 0.5–1.5% depending on the county

Airbnb automatically collects and remits these taxes on your behalf in Broward County. However, you still need to provide the appropriate notarized letters to the Florida Department of Revenue and Broward County confirming that the platform handles collection.

Zoning and HOA Considerations

Fort Lauderdale's zoning map matters. Some residential districts have restrictions on short-term rentals, and these can vary significantly by neighborhood. Victoria Park, for example, has different rules than properties along the Galt Mile. Always verify your specific parcel's zoning before listing. If your property is in a community with an HOA, review the governing documents carefully — many Fort Lauderdale condo buildings and planned communities restrict STRs independently of city rules.

Why Compliance Management Is Worth Outsourcing

Broward County's STR regulatory landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years, and staying current requires active monitoring. Fines for non-compliant operation can be substantial. At Yours Truly Hospitality, regulatory compliance is built into our management process — we handle licensing, tax documentation, and stay current on all local ordinance changes. Reach out if you have questions about your property's compliance status.