Usually yes. If you rent a whole home or condo to guests for under 30 days more than three times in a calendar year, or advertise it as regularly rented to guests, it is a vacation rental under Florida's lodging law and needs a state DBPR license. Renting a room while you live there is treated differently.
Florida regulates vacation rentals as a type of transient public lodging establishment. The statutory definition covers a unit or dwelling rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, or advertised or held out as regularly rented to guests.
Vacation rentals include condominium units and one to four family dwellings that meet that definition. DBPR licenses them under two classes, condominium and dwelling.
The state license is separate from local zoning, an HOA's rules and tax registration. A license does not make a property legal to rent where local rules or the association's documents prohibit it. Also, a license does not usually transfer with a house, so confirm what a new owner must file.
When a state license is likely required
| Situation | DBPR license? |
|---|---|
| Whole home, stays under 30 days, rented more than 3 times a year | Yes |
| Whole home advertised as regularly rented to guests | Yes |
| Single room rented while you live in the home | Generally no, but local rules still apply |
| Stays of 30 days or longer only | Not under this definition. Check local rules |
General summary. Confirm with DBPR for your situation.
What to do
- Check the property address with the city or county for zoning and local registration first.
- Read the HOA or condo rental rules.
- Create a DBPR online account and apply for the correct class (condominium or dwelling).
- Register for sales tax and any county tourist tax before you take bookings.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm with your title company or attorney.
Sources
- Brinkley Morgan, Vacation Rental Hosting in Florida. Quotes ss. 509.013(4)(a) and 509.242(1)(c) definitions; hosted room rentals not licensed. Source type: Secondary. Checked October 17, 2026.
- City of Panama City Beach, public lodging establishment summary of DBPR rules. Transient public lodging definition and vacation rental classes. Source type: Official. Checked October 17, 2026.