Your waterfront home or chic condo in Fort Lauderdale might just be a reliable source of income. It’s entirely possible, as the demand for short-term rentals in Fort Lauderdale is booming. However, turning that property into a profitable venture depends entirely on following the rules.
Running a successful short-term rental property in Fort Lauderdale requires rigorous adherence to a precise set of city and county regulations. Let’s break down the essential steps you must take to ensure your operation is legal and profitable. With Guestable, you can transition smoothly from a property owner to a successful host in the “Venice of America.”
What Is the Current State of Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fort Lauderdale?
It’s important to understand how the City of Fort Lauderdale defines a short-term rental. The city code refers to it as any residential unit rented more than three times per year for periods shorter than 30 days, or one calendar month. For instance, a three-month rental in Fort Lauderdale does not count as a short-term rental.
The city’s vacation rental framework, outlined in Ordinance No. C-16-25 is enforced by the Community Enhancement and Compliance Division. This ensures all local regulations are followed.
Compliance operates on three levels: State, County, and City.
- At the State level, you must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- At the County level, you need a business tax receipt and tax registration.
- At the City level, you’re required to register your property and complete an annual inspection.
Is Airbnb Legal In Fort Lauderdale, and How Do I Start Operating Legally?
This is a common question. The answer is yes, short-term rentals in Fort Lauderdale are legal, but they must be registered and licensed at all three levels of government. The city takes vacation rentals very seriously.
First, you must verify your property’s zoning. Vacation rentals are generally allowed in certain residential and commercial zones, like R2, R3, R4, C1, C2, and Mixed-Use. Always check your specific property’s zoning.
You must also check for specific restrictions, especially if your property is an accessory dwelling unit. Keep in mind that city approval does not override restrictions from a Condo Association or Homeowners Association (HOA). Even properties listed as “Airbnb Friendly Apartments in Fort Lauderdale” may have separate rules.
The path to compliance includes three levels of required licensing. You need to complete each one to operate a legal Fort Lauderdale short-term rental.
The Mandatory 3-Tiered Licensing Checklist for Short-Term Rental Operation
Here is an easy guide to walk you through the entire Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental Application process. You must get approval at the State, County, and City levels.
The requirements are divided by the level of government you must register with:
- State Level
DBPR License: This license is required from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You may be exempt if you are an owner-occupier renting a room only.
- County Level
Business Tax Receipt & Tax Registration: You need a Broward County Business Tax Receipt and must register for the Tourist Development Tax (TDT).
- City Level
Vacation Rental Registration: Complete the Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental Application through the LauderBuild Portal.
The City’s registration through the LauderBuild Portal is the core process. The initial registration and inspection fee is approximately $460, but this amount can vary. After payment, you must schedule the mandatory Annual Safety Inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance.
While every city has its own specific steps, our team is well-versed in the regional requirements. Our team also provides expert Airbnb Management in West Palm Beach and other nearby cities, ensuring every property meets local standards.
How Do I Ensure My Short-Term Rental Stays Compliant with Fort Lauderdale City Code?
Compliance does not end once you get your license. Below are the operational rules that owners often miss, which are the main cause of fines.
Occupancy limits are strict
Fort Lauderdale short-term rental management laws have a strict guest limit. The maximum occupancy is two persons per legal bedroom. The city inspector will verify this maximum number during your annual safety check.
Designate a Responsible Party
You must name a designated local contact who can promptly address problems. This person must be available to respond to issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This contact must arrive at the property within one hour of being called by law enforcement, neighbors, or city officials.
Meeting the “Responsible Party” rule is often the toughest part of complying with Fort Lauderdale Short Term Rental Laws. This demanding, 24/7 duty is why partnering with a specialized Airbnb Management Company like Guestable helps.
Follow noise and parking rules
These are key parts of the Fort Lauderdale City Code to maintain neighborhood peace.
- Noise Ordinance: Aside from having the best Airbnb accessories and amenities, the city also requires other non-negotiables. You must have a noise detection device installed. This device must hold data for 180 days. Quiet hours are strictly enforced, usually from 10 PM to 7 AM.
- Parking: On-street parking for guests is strictly not allowed. You must provide off-street parking, and a sketch of your parking plan is required with your application.
Maintain property safety standards
To pass your inspection and keep your guests safe, your property must meet a safety checklist.
- You need hard-wired smoke detectors.
- A fire extinguisher must be present and easily accessible.
- You must clearly post the property rules and an evacuation diagram.
The Cost of Non-Compliance: Why Expert Vacation Rental Property Management Is Your Solution
The stakes are high for owners of Ft Lauderdale Short Term Rentals. If you break the rules, fines can start at $250 for a single violation. In serious or repeat cases, the city can issue fines up to $15,000 per day. They can also call for a Special Magistrate Hearing, which could lead to your license being suspended or revoked entirely.
Handling compliance on your own is a full-time job. Beyond the city rules, you must also manage the tax burden, which includes the Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) and others, totaling around 13% combined. Reporting this correctly is complex, which is why it can be wise to partner with a professional Fort Lauderdale property management company.
Choose Peace of Mind with Guestable’s Expert Management
Guestable is the leading choice for short-term rentals in Fort Lauderdale. We are an Airbnb rental management company that handles 100% of these complicated requirements for you.
- Guestable acts as your responsible party, the compliance expert, and the revenue management specialist.
- We use dynamic pricing to help you profit from the demand for weekly short-term rentals in Fort Lauderdale without the risk of non-compliance.
- Our specialized team knows the intricacies of Fort Lauderdale property management, ensuring your investment always performs at its peak.
Partner with the Best: Securing Your Investment with Guestable
Operating short-term rentals in Fort Lauderdale is only profitable when you are fully compliant. Skipping any step risks a fine that could wipe out months of earnings.
Need help with a property right here in Fort Lauderdale, or an Airbnb Management in Miami? Guestable handles the specific local codes for every city in South Florida. We’ll take care of everything for you and take the burden of compliance off your shoulders.
So, stop worrying about Fort Lauderdale Airbnb Laws and start earning more. Get a free personalized consultation with Guestable, the leading vacation rental property management experts in Broward County.