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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Boca Raton, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STR (transient/vacation) accommodations are only defined and recognized as lodging uses (e.g., 'motel', 'hotel', 'tourist home') in the Boca Raton Code; transient sleeping accommodations are treated as motel/hotel uses and are permitted only where those lodging uses are allowed by zoning (e.g., commercial/multi-family/motel districts). Residential single-family zones do not list transient short-term rentals as permitted uses.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm property zoning allows hotel/motel/tourist-home uses or seek conditional-use approval from the City Council per the City’s zoning code (see Article II, Division 4 / Sec. 28-340). 2) Apply for required city permits and licenses (building permits and local business tax/occupancy as applicable) via the City’s Licensing & Permitting process and obtain any required inspections/approvals. 3) Comply with applicable development standards and approvals (conditional use, building inspections, certificate of occupancy) prior to operation.

Regulatory Updates — Boca Raton

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Zoning Code Classification Upheld for Residential STR Prohibition

Boca Raton's classification of STRs as 'transient sleeping accommodations' equivalent to hotels was upheld in a zoning review, maintaining the prohibition on STRs in residential single-family zones under current code.

Under ReviewFebruary 2025

FL SB 280 Compliance Review Initiated

Following challenges in other Palm Beach County municipalities, Boca Raton commissioned a legal review of whether its lodging-use classification for STRs is defensible under SB 280's prohibition on de facto bans.

PassedMay 2024

Commercial Zone STR Permit Enforcement Strengthened

The City reinforced permit requirements for STRs operating in eligible commercial and multi-family zones, requiring proof of zoning compliance at permit issuance and annual renewal.

Official Resources

Official Boca Raton STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group monitoring Boca Raton's lodging-use STR classification and tracking its SB 280 compliance status.

Florida RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association that has challenged restrictive local STR ordinances under SB 280 and is tracking Boca Raton's zoning classification approach for its legal exposure.

Greater Boca Raton Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing Boca Raton's hospitality and real estate community, monitoring STR regulatory developments that affect the city's visitor accommodation base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Boca Raton, FL?
STR (transient/vacation) accommodations are only defined and recognized as lodging uses (e.g., 'motel', 'hotel', 'tourist home') in the Boca Raton Code; transient sleeping accommodations are treated as motel/hotel uses and are permitted only where those lodging uses are allowed by zoning (e.g., commercial/multi-family/motel districts). Residential single-family zones do not list transient short-term rentals as permitted uses.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Boca Raton?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Boca Raton. 1) Confirm property zoning allows hotel/motel/tourist-home uses or seek conditional-use approval from the City Council per the City’s zoning code (see Article II, Division 4 / Sec. 28-340). 2) Apply for required city permits and licenses (building permits and local business tax/occupancy as applicable) via the City’s Licensing & Permitting process and obtain any required inspections/approvals. 3) Comply with applicable development standards and approvals (conditional use, building inspections, certificate of occupancy) prior to operation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Boca Raton?
1) Confirm property zoning allows hotel/motel/tourist-home uses or seek conditional-use approval from the City Council per the City’s zoning code (see Article II, Division 4 / Sec. 28-340). 2) Apply for required city permits and licenses (building permits and local business tax/occupancy as applicable) via the City’s Licensing & Permitting process and obtain any required inspections/approvals. 3) Comply with applicable development standards and approvals (conditional use, building inspections, certificate of occupancy) prior to operation.
Can I operate an STR in my Boca Raton single-family home?
Under current Boca Raton code, STRs are classified as transient lodging uses equivalent to hotels and motels, which are not permitted in residential single-family zones. In practice, this means most residential properties cannot legally operate as STRs. A legal review under SB 280 is ongoing.
Does Florida's SB 280 protect me from Boca Raton's restrictions?
Partially. SB 280 prevents a blanket STR ban, but Boca Raton's lodging-use classification is a zoning approach that may or may not be considered a 'ban' under SB 280. The city is conducting a legal review — the outcome could either validate or invalidate this approach.
Where can I legally operate an STR in Boca Raton?
STRs are permitted in zones where lodging uses (motel, hotel, tourist home) are allowed — primarily commercial, multi-family, and motel-zoned districts. Confirm your specific parcel's zoning designation with the City's Planning & Zoning division before listing.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction