Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bradenton, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

The City defines a vacation rental as a property rented more than three times per year for less than 30 days. Owners must obtain a Certificate of Registration, designate a 24/7 responsible party, provide interior/exterior sketches with parking, and adhere to occupancy limits (with exemptions for agreements dated on or before Feb 9, 2022).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an online application via the City's portal with required documents (DBPR license, FL Dept of Revenue registration, County tax account, local business tax receipt, and property sketches) and pay a $250 fee. 2) Pass a City on-site safety and posting inspection. 3) Receive the Certificate of Registration upon satisfying all requirements; renew annually for $150.

Regulatory Updates — Bradenton

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Florida DBPR Licensing Applies to All Bradenton STRs

All vacation rental operators in Bradenton and Manatee County must hold a valid Florida DBPR vacation rental license and register for Manatee County tourist development tax (5%) collection.

Official source
PassedJune 2023

City of Bradenton Business License Requirement

Bradenton requires vacation rental operators within city limits to obtain a city business tax receipt in addition to the state DBPR license. Annual renewal requires a 24/7 local contact designation.

Under ReviewSeptember 2024

Manatee County Coordinates Anna Maria Island STR Policy

Manatee County (which governs unincorporated areas including parts of Anna Maria Island alongside the three incorporated barrier island municipalities) is coordinating STR policy to align with the individual city-level approaches of Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, and Bradenton Beach.

Official Resources

Official Bradenton STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group defending SB 280 preemption rights and providing compliance resources for Manatee County vacation rental operators.

Bradenton Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations affecting the Bradenton tourism and STR market. Provides compliance resources for vacation rental operators.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and standards for vacation rental managers in Manatee County markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Bradenton, FL?
The City defines a vacation rental as a property rented more than three times per year for less than 30 days. Owners must obtain a Certificate of Registration, designate a 24/7 responsible party, provide interior/exterior sketches with parking, and adhere to occupancy limits (with exemptions for agreements dated on or before Feb 9, 2022).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bradenton?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bradenton. 1) Submit an online application via the City's portal with required documents (DBPR license, FL Dept of Revenue registration, County tax account, local business tax receipt, and property sketches) and pay a $250 fee. 2) Pass a City on-site safety and posting inspection. 3) Receive the Certificate of Registration upon satisfying all requirements; renew annually for $150.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bradenton?
1) Submit an online application via the City's portal with required documents (DBPR license, FL Dept of Revenue registration, County tax account, local business tax receipt, and property sketches) and pay a $250 fee. 2) Pass a City on-site safety and posting inspection. 3) Receive the Certificate of Registration upon satisfying all requirements; renew annually for $150.
Is Bradenton's STR market mainly in the city or at the beach?
Most of the high-demand vacation rental activity in the Bradenton metro area is on Anna Maria Island — specifically in the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach — rather than in Bradenton city proper. Bradenton city sees some STR demand driven by medical (Blake Medical Center, Manatee Memorial), business travelers, and proximity to IMG Academy, but beach-focused vacation rentals are concentrated on the barrier island. Operators in the beach communities should refer to those cities' individual regulations, which are distinct from Bradenton city rules.
What permits are required for a Bradenton vacation rental?
Operators within Bradenton city limits need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal), a City of Bradenton business tax receipt (annual renewal with 24/7 local contact), and Manatee County tourist development tax registration (5%). Properties in unincorporated Manatee County or the Anna Maria Island municipalities follow separate permit requirements for those jurisdictions.
What taxes apply to Bradenton short-term rental income?
Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Manatee County tourist development tax (5%), for a combined rate of approximately 11–12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Manatee County taxes on behalf of hosts. Direct-booking operators must register with the Florida DOR and Manatee County Tax Collector independently.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Bradenton, FL?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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