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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Celebration, FL

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only within Osceola County’s designated 'Short-Term Rental Overlay' and only where the property is zoned Planned Development (PD) and meets the applicable PD standards; the County publishes a Short-Term Rental Listing that identifies specific developments/tracts approved for STR use.

Regulatory Updates — Celebration

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMarch 2024

Celebration HOA CC&R Enforcement of STR Restrictions

The Celebration Community Development District and neighborhood HOAs have increased enforcement of CC&R provisions that restrict short-term rental activity. Operators found in violation face fines and legal action through the CDD's enforcement mechanism.

PassedJuly 2023

Florida DBPR Licensing and Osceola County Tax Compliance

Despite HOA restrictions in many areas, vacation rental operators in Celebration who are operating in compliant zones must maintain Florida DBPR vacation rental licenses and register with Osceola County for tourist development tax collection.

Official source
PassedJanuary 2023

Florida SB 280 Preemption Framework

SB 280 prevents government entities from banning vacation rentals outright in Celebration, but the law does not override private CC&Rs enforced by HOAs and community development districts. This means government preemption and private covenants create a complex dual-layer regulatory environment.

Official Resources

Official Celebration STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group providing compliance resources for Osceola County operators and defending SB 280 preemption rights in the government regulatory layer of the Celebration market.

Osceola County Tourism Development CouncilLocal

County body overseeing tourist development tax funds. Provides resources for vacation rental operators on Osceola County tax compliance including Celebration properties.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance for operators navigating Celebration's complex dual-layer HOA/government STR environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Celebration, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Celebration, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted only within Osceola County’s designated 'Short-Term Rental Overlay' and only where the property is zoned Planned Development (PD) and meets the applicable PD standards; the County publishes a Short-Term Rental Listing that identifies specific developments/tracts approved for STR use. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Celebration, FL?
Short-term rentals are permitted only within Osceola County’s designated 'Short-Term Rental Overlay' and only where the property is zoned Planned Development (PD) and meets the applicable PD standards; the County publishes a Short-Term Rental Listing that identifies specific developments/tracts approved for STR use.
Is Vrbo legal in Celebration, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in Celebration, FL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Celebration?
Short-term rental hosts in Celebration are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Celebration?
The most recent tracked change in Celebration is "Celebration HOA CC&R Enforcement of STR Restrictions" (2024-03-01, status: passed). The Celebration Community Development District and neighborhood HOAs have increased enforcement of CC&R provisions that restrict short-term rental activity. Operators found in violation face fines and legal action through the CDD's enforcement mechanism. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I operate a short-term rental in Celebration, FL?
It depends on your specific neighborhood's HOA rules. Florida SB 280 preemption prevents the government from banning STRs outright, but Celebration's private covenants — enforced by neighborhood HOAs and the Celebration Community Development District — often prohibit or severely restrict short-term rental activity. Before purchasing or listing a Celebration property, carefully review the CC&Rs and HOA rules for that specific community. Some Celebration townhome and condo communities permit STRs; others explicitly prohibit them.
Does SB 280 override Celebration's HOA restrictions on STRs?
No. Florida's SB 280 preemption restricts what government agencies can do — it prevents cities and counties from banning vacation rentals. It does not override private contractual restrictions such as CC&Rs and HOA covenants. Celebration's private governance structure operates through property law, not government regulation, and SB 280 is irrelevant to those private restrictions. HOA rules can prohibit STRs even where the state and county government would otherwise permit them.
What taxes and licenses are required for Celebration STRs in compliant zones?
Operators in areas where STRs are permitted under CC&Rs need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal), a City of Kissimmee or unincorporated Osceola County business tax receipt (depending on location), and Osceola County tourist development tax registration (6%). All DBPR license numbers must appear in online listings. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Florida state and Osceola County taxes on behalf of hosts.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction