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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Clermont, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are permitted only for non-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex (two-family) units within Clermont city limits. Applicants must provide proof of ownership, a Florida DBPR transient public lodging license, Florida Department of Revenue registration, Lake County Tax Collector account (if self-managing), a City local business tax receipt, interior and exterior sketches, and designate a responsible local contact available 24/7.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the City Vacation Rental Permit Application and Affidavit of Compliance with required documents (proof of ownership, DBPR license, Dept. of Revenue registration, Lake County tax account, City local business tax receipt) and pay the application fee; 2) Submit a building permit application for a Life Safety inspection, provide interior/exterior sketches, and schedule the inspection after payment; 3) Upon passing inspection, maintain compliance, designate a 24/7 responsible party, and renew annually by September 30.

Regulatory Updates — Clermont

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Lake County Vacation Rental Registration Program

Lake County requires all vacation rental operators to obtain a county business tax receipt, maintain a valid Florida DBPR vacation rental license, and register for tourist development tax collection. The program applies to all unincorporated Lake County areas and coordinates with the City of Clermont's business license requirements.

PassedMarch 2024

Florida DBPR Licensing Enforcement

The Florida DBPR conducted outreach campaigns in Lake County to identify vacation rental properties operating without a valid state license. Properties found to be unlicensed are required to obtain a license and may face fines for the period of unlicensed operation.

Official source
PassedNovember 2024

Resort Community STR Activity Growth

Clermont's proximity to Disney World (approximately 25 miles) and the development of resort communities with pools, game rooms, and themed amenities has driven rapid vacation rental market growth in the area. Lake County tourism development council tracking shows significant year-over-year growth in licensed vacation rentals.

Official Resources

Official Clermont STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group providing compliance resources for Lake County and Clermont-area operators and defending SB 280 preemption rights.

Clermont Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations affecting the Clermont tourism and vacation rental market. Provides permit and tax compliance resources for operators.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and professional standards for vacation rental managers in Orlando-adjacent Central Florida markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Clermont, FL?
Vacation rentals are permitted only for non-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex (two-family) units within Clermont city limits. Applicants must provide proof of ownership, a Florida DBPR transient public lodging license, Florida Department of Revenue registration, Lake County Tax Collector account (if self-managing), a City local business tax receipt, interior and exterior sketches, and designate a responsible local contact available 24/7.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Clermont?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Clermont. 1) Complete and submit the City Vacation Rental Permit Application and Affidavit of Compliance with required documents (proof of ownership, DBPR license, Dept. of Revenue registration, Lake County tax account, City local business tax receipt) and pay the application fee; 2) Submit a building permit application for a Life Safety inspection, provide interior/exterior sketches, and schedule the inspection after payment; 3) Upon passing inspection, maintain compliance, designate a 24/7 responsible party, and renew annually by September 30.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Clermont?
1) Complete and submit the City Vacation Rental Permit Application and Affidavit of Compliance with required documents (proof of ownership, DBPR license, Dept. of Revenue registration, Lake County tax account, City local business tax receipt) and pay the application fee; 2) Submit a building permit application for a Life Safety inspection, provide interior/exterior sketches, and schedule the inspection after payment; 3) Upon passing inspection, maintain compliance, designate a 24/7 responsible party, and renew annually by September 30.
What permits are needed to operate a vacation rental in Clermont?
Operators need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal with safety inspection), a Lake County business tax receipt, and registration for Lake County tourist development tax (4%). Properties within Clermont city limits may also need a city business tax receipt. Pool properties must comply with Florida's pool barrier safety requirements. All license numbers must be displayed in online listings.
How does Clermont's STR market compare to Kissimmee and Davenport?
Clermont, Kissimmee, and Davenport all serve as Orlando-area vacation rental markets targeting Disney and theme park visitors, but with some differences. Kissimmee and Davenport have been major STR markets for decades and have large resort subdivisions purpose-built for vacation rental use. Clermont is a newer entrant to this market, with resort communities mostly developed in the 2010s–2020s. Clermont sits at a slightly greater distance from Disney but offers a newer inventory and different lake-lifestyle amenities.
What taxes apply to Clermont short-term rental income?
Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Lake County tourist development tax (4%), for a combined rate of approximately 10–11%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Lake County taxes on behalf of hosts. Direct-booking operators must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Lake County Tax Collector independently.
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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