Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Maximum occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom. Properties must be equipped with a noise level detection device with 180 days of data retention, and operators must maintain current state and county licenses (DBPR, Department of Revenue, and Broward County taxes).

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain required State (DBPR, Dept. of Revenue) and Broward County (Business Tax, Tourist Development Tax) licenses. 2. Submit an application via the LauderBuild/Accela portal with a sample lease and parking plan. 3. Pay fees and pass a safety/occupancy inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance.

Regulatory Updates — Fort Lauderdale

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2023

STR Zoning Restrictions in Residential Districts

Fort Lauderdale enacted zoning amendments limiting short-term rental activity in RS (single-family residential) and RM (low-density residential) zones, while maintaining STR access in tourist commercial, marine entertainment, and higher-density residential districts near the beach and Las Olas corridor.

PassedApril 2023

Mandatory STR Registration Program

All vacation rental operators in Fort Lauderdale must register with the city, obtain a business tax receipt, and pass a safety inspection. Registration requires a 24/7 local contact designation and proof of a Florida DBPR vacation rental license. Renewal is annual.

ProposedJune 2025

City Joins Florida Municipal Coalition Against SB 280

Fort Lauderdale joined a coalition of Florida municipalities lobbying the state legislature to amend or repeal SB 280, arguing that the preemption prevents cities from adequately protecting residential neighborhoods from commercial STR activity.

Official Resources

Official Fort Lauderdale STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group defending SB 280 preemption rights against Fort Lauderdale's zoning-based approach and providing compliance resources for Broward County operators.

Greater Fort Lauderdale AllianceLocal

Economic development organization tracking regulations affecting Fort Lauderdale's hospitality and tourism industry, including vacation rental market developments.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy for vacation rental managers in South Florida markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Maximum occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom. Properties must be equipped with a noise level detection device with 180 days of data retention, and operators must maintain current state and county licenses (DBPR, Department of Revenue, and Broward County taxes).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fort Lauderdale. 1. Obtain required State (DBPR, Dept. of Revenue) and Broward County (Business Tax, Tourist Development Tax) licenses. 2. Submit an application via the LauderBuild/Accela portal with a sample lease and parking plan. 3. Pay fees and pass a safety/occupancy inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Fort Lauderdale?
1. Obtain required State (DBPR, Dept. of Revenue) and Broward County (Business Tax, Tourist Development Tax) licenses. 2. Submit an application via the LauderBuild/Accela portal with a sample lease and parking plan. 3. Pay fees and pass a safety/occupancy inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance.
Are short-term rentals allowed throughout Fort Lauderdale, or only in certain zones?
Not throughout the city. Fort Lauderdale has restricted STRs in low-density residential zones (RS and RM zoning) while keeping them available in tourist commercial, marine entertainment, and higher-density residential zones near the beach and Las Olas Boulevard corridor. Operators should verify their property's zoning designation through Fort Lauderdale's online GIS portal before listing. Operating in a non-compliant zone risks daily fines and license revocation.
What permits are required to legally operate a Fort Lauderdale vacation rental?
Operators need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal with safety inspection), a Fort Lauderdale business tax receipt, and a city STR registration (annual renewal with 24/7 local contact designation). Properties must be in a compliant zoning district before registration is issued. Broward County tourist development tax registration is also required. All license numbers must appear in online listings.
What taxes apply to Fort Lauderdale short-term rental income?
Operators must collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Broward County tourist development tax (6%), for a combined rate of approximately 12–13%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Broward County taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Operators booking directly must register independently with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Broward County Tourist Development Council.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Fort Lauderdale, 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