Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Highlands County, FL

Airbnbs are effectively legal in Highlands County, FL because there are no specific short-term rental regulations on the books. Short-term rentals (six months or less) must collect and remit the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) to the Florida Department of Revenue. Operators are expected to adhere to state Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) sanitation and safety guidelines as outlined in the county's safety plan. Operators should still verify HOA rules, state-level requirements, and any tax-collection obligations. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (six months or less) must collect and remit the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) to the Florida Department of Revenue. Operators are expected to adhere to state Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) sanitation and safety guidelines as outlined in the county's safety plan.

No permit is currently required to operate a short-term rental in Highlands County.

Vrbo is effectively legal in Highlands County, FL for the same reason Airbnb is: there are no short-term-rental-specific regulations on the books. Operators should still check HOA, state, and tax obligations before listing. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Highlands County 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Highlands County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.