Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hillsborough County, FL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hillsborough County, FL, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed only where local zoning permits (see Hillsborough County Land Development Code). For tax purposes, 'transient accommodations' are rentals of six months or less subject to Tourist Development Tax. Some municipalities, like Temple Terrace, require an annual rental permit ($200/unit), annual site inspection, and limit occupancy to no more than three unrelated persons per unit. A permit is required before you can host. 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.

STRs are allowed only where local zoning permits (see Hillsborough County Land Development Code). For tax purposes, 'transient accommodations' are rentals of six months or less subject to Tourist Development Tax. Some municipalities, like Temple Terrace, require an annual rental permit ($200/unit), annual site inspection, and limit occupancy to no more than three unrelated persons per unit.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hillsborough County. 1) Verify property zoning with Hillsborough County Land Development Office. 2) Obtain required state vacation-rental license (Florida DBPR) and then obtain county business tax receipt / register for Hillsborough County Tourist Development Tax with the County Tax Collector. 3) If in a municipality with a rental-permit program (e.g., Temple Terrace), apply for the city’s annual rental permit ($200/unit) and schedule required inspection.

1) Verify property zoning with Hillsborough County Land Development Office. 2) Obtain required state vacation-rental license (Florida DBPR) and then obtain county business tax receipt / register for Hillsborough County Tourist Development Tax with the County Tax Collector. 3) If in a municipality with a rental-permit program (e.g., Temple Terrace), apply for the city’s annual rental permit ($200/unit) and schedule required inspection.

Vrbo is permitted in Hillsborough County, FL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.