Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Islamorada, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

The Village caps transient rentals at 331 units. New registrations are prohibited in Residential Medium (RM) zones, mobile home parks, and the Settlers Residential district. New registrations in other zones (RH, MU, RC, RL, A) are restricted to high-value properties meeting specific assessed-value thresholds (600% or 900% of the Monroe County median income).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit the application and $1,325 fee via the CityView Portal; 2) Upload required documents including Monroe County property record card, TDT account verification, Local Business Tax receipt, and a parking sketch; 3) Pass a life-safety inspection prior to license issuance.

Regulatory Updates — Islamorada

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

331-Unit Cap Enforcement Confirmed at Capacity

Islamorada confirmed that its 331-unit transient rental cap is at or near capacity, with no new registrations available in residential zones. The village is monitoring existing registrations to ensure cap compliance.

PassedJune 2024

Unit Transfer Rules Clarified

The Village clarified rules for transferring existing transient rental registrations when permitted properties sell, specifying documentation requirements and transfer fees to maintain cap integrity.

PassedJanuary 2024

Monroe County ROGO Allocation Review

Monroe County's Rate of Growth Ordinance annual review confirmed continued limits on new residential development throughout the Keys, reinforcing Islamorada's tight STR supply environment.

Official Resources

Official Islamorada STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group monitoring Keys STR policy, including Monroe County cap systems and SB 280 compliance issues.

Florida Keys Property Owners AllianceLocal

Local advocacy organization representing Keys property owners on issues including transient rental caps, ROGO allocations, and flood insurance.

Monroe County Tourist Development CouncilLocal

County tourism organization that manages destination marketing and monitors visitor accommodation supply across the Florida Keys including Islamorada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Islamorada, FL?
The Village caps transient rentals at 331 units. New registrations are prohibited in Residential Medium (RM) zones, mobile home parks, and the Settlers Residential district. New registrations in other zones (RH, MU, RC, RL, A) are restricted to high-value properties meeting specific assessed-value thresholds (600% or 900% of the Monroe County median income).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Islamorada?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Islamorada. 1) Submit the application and $1,325 fee via the CityView Portal; 2) Upload required documents including Monroe County property record card, TDT account verification, Local Business Tax receipt, and a parking sketch; 3) Pass a life-safety inspection prior to license issuance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Islamorada?
1) Submit the application and $1,325 fee via the CityView Portal; 2) Upload required documents including Monroe County property record card, TDT account verification, Local Business Tax receipt, and a parking sketch; 3) Pass a life-safety inspection prior to license issuance.
Can I start a new STR in Islamorada?
Almost certainly not in residential zones. The 331-unit transient rental cap is at or near capacity, and new residential zone registrations are prohibited. The only way to enter the market is to purchase a property that already holds a transferable transient rental registration.
Does a transient rental registration transfer when I buy a permitted Islamorada property?
Registrations can transfer with a property sale under specific conditions. The Village requires documentation of the transfer and charges transfer fees. Confirm transferability before closing — not all existing registrations are automatically transferable.
How does Florida's SB 280 apply to Islamorada's cap?
Monroe County's STR regulations, including Islamorada's 331-unit cap, predate SB 280 and have been upheld as grandfathered restrictions. SB 280 prevents new bans but does not override pre-existing permit caps in the Florida Keys.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Islamorada, 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