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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kissimmee, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only where allowed by Osceola County Land Development Code (Article 3.6.J) and within designated Short-Term Rental boundary areas; properties must comply with zoning approval and maintain both County Local Business Tax Receipt and Tourist Development Tax registrations.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm property eligibility via the Osceola County Short-Term Rental boundary map and Land Development Code. 2) Apply for a Short Term Rental Special Permit through the Osceola Online Permit Center (Accela). 3) Obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt and Tourist Development Tax registration from the Osceola County Tax Collector, including a State Hotel License or DBPR HR-7028 application.

Regulatory Updates — Kissimmee

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMarch 2024

Vacation Rental Registration Program Expanded

Kissimmee expanded its vacation rental registration program to require annual renewals, proof of liability insurance, and a designated 24/7 local contact person for each property. Safety inspections are required before initial registration is approved.

PassedSeptember 2024

Nuisance Ordinance Amended for STR-Specific Violations

The city council amended its nuisance ordinance to include vacation-rental-specific provisions, enabling code enforcement to issue immediate citations for after-hours noise. Three violations within 12 months can trigger license revocation proceedings.

ProposedOctober 2025

Florida Legislature Reviews SB 280 Amendments

Florida lawmakers have debated amendments to SB 280 that would give municipalities additional tools to regulate STR density in residential neighborhoods while preserving the core preemption preventing outright bans.

Official Resources

Official Kissimmee STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group representing vacation rental managers and owners throughout Florida. Actively lobbies to maintain SB 280 protections and educates members on local regulatory changes in resort markets like Kissimmee.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association for vacation rental managers. Provides advocacy resources, regulatory tracking, and professional standards for operators in high-volume markets like the Orlando/Kissimmee corridor.

Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local chamber that tracks tourism and hospitality regulations affecting the Kissimmee STR market. Serves as a liaison between vacation rental operators and city and county government on permitting and tax compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kissimmee, FL?
Short-term rentals are permitted only where allowed by Osceola County Land Development Code (Article 3.6.J) and within designated Short-Term Rental boundary areas; properties must comply with zoning approval and maintain both County Local Business Tax Receipt and Tourist Development Tax registrations.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kissimmee?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kissimmee. 1) Confirm property eligibility via the Osceola County Short-Term Rental boundary map and Land Development Code. 2) Apply for a Short Term Rental Special Permit through the Osceola Online Permit Center (Accela). 3) Obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt and Tourist Development Tax registration from the Osceola County Tax Collector, including a State Hotel License or DBPR HR-7028 application.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kissimmee?
1) Confirm property eligibility via the Osceola County Short-Term Rental boundary map and Land Development Code. 2) Apply for a Short Term Rental Special Permit through the Osceola Online Permit Center (Accela). 3) Obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt and Tourist Development Tax registration from the Osceola County Tax Collector, including a State Hotel License or DBPR HR-7028 application.
Does Kissimmee allow short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods?
Yes. Under Florida SB 280, Kissimmee cannot ban short-term rentals outright in areas where they were permitted before 2011. The city requires annual registration, liability insurance, and a 24/7 local contact. Resort subdivisions near Disney World — including Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate — are largely zoned to accommodate vacation rentals and represent the heart of Kissimmee's STR market.
What taxes apply to Kissimmee vacation rental income?
Operators must collect Florida state sales tax (6%), Osceola County tourist development tax (6%), and any applicable local surtax — bringing the total effective tax rate to roughly 13–14%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and county taxes on operators' behalf in most cases, but hosts should verify coverage and retain remittance records.
What are the occupancy and noise rules for Kissimmee vacation rentals?
Kissimmee generally caps occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests (e.g., 10 guests in a 4-bedroom home). Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 8 AM. Three noise violations within 12 months can result in registration revocation. Many private resort communities also impose stricter HOA rules that supplement — and may exceed — city code requirements.
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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