Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lakeland, FL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Lakeland, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (6 months or less) require a Class B county local business tax receipt for each location and compliance with tourist development tax requirements. Operators must also obtain a state license from the Florida DBPR; an exception exists for 'infrequent' rentals occurring 3 or fewer times per year for 30 days or less. 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.

Short-term rentals (6 months or less) require a Class B county local business tax receipt for each location and compliance with tourist development tax requirements. Operators must also obtain a state license from the Florida DBPR; an exception exists for 'infrequent' rentals occurring 3 or fewer times per year for 30 days or less.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lakeland. 1. Obtain a state vacation rental license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 2. Apply for a Class B county local business tax receipt for each rental location through the Polk County Tax Collector. 3. Contact the Lakeland Community and Economic Development Department to request a zoning verification to ensure the property is eligible for transient lodging.

1. Obtain a state vacation rental license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 2. Apply for a Class B county local business tax receipt for each rental location through the Polk County Tax Collector. 3. Contact the Lakeland Community and Economic Development Department to request a zoning verification to ensure the property is eligible for transient lodging.

Vrbo is permitted in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.