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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Leon County, FL

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted as the City of Tallahassee zoning code does not distinguish between rental terms. Operators must collect and remit a 5% Tourist Development Tax to Leon County for rentals of six months or less. Properties must also follow the Leon County Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan and obtain a state vacation rental license if renting entire units frequently.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a Vacation Rental license via the Florida DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants if renting an entire unit frequently. 2) Register with the Leon County Tax Collector for the 5% Tourist Development Tax and remit monthly. 3) Adhere to the Leon County Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan guidelines.

Official Resources

Official Leon County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Leon County, FL?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Leon County, FL, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals are permitted as the City of Tallahassee zoning code does not distinguish between rental terms. Operators must collect and remit a 5% Tourist Development Tax to Leon County for rentals of six months or less. Properties must also follow the Leon County Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan and obtain a state vacation rental license if renting entire units frequently. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Leon County, FL?
Short-term rentals are permitted as the City of Tallahassee zoning code does not distinguish between rental terms. Operators must collect and remit a 5% Tourist Development Tax to Leon County for rentals of six months or less. Properties must also follow the Leon County Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan and obtain a state vacation rental license if renting entire units frequently.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Leon County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Leon County. 1) Apply for a Vacation Rental license via the Florida DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants if renting an entire unit frequently. 2) Register with the Leon County Tax Collector for the 5% Tourist Development Tax and remit monthly. 3) Adhere to the Leon County Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan guidelines.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Leon County?
1) Apply for a Vacation Rental license via the Florida DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants if renting an entire unit frequently. 2) Register with the Leon County Tax Collector for the 5% Tourist Development Tax and remit monthly. 3) Adhere to the Leon County Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan guidelines.
Is Vrbo legal in Leon County, FL?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Leon County, FL, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Leon County?
Short-term rental hosts in Leon 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Leon County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Leon County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction