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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Marathon, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

City of Marathon requires a City-issued Vacation Rental license and separate agent/owner registration; applicants must hold a DBPR license, State Sales Tax Certificate, and a Monroe County Business Tax Receipt/TDT account. A Fire & Life Safety inspection is required and the property cannot be rented or advertised until inspection items are corrected and the license is issued.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain prerequisite state and county documents: State Sales Tax Certificate, DBPR license, and Monroe County Business Tax Receipt/TDT account. 2) Apply online via the City of Marathon ViewPoint portal, upload required documents, and pay fees. 3) Pass a Fire & Life Safety inspection; the property cannot be rented until the inspection passes and the City issues a VACA number/license.

Regulatory Updates — Marathon

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Monroe County STR Permit Program Active

Monroe County requires all vacation rental operators in Marathon and other unincorporated and incorporated Keys areas to hold a valid Florida DBPR vacation rental license and register for Monroe County tourist development tax collection. The city of Marathon requires a local business tax receipt as well.

Official source
Under ReviewFebruary 2025

Key West Restriction Spillover Discussion

As Key West has pursued tighter STR restrictions (see Key West entry), some operators have explored relocating activity northward to Marathon and other Middle Keys communities. Monroe County is monitoring whether this creates density pressure warranting additional county-level regulation in the Marathon corridor.

PassedJanuary 2023

Post-Irma Building Code Compliance Requirements

Properties rebuilt or substantially repaired following Hurricane Irma (2017) must demonstrate compliance with current Monroe County building codes and FEMA flood zone requirements before vacation rental licenses are issued or renewed.

Official Resources

Official Marathon STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group defending SB 280 preemption rights in Monroe County and providing compliance resources for Florida Keys STR operators.

Greater Marathon Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local tourism and business regulations affecting Marathon's vacation rental market. Provides permit compliance resources for STR operators in the Middle Keys.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association with member companies managing vacation rental properties throughout the Florida Keys corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Marathon, FL?
City of Marathon requires a City-issued Vacation Rental license and separate agent/owner registration; applicants must hold a DBPR license, State Sales Tax Certificate, and a Monroe County Business Tax Receipt/TDT account. A Fire & Life Safety inspection is required and the property cannot be rented or advertised until inspection items are corrected and the license is issued.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Marathon?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Marathon. 1) Obtain prerequisite state and county documents: State Sales Tax Certificate, DBPR license, and Monroe County Business Tax Receipt/TDT account. 2) Apply online via the City of Marathon ViewPoint portal, upload required documents, and pay fees. 3) Pass a Fire & Life Safety inspection; the property cannot be rented until the inspection passes and the City issues a VACA number/license.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Marathon?
1) Obtain prerequisite state and county documents: State Sales Tax Certificate, DBPR license, and Monroe County Business Tax Receipt/TDT account. 2) Apply online via the City of Marathon ViewPoint portal, upload required documents, and pay fees. 3) Pass a Fire & Life Safety inspection; the property cannot be rented until the inspection passes and the City issues a VACA number/license.
What permits are needed to operate a Marathon vacation rental?
Operators need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal with safety inspection), a City of Marathon business tax receipt (annual renewal with local contact designation), and Monroe County tourist development tax registration (5%). Post-Hurricane Irma rebuilt or repaired properties must provide building permit completion documentation. All DBPR license numbers must appear in online listings.
What taxes apply to Marathon short-term rental income?
Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Monroe County tourist development tax (5%), for a combined rate of approximately 11–12%. Monroe County also applies a municipal service taxing district surcharge in some areas. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Monroe County taxes on behalf of hosts. Direct-booking operators must register with the Florida DOR and the Monroe County Tax Collector independently.
How does Marathon's STR market differ from Key West and Key Largo?
Marathon sits in the Middle Keys, roughly equidistant from Key West (to the southwest) and Key Largo (to the northeast). It attracts a fishing and diving-focused visitor mix rather than Key West's bar-scene and nightlife tourism. Marathon has a more low-key regulatory environment than Key West, which has been the most aggressive Monroe County municipality in pursuing STR restrictions. Key Largo benefits from being the first Keys community accessible from the mainland.
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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