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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Monroe County, FL

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

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are allowed only in specific Land Use Districts (e.g., SR, MU, UR, IS-V, OS) and prohibited in others (e.g., IS, URM, IS-M) unless exempt. Requirements include a licensed local manager available 24/7, strict occupancy and parking limits (one space per bedroom), and mandatory certified mail notification to all neighbors within 300 feet.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Special Vacation Rental Permit application to the Planning & Environmental Resources Department with the $490 fee, proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and neighbor notification receipts. 2. Obtain a licensed Vacation Rental Manager and provide proof of DBPR and county business licenses. 3. Schedule and pass a Fire and Life Safety Inspection (fees range from $100-$300 based on bedroom count). Permits must be renewed annually for $100.

Official Resources

Official Monroe County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Monroe County, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Monroe County, FL, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals are allowed only in specific Land Use Districts (e.g., SR, MU, UR, IS-V, OS) and prohibited in others (e.g., IS, URM, IS-M) unless exempt. Requirements include a licensed local manager available 24/7, strict occupancy and parking limits (one space per bedroom), and mandatory certified mail notification to all neighbors within 300 feet. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Monroe County, FL?
Vacation rentals are allowed only in specific Land Use Districts (e.g., SR, MU, UR, IS-V, OS) and prohibited in others (e.g., IS, URM, IS-M) unless exempt. Requirements include a licensed local manager available 24/7, strict occupancy and parking limits (one space per bedroom), and mandatory certified mail notification to all neighbors within 300 feet.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Monroe County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Monroe County. 1. Submit a Special Vacation Rental Permit application to the Planning & Environmental Resources Department with the $490 fee, proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and neighbor notification receipts. 2. Obtain a licensed Vacation Rental Manager and provide proof of DBPR and county business licenses. 3. Schedule and pass a Fire and Life Safety Inspection (fees range from $100-$300 based on bedroom count). Permits must be renewed annually for $100.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Monroe County?
1. Submit a Special Vacation Rental Permit application to the Planning & Environmental Resources Department with the $490 fee, proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and neighbor notification receipts. 2. Obtain a licensed Vacation Rental Manager and provide proof of DBPR and county business licenses. 3. Schedule and pass a Fire and Life Safety Inspection (fees range from $100-$300 based on bedroom count). Permits must be renewed annually for $100.
Is Vrbo legal in Monroe County, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in Monroe County, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Monroe County?
Short-term rental hosts in Monroe 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 Monroe County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Monroe 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