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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Odessa, FL

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (Resort Dwellings) are restricted to zoning districts that permit transient or resort uses. They must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) per Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and operators must obtain a Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify property zoning via the Hillsborough County Map Viewer or zoning counselors to ensure transient use is permitted. 2) Apply for a Florida DBPR vacation rental license at myfloridalicense.com. 3) Obtain a Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt (BTR) via BT Express and register for the Tourist Development Tax with the County Tax Collector.

Official Resources

Official Odessa STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Odessa, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Odessa, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (Resort Dwellings) are restricted to zoning districts that permit transient or resort uses. They must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) per Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and operators must obtain a Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt. 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 Odessa, FL?
Short-term rentals (Resort Dwellings) are restricted to zoning districts that permit transient or resort uses. They must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) per Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and operators must obtain a Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Odessa?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Odessa. 1) Verify property zoning via the Hillsborough County Map Viewer or zoning counselors to ensure transient use is permitted. 2) Apply for a Florida DBPR vacation rental license at myfloridalicense.com. 3) Obtain a Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt (BTR) via BT Express and register for the Tourist Development Tax with the County Tax Collector.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Odessa?
1) Verify property zoning via the Hillsborough County Map Viewer or zoning counselors to ensure transient use is permitted. 2) Apply for a Florida DBPR vacation rental license at myfloridalicense.com. 3) Obtain a Hillsborough County Business Tax Receipt (BTR) via BT Express and register for the Tourist Development Tax with the County Tax Collector.
Is Vrbo legal in Odessa, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in Odessa, 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 Odessa?
Short-term rental hosts in Odessa 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 Odessa?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Odessa. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction