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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in River Ranch, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Polk County require a Class B County local business tax receipt for each location and compliance with tourist development taxes. Florida state law requires a vacation-rental license from the DBPR for units rented more than three times a year for stays under 30 days. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term or vacation rentals.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a Vacation Rental license online via the Florida DBPR (Division of Hotels & Restaurants) if renting an entire unit more than three times a year for stays under 30 days. 2) Obtain a Polk County Class B Local Business Tax Receipt from the Polk County Tax Collector’s office for each rental location; proof of the state license is required prior to issuance.

Official Resources

Official River Ranch STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in River Ranch, FL?
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Polk County require a Class B County local business tax receipt for each location and compliance with tourist development taxes. Florida state law requires a vacation-rental license from the DBPR for units rented more than three times a year for stays under 30 days. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly prohibited from being used as short-term or vacation rentals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in River Ranch?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in River Ranch. 1) Apply for a Vacation Rental license online via the Florida DBPR (Division of Hotels & Restaurants) if renting an entire unit more than three times a year for stays under 30 days. 2) Obtain a Polk County Class B Local Business Tax Receipt from the Polk County Tax Collector’s office for each rental location; proof of the state license is required prior to issuance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in River Ranch?
1) Apply for a Vacation Rental license online via the Florida DBPR (Division of Hotels & Restaurants) if renting an entire unit more than three times a year for stays under 30 days. 2) Obtain a Polk County Class B Local Business Tax Receipt from the Polk County Tax Collector’s office for each rental location; proof of the state license is required prior to issuance.

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