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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in West Palm Beach, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in West Palm Beach are permitted but regulated: the City requires a rental tax application (rental license) with zoning review and mandatory code-compliance inspections (fire inspection required for properties with 3+ units). Palm Beach County requires Tourist Development Tax registration and a Local Business Tax Receipt for each short-term rental; county occupancy limits apply (two persons per bedroom plus two; absolute maximum 12).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain a Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account via the Palm Beach County Tax Collector TDT portal; 2) Complete a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) application for each short-term rental (County) and submit the City of West Palm Beach rental tax application via Development Services/forms; 3) Complete required zoning review and schedule code compliance and fire inspections as stated; pay applicable fees and renew the BTR annually (where stated).

Regulatory Updates — West Palm Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

Online STR Registration System Modernized

West Palm Beach launched a redesigned online STR registration portal with automated renewal reminders, inspection scheduling, and complaint tracking integrated into a single platform.

PassedMay 2024

Good Neighbor Policy Adopted for STR Operators

The City adopted a Good Neighbor Policy requiring STR operators to post house rules, provide a 24-hour local contact number, and distribute parking and noise information to guests at check-in.

PassedFebruary 2024

Noise Enforcement Operations Increased

West Palm Beach's code enforcement team launched targeted weekend enforcement operations in STR-dense neighborhoods, issuing warnings and fines for late-night noise violations.

Official Resources

Official West Palm Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group actively monitoring Palm Beach County STR ordinances and SB 280 compliance across South Florida markets.

Florida RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association advocating for property owner rights under SB 280 and tracking West Palm Beach regulatory developments.

Discover the Palm BeachesLocal

Palm Beach County's official tourism organization tracking STR accommodation trends and visitor economy impacts of local rental regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in West Palm Beach, FL?
STRs in West Palm Beach are permitted but regulated: the City requires a rental tax application (rental license) with zoning review and mandatory code-compliance inspections (fire inspection required for properties with 3+ units). Palm Beach County requires Tourist Development Tax registration and a Local Business Tax Receipt for each short-term rental; county occupancy limits apply (two persons per bedroom plus two; absolute maximum 12).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in West Palm Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in West Palm Beach. 1) Obtain a Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account via the Palm Beach County Tax Collector TDT portal; 2) Complete a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) application for each short-term rental (County) and submit the City of West Palm Beach rental tax application via Development Services/forms; 3) Complete required zoning review and schedule code compliance and fire inspections as stated; pay applicable fees and renew the BTR annually (where stated).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in West Palm Beach?
1) Obtain a Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account via the Palm Beach County Tax Collector TDT portal; 2) Complete a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) application for each short-term rental (County) and submit the City of West Palm Beach rental tax application via Development Services/forms; 3) Complete required zoning review and schedule code compliance and fire inspections as stated; pay applicable fees and renew the BTR annually (where stated).
Do I need a permit to operate an STR in West Palm Beach?
Yes. West Palm Beach requires an annual STR registration that must be renewed each year. You also need a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental license. Operating without both is subject to fines and shut-down orders.
Can West Palm Beach ban STRs?
No. Florida's SB 280 prevents the city from banning STRs outright. West Palm Beach can regulate the manner, time, and place of operation — including noise rules, safety standards, and registration requirements — but cannot prohibit them entirely.
What is the Good Neighbor Policy and how does it affect me?
West Palm Beach's Good Neighbor Policy requires you to post house rules inside the rental, provide guests with a 24-hour local contact number, and share parking and noise guidelines at check-in. Failure to comply can result in permit suspension.
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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