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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Windermere, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (stays of 179 days or less) are restricted to Commercial (C-1, C-2, C-3) and Industrial (I-1 through I-5) zones, or specific Planned Developments. Single-family transient rentals (stays under 30 days) are permitted only in the R-3 multi-family district; they are prohibited in all other residential zoning districts.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Ensure the property is in an allowed zoning district (C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 through I-5, or R-3). 2. Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and a Use Permit from Orange County. 3. Comply with State Lodging Regulations (DBPR), pay applicable hotel/motel taxes, and pass building and fire code inspections (including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers).

Regulatory Updates — Windermere

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

Residential Zone STR Enforcement Intensified

Windermere increased code enforcement targeting STRs operating in residential zones, issuing citations to properties found listed on booking platforms without the required commercial zoning designation.

PassedAugust 2024

FL SB 280 Compliance Review — Zoning Restriction Upheld

Following a legal review prompted by statewide SB 280 litigation, Windermere confirmed its commercial-zone-only STR restriction is defensible as a 'manner and place' regulation rather than a prohibited ban.

PassedMarch 2024

Zoning Map Update Clarifies Commercial Zone Boundaries

Windermere updated its official zoning map to more clearly delineate commercial zone boundaries, reducing disputes over which properties qualify for STR use and improving enforcement clarity.

Official Resources

Official Windermere STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group monitoring Orange County STR ordinances and SB 280 compliance in Greater Orlando area markets including Windermere.

Florida RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association tracking Windermere's STR ordinance and advocating for property owner rights under Florida's SB 280 preemption framework.

Orange County TourismLocal

Orange County's tourism development organization that monitors STR accommodation supply trends in communities like Windermere and their impact on the broader Greater Orlando visitor market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Windermere, FL?
Short-term rentals (stays of 179 days or less) are restricted to Commercial (C-1, C-2, C-3) and Industrial (I-1 through I-5) zones, or specific Planned Developments. Single-family transient rentals (stays under 30 days) are permitted only in the R-3 multi-family district; they are prohibited in all other residential zoning districts.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Windermere?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Windermere. 1. Ensure the property is in an allowed zoning district (C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 through I-5, or R-3). 2. Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and a Use Permit from Orange County. 3. Comply with State Lodging Regulations (DBPR), pay applicable hotel/motel taxes, and pass building and fire code inspections (including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Windermere?
1. Ensure the property is in an allowed zoning district (C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 through I-5, or R-3). 2. Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and a Use Permit from Orange County. 3. Comply with State Lodging Regulations (DBPR), pay applicable hotel/motel taxes, and pass building and fire code inspections (including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers).
Can I operate an STR in my Windermere home?
Almost certainly not. Windermere restricts STRs to Commercial zones. If your property is in a residential zone — which covers the vast majority of the Town — you cannot legally operate a short-term rental, regardless of a Florida state license.
Does Florida's SB 280 help me in Windermere?
Partially. SB 280 prevents Windermere from imposing a blanket ban on all STRs in the Town, but it allows zoning-based restrictions. The commercial-zone-only rule has been upheld as a permissible 'manner and place' restriction, not a prohibited ban.
What counts as 'short-term' in Windermere?
Windermere defines short-term rentals as stays of 179 days or fewer. Rentals of 180 days or more are treated as long-term leases and are not subject to the commercial zone restriction.
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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