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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Winter Garden, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning; a Land Use Review is required to determine if the specific property's zone allows for transient lodging. Per Orange County guidance, transient rentals (stays <30 days) are generally prohibited in most residential districts and limited to R-3 or specific commercial zones. Operators must maintain a valid Local Business Tax Receipt and comply with all state licensing requirements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Land Use Review Application to the Planning & Zoning Division to confirm the rental use is compatible with the property's zoning. 2) Apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt through Business Tax Services (renewals due by Sept 30). 3) Provide proof of active state licensing or registration if required by the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation.

Regulatory Updates — Winter Garden

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2024

Land Use Review Process Requirements Clarified

Winter Garden issued updated guidance on its Land Use Review process for STRs, specifying which property types and zones are eligible to apply and what documentation is required to demonstrate transient lodging use compatibility.

PassedJuly 2024

FL SB 280 Compliance Review — Zone Restriction Upheld

Winter Garden's zone-based STR restriction was reviewed for SB 280 compliance, with city attorneys concluding the R-3 and commercial zone limitation constitutes a permissible 'manner and place' regulation rather than a prohibited ban.

PassedMarch 2024

Local Business Tax Receipt Enforcement for STR Operators

Winter Garden increased enforcement of its Local Business Tax Receipt requirement for STR operators, citing a rise in unlicensed rentals operating in eligible zones without proper business registration.

Official Resources

Official Winter Garden STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group monitoring Winter Garden and Orange County STR ordinances and SB 280 compliance in the Greater Orlando market.

Florida RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association advocating for property owner rights under SB 280 and tracking Winter Garden's Land Use Review framework for STR eligibility.

West Orange Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local business organization representing the Winter Garden area, monitoring STR regulatory developments and their impact on the Greater Orlando area hospitality economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Winter Garden, FL?
Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning; a Land Use Review is required to determine if the specific property's zone allows for transient lodging. Per Orange County guidance, transient rentals (stays <30 days) are generally prohibited in most residential districts and limited to R-3 or specific commercial zones. Operators must maintain a valid Local Business Tax Receipt and comply with all state licensing requirements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Winter Garden?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Winter Garden. 1) Submit a Land Use Review Application to the Planning & Zoning Division to confirm the rental use is compatible with the property's zoning. 2) Apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt through Business Tax Services (renewals due by Sept 30). 3) Provide proof of active state licensing or registration if required by the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Winter Garden?
1) Submit a Land Use Review Application to the Planning & Zoning Division to confirm the rental use is compatible with the property's zoning. 2) Apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt through Business Tax Services (renewals due by Sept 30). 3) Provide proof of active state licensing or registration if required by the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation.
Can I operate an STR in my Winter Garden residential neighborhood?
Likely not. Transient rentals (stays under 30 days) are generally prohibited in most Winter Garden residential zones. Only R-3 and specific commercial zones may allow STR use, and even then a Land Use Review must confirm your specific parcel is eligible.
What is the Land Use Review process for Winter Garden STRs?
You must submit a Land Use Review application to determine whether your property's zone allows transient lodging use. The review is property-specific — being in R-3 does not automatically guarantee approval. Factor in review time and potential denial risk before purchasing a property for STR purposes.
Do I need a business license to operate an STR in Winter Garden?
Yes. In addition to any zone approvals and a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental license, Winter Garden requires a valid Local Business Tax Receipt for all STR operators. Operating without one is subject to fines and can complicate your permit standing.
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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