Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License Guide for 2025

ByTyler Collins
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If you’re planning to list your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com in Florida, there’s one essential step you can’t skip: getting a Florida vacation rental license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Whether it’s a cozy condo, a single-family home, or a beachy duplex, Florida law requires that most short-term rentals be properly licensed to remain compliant and avoid penalties. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the process in 2025.

What Is a Florida Vacation Rental License?

In Florida, short-term rentals are classified as “transient public lodging establishments” and regulated by the DBPR’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants. According to Florida Statute §509.242, a vacation rental includes any unit or group of units in a condominium, cooperative, or one-to-four-family dwelling that is rented more than three times a year for periods of less than 30 days—or even just advertised for such use. This covers condos, houses, duplexes, and other similar properties. Timeshare properties may also fall under this requirement if they are rented to non-timeshare guests.

How to Apply for a Florida Vacation Rental License

The application process is completely online and very straightforward. Start by heading to the official DBPR website at myfloridalicense.com. From the homepage, go to Licensing > Hotels and Restaurants, and click on “Apply for a Lodging License.”

You’ll choose your license type based on the kind of property you have:

  • Vacation Rental – Condo (for individual condo units)
  • Vacation Rental – Dwelling (for houses, duplexes, and townhomes)
  • Timeshare Project (for timeshare rentals)

Keep in mind that condos and dwellings can’t be combined under the same license, so if you manage different property types, you’ll need separate licenses.

Once you’ve selected the right license type, create an account or log in to your existing DBPR portal. Be prepared to enter property details like the address, ownership information, and the license type you’re applying for. If you’re managing a single home or unit, you’ll apply for a Single License. If you manage multiple units within the same building, you’ll need a Group License. For hosts managing up to 75 units at separate locations within the same DBPR district, a Collective License may be appropriate—as long as they all share the same managing agent.

If your building is three or more stories tall, you’ll need to upload a completed Form HR-7020 to certify balcony safety.

After that, you’ll pay the required fees online. There is a non-refundable component built into the total license fee (usually around $50), but you’ll pay a combined amount based on the number of units you’re licensing. You can calculate your exact cost using the online fee calculator or by calling DBPR directly at 850-487-1395.

When everything is ready, submit your application through your DBPR account and watch for email updates on your license status.

Sanitation & Safety Compliance

Getting the license is only half the battle. Florida has strict sanitation and safety standards that must be followed before a license can be approved. Your vacation rental must have:

  • Working smoke alarms
  • At least one fire extinguisher
  • Secure locks on all exterior doors
  • Clean, sanitized appliances and ventilation
  • Signage about dishwashing expectations if guests are responsible for cleaning dishes

If your property is on a private well (not public utilities), you must complete annual water testing.

Properties with 50 or more units must have at least one smoke alarm with a visual alarm (ADA-compliant strobe light) for every 50 units—a small but important detail for guest safety.

Who Is Exempt from a DBPR License?

Not every short-term rental property requires a DBPR license. You might be exempt if:

  • You only rent a room within a property, not the entire unit.
  • The property is rented for more than 30 days at a time and is not marketed for short stays.
  • The property is regulated by another agency, like AHCA, DOH, DCF, or HUD.
  • You rent a building with four or fewer units and do not market it for transient stays (short-term lodging).

If you market even a single unit for short-term rentals, you generally need licensing.

Helpful Tips for Staying Compliant

Once you’re licensed, make sure you:

  • Renew your license annually.
  • Post your license on-site or have it readily available for inspection.
  • Use licensed agents only if applying for a Group or Collective License.
  • Notify DBPR immediately if the number of units you manage changes.

Failing to comply with any of these requirements could lead to fines, suspension, or even forced shutdowns.

Start Your Hosting Journey the Right Way

Whether you’re managing a beachfront condo in Clearwater or a historic home in Jacksonville, getting your DBPR license is a must. It’s the first step toward running a legal, professional, and profitable short-term rental business in Florida. Don’t wait—get licensed today and stay ahead of compliance requirements.

Apply Now: DBPR Vacation Rental & Timeshare Licensing Portal