Port St. Lucie Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

If you're looking to rent out your property on Airbnb or VRBO in Port St. Lucie, Florida, you'll be happy to know that short-term rentals are not prohibited or regulated in the city15. This means that you can rent out your single-family dwelling unit permitted in residential zoning without any restrictions1.

However, you should be aware that you are responsible for paying the tourist development tax on your rental property if you rent it for periods of six months or less3. Additionally, it's important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations1. Overall, Port St. Lucie is a great place to start a short-term rental property due to the lack of regulations and restrictions.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Port St. Lucie

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Port St. Lucie is a straightforward process, as the city does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs)1. Here are the steps to get started:

• Research location and purchase suitable investment property: Look for a property in a residential area where short-term rentals are allowed4.
• Set up listing on rental platforms: Create listings on popular rental platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and others4.
• Obtain sales tax ID number and tourist tax account: Register for a sales tax ID number and tourist tax account to comply with local and state tax requirements4.
• Review condo/HOA rules: If the property is part of a condominium or homeowners association, ensure you understand and adhere to their rules and regulations4.
• Adhere to state and federal regulations: While Port St. Lucie does not have specific STR regulations, you must still follow state and federal laws4.
• Monitor changes in regulations: Keep an eye on any changes in STR regulations in Port St. Lucie and other relevant markets2.

Starting a short-term rental business in Port St. Lucie offers several advantages, such as a growing population, a favorable climate, and a diverse range of attractions1.

By following these steps and staying informed about local regulations, you can successfully establish and grow your short-term rental business in Port St. Lucie.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Port St. Lucie

As of January 2024, short-term rental hosts in Port St. Lucie are not required to obtain a license or registration documents to operate a short-term rental business. The city has not passed any regulations specific to short-term vacation rentals, and short-term rentals are not prohibited or regulated in Port St. Lucie. However, hosts must still follow regulations set at the state and federal level, as well as adhere to condo board or HOA rules if applicable. It is also important to note that short-term rentals might be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by city, state, and county law. 1235

Required Documents for Port St. Lucie Short Term Rentals

In Port St. Lucie, Florida, short-term rental properties are currently not regulated, and there are no specific licensing requirements or registration documents for hosts. This means that hosts do not need to obtain a Vacation Rental License or any other specific documentation to operate a short-term rental property in the city.

However, hosts are still required to follow regulations set at the state and federal levels, as well as adhere to any condo board or HOA rules if applicable25. Additionally, it's important to be aware of and comply with other rules and regulations, such as noise restrictions, occupancy limits, and parking requirements5.

Furthermore, hosts should be mindful of their tax obligations, including the tourist development tax, which applies to rentals of six months or less and is the responsibility of the property owner

Port St. Lucie Short Term Rental Taxes

If you are renting your property for periods of six months or less in Port St. Lucie, you are responsible for paying the Tourist Development Tax, which is a 5% charge on the revenue from the rentals of living quarters14. This tax is in addition to the state sales tax (7% in St. Lucie County) 1. Living quarters are generally defined as accommodations in any apartment, condominium, house, hotel, mobile home park, or motel1.

The lessor must have a sales tax exemption certificate v-14 on file to claim exemptions1. The tourist development tax does not apply to rentals of more than six months duration; however, a bona fide written lease must be entered into between the lessee and lessor1. Hosts are responsible for paying the 5% Tourist Development Tax in St. Lucie County on all bookings 6 months or less, which is paid directly to the county4.

The statewide sales tax of 7% also applies4. There are no required registration documents in Port St. Lucie, but hosts still need to follow regulations set at the state and federal level, as well as adhere to condo board or HOA rules if applicable4.

Florida wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short-term rental rules in Florida vary by city and county, and it is important to research the specific regulations in your area. In general, a short-term rental is defined as a lease agreement that is less than six months in duration. Florida counties and certain cities may impose a local option tax on the rental or lease of sleeping, or housekeeping accommodations for a term of six months or less.

These taxes, often called local option transient rental taxes, include the tourist development tax, convention development tax, tourist impact tax, and municipal resort tax. The local tax imposed is in addition to the 6% state sales tax and any applicable discretionary sales surtax. Short-term rentals must be properly registered, with fees paid, and may be subject to occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and zoning laws. Florida's short-term vacation rental regulations are constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes

Does Port St. Lucie strictly enforce STR rules?

In Port St. Lucie, the enforcement of short-term rental (STR) rules is an important aspect to consider for property owners. Florida has statewide mandates for STR properties, but it's essential to understand the specific rules, regulations, and fees set by the city. Additionally, local option transient rental taxes may be imposed by the county or certain cities, adding to the regulatory landscape. Therefore, property owners should be well-informed about the STR rules in Port St. Lucie to ensure compliance and successful operation of their rental properties12.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Port St. Lucie?

To start a short-term rental business in Port St. Lucie, Florida, you must first understand the local regulations and tax implications. Port St. Lucie is located in St. Lucie County, which imposes a 5.0% local option transient rental tax on accommodations rented for six months or less3. Additionally, it's essential to be aware of the state's general rules for short-term rentals, such as the frequency and duration of rentals, as these may impact your business4.When promoting your short-term rental property, you can emphasize its appeal to tourists and visitors.

Port St. Lucie is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and various attractions, making it an attractive destination for travelers. Highlighting the property's proximity to local points of interest, such as beaches, parks, and entertainment venues, can help attract potential guests.In terms of marketing, you can also leverage online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to reach a wider audience. Creating an appealing listing with high-quality photos and a detailed description of the property and its amenities is crucial for attracting guests.

Additionally, providing excellent customer service and maintaining the property well can lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings.When establishing a short-term rental business, it's important to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. This includes obtaining any necessary permits or licenses, following safety and health regulations, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Seeking legal and financial advice can be beneficial in navigating the various aspects of starting and running a successful short-term rental business in Port St. Lucie.

Who to contact in Port St. Lucie about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Since there are no STR regulations in Port St. Lucie, there is no specific department to contact. General zoning and land use questions can be directed to the Planning & Zoning department at 772-871-74723.Sales tax questions can go to the Florida Department of Revenue. Tourist tax questions should be directed to the St. Lucie Tax Collector's office at 772-462-16504.

What do Airbnb hosts in Port St. Lucie on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Port St. Lucie, Florida do not have to worry about any specific regulations or licensing requirements for short-term rentals. According to sources, short-term rentals are currently not prohibited or regulated in Port St. Lucie, and a single-family dwelling is a permitted use in residential areas and may be rented out without any licensing requirement.

There is limited discussion on Reddit and Bigger Pockets about STRs in Port St. Lucie specifically, but overall hosts seem happy there are currently no regulations, though some express wanting clarification on condo rules. It is important to note that while there are no specific regulations in Port St. Lucie, hosted rentals may still be subject to other city, county, or other local level requirements134.