Lakeland Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Lakeland,Florida?

The regulations for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO, in Lakeland, Florida, are currently influenced by state law, which prohibits cities and counties from regulating based on the length of a visitor's stay or rental frequency1. As of now, Lakeland has opted for a hands-off approach to these rentals, and there is no specific mention of short-term rentals in the city’s code of ordinances2. However, there have been discussions about the rapid uptick of short-term rentals in the city's core communities, and some have raised concerns about the impact on the character of neighborhoods and housing scarcity4.

In Lakeland, short-term rentals are regulated by the city's zoning code and land development regulations. Hosts must obtain a transient rental license, which requires compliance with safety and health standards5. Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit the transient occupancy tax to the city for short-term rentals5. They are also required to obtain a Class B county local business tax receipt for each rental location3.

Lakeland has not established specific city-wide rules for short-term rentals, and the city has taken a wait-and-see approach to regulating these rentals1. The city has not been strictly enforcing short-term rental rules, and there have been discussions about the impact of short-term rental growth on the character of neighborhoods and housing scarcity4.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Lakeland

To start a short-term rental business in Lakeland, hosts must adhere to the city's zoning code and land development regulations. This includes obtaining a transient rental license and ensuring compliance with safety and health standards. While the city has not imposed specific regulations, it is essential for hosts to stay updated on the evolving landscape of short-term rental rules and to be mindful of the impact of their business on the local community.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Lakeland

To operate a short-term rental in Lakeland, hosts must obtain a transient rental license, which necessitates compliance with safety and health standards5. While the city does not require a business license for short-term rentals, hosts might be subject to state and county registration and taxation3.

This approach reflects the city's current stance on STRs, as Lakeland has opted for a wait-and-see approach, with discussions ongoing about the impact of the rapid uptick of short-term rentals in the city's core communities14. The absence of specific city-wide rules for STRs has led to a lack of strict enforcement, with concerns raised about the potential impact on neighborhood character and housing scarcity3.

In summary, while Lakeland does not have specific ordinances to regulate STRs, hosts are required to obtain a transient rental license and adhere to safety, health, and tax requirements. The city's approach to regulating these rentals is evolving, and ongoing discussions are taking place regarding their impact on the community.

Required Documents for Lakeland Short Term Rentals

In Lakeland, Florida, the regulations for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO, do not explicitly outline the required documents for hosts. However, hosts must comply with the city's zoning code and land development regulations, and obtain a transient rental license, which entails adherence to safety and health standards5.

Additionally, hosts are required to collect and remit the transient occupancy tax to the city4. While there is no specific mention of the required documents, it is essential for hosts to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards and obtain the relevant license to operate a short-term rental in Lakeland.For further information on the most updated database and information regarding short-term rental regulations in Lakeland, it is advisable to explore comprehensive resources and consult with short-term rental experts1. Additionally, contacting the Lakeland Department of Community & Economic Development at (863) 834-6011 can provide specific guidance on the required documents and any recent updates to the regulations5.

Overall, while the specific required documents for short-term rentals in Lakeland are not explicitly outlined, it is crucial for hosts to stay informed about the latest regulations and ensure compliance with the necessary standards and licensing requirements.

Lakeland Short Term Rental Taxes

In Lakeland, Florida, short-term rental hosts are required to collect and remit the transient occupancy tax to the city for each rental. Additionally, they must obtain a Class B county local business tax receipt for each rental location4. The transient occupancy tax consists of the state sales tax, which is 6%, and a discretionary rate applied per county. This tax is payable on all short-term rental income, regardless of where it is received, and must be filed monthly to the Florida Department of Revenue5. It's important to note that the information and filing deadlines provided are specific to the State of Florida, and hosts should contact the relevant authorities for information relating to the specific location of their property5.

This tax requirement is in line with the state law, which prohibits cities and counties from regulating short-term rentals based on the length of a visitor's stay or rental frequency1. While Lakeland has not established specific city-wide rules for short-term rentals, hosts are still required to comply with the state's tax regulations and obtain the necessary local business tax receipt for their rental locations4.

Lakeland wide Short Term Rental Rules

Lakeland does not have specific city-wide rules for short-term rentals, and the city has taken a wait-and-see approach to regulating these rentals1. The city's assistant attorney mentioned that Lakeland doesn't have any language in its city codes that would give it an exemption to regulate these rentals, so it's not clear what it can do at the local level2.

In summary, while there are regulations and tax requirements in place for short-term rentals in Lakeland, the city has not established specific ordinances to regulate these rentals, and there are ongoing discussions about the impact of their growth on the community.

Does Lakeland strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Lakeland Airbnb friendly?

Lakeland, Florida, has a hands-off approach to regulating short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO, and there is no specific mention of short-term rentals in the city's code of ordinances13. However, the city's zoning code and land development regulations require hosts to obtain a transient rental license, which requires compliance with safety and health standards, and to collect and remit the transient occupancy tax to the city24. Lakeland is an attractive destination for Airbnb guests due to its warm weather, numerous outdoor recreational activities, and charming downtown, and the peak season for Airbnb stays is during the winter months of December to February2.

There have been discussions about the rapid uptick of short-term rentals in the city's core communities, and some have raised concerns about the impact on the character of neighborhoods and housing scarcity34. Lakeland officials have been asked to consider regulating short-term rentals, and some municipalities have passed ordinances to limit the number of guests who can occupy a unit, require a set number of parking spaces, and require short-term rental owners to register their properties4. However, Florida law prohibits municipalities from regulating vacation rentals based on the length of a guest's stay or rental frequency4.Lakeland does not strictly enforce short-term rental rules, and there have been complaints about the existence of short-term rentals, but not about noise, parties, or other potential impacts3. While there are regulations and tax requirements in place for short-term rentals in Lakeland, the city has not established specific ordinances to regulate these rentals, and there are ongoing discussions about the impact of their growth on the community13.

If you are interested in starting a short-term rental business in Lakeland, you should familiarize yourself with the city's zoning code and land development regulations, obtain a transient rental license, ensure compliance with safety and health standards, collect and remit the transient occupancy tax to the city, and obtain a Class B county local business tax receipt for each rental location2. For information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Lakeland, you can contact the city's Department of Community & Economic Development at (863) 834-60112.

Overall, while Lakeland is an attractive destination for short-term rentals, the city has not established specific ordinances to regulate these rentals, and there are ongoing discussions about the impact of their growth on the community.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Lakeland

To start a short-term rental business in Lakeland, Florida, it is essential to understand the existing regulations and requirements. While the city has taken a hands-off approach to regulating these rentals, there are still important steps to consider.

• Understand the Regulatory Landscape: Lakeland's regulations for short-term rentals are influenced by state law, which prohibits cities and counties from regulating based on the length of a visitor's stay or rental frequency2. However, it's important to stay informed about any changes in the regulatory environment, as the city is considering options to address the rapid growth of short-term rentals and its impact on the community4.
• Licensing and Tax Requirements: Although Lakeland does not require a specific business license for short-term rentals, hosts must obtain a transient rental license and comply with safety and health standards4. Additionally, they are required to collect and remit the transient occupancy tax to the city and obtain a Class B county local business tax receipt for each rental location3.
• Building and Housing Standards: Lakeland has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Hosts should consult the Building Inspection Department for more information3.
• Contact the Relevant Authorities: For detailed information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Lakeland, it is advisable to contact the city's Department of Community & Economic Development at (863) 834-60113.
• Stay Informed and Compliant: As the regulatory landscape may evolve, it's important to stay informed about any changes and ensure compliance with the latest requirements. This can involve regularly checking official sources and seeking guidance from legal or real estate professionals.

In summary, while Lakeland currently maintains a hands-off approach to regulating short-term rentals, individuals looking to start a short-term rental business in the city should familiarize themselves with the existing regulations, obtain the necessary licenses, and stay informed about any potential changes in the regulatory environment.

Who to contact in Lakeland about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To ensure compliance with short-term rental regulations and zoning in Lakeland, Florida, you can contact the city's Department of Community & Economic Development at (863) 834-6011.

The department can provide guidance on the specific requirements and procedures for starting a short-term rental business, obtaining the necessary licenses, and understanding the zoning regulations that apply to your property. By reaching out to this department, you can receive accurate and up-to-date information to support your short-term rental endeavors in Lakeland.

What do Airbnb hosts in Lakeland on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

The sentiment among Airbnb hosts in Lakeland, Florida, regarding local regulations is mixed. While some hosts appreciate the hands-off approach adopted by the city, others have expressed concerns about the rapid increase in short-term rentals and its impact on the character of core neighborhoods and housing availability35.

The absence of specific regulations in the city's code of ordinances has led to discussions about the need to explore options for regulation, such as setting occupancy limits, parking requirements, and registration of rental units35. Despite the absence of strict enforcement, there have been instances of complaints related to noise and parking issues, particularly in areas with a high concentration of short-term rentals4.Some hosts have found it challenging to manage their Airbnb properties in compliance with the evolving local regulations, including the requirement to obtain a transient rental license and ensure adherence to safety and health standards2. However, the appeal of Lakeland as a destination for short-term rentals, especially during the peak winter season, continues to attract hosts and guests alike2.

In summary, while some Airbnb hosts in Lakeland appreciate the current hands-off approach to regulation, others are in favor of exploring options to address the impact of short-term rental growth on the community. The absence of specific regulations in the city's ordinances has prompted discussions about the need for potential regulation to preserve the character of core neighborhoods and address housing scarcity concerns35.