Orlando is the highest-volume STR market in the world — and the city has tightened its regulations. A two-step licensing process is mandatory: Florida DBPR license plus city registration. Host-presence is required for home sharing. This 2026 guide covers the complete process.
📋 Orlando STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | FL DBPR License + City of Orlando Home Sharing Registration |
| Application Fee | $275 (year 1) |
| Annual Renewal | $125/year |
| Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Moderate |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Orlando?
Yes. Two licenses are required: a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (required statewide) and a City of Orlando Home Sharing Registration. The city requires the host to be on-site and present during all guest stays. Whole-home non-hosted rentals require a separate Vacation Rental Dwelling approval.
How to Get a Orlando Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Obtain a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License at myfloridalicense.com — required before any city application
- Apply for City of Orlando Home Sharing Registration at orlando.gov
- Confirm zoning compliance
- Register for Orange County Transient Rental Tax
- Pay $275 for year 1; renew for $125 annually
- Ensure you will be present on-site during all guest stays
- Display both license numbers on all listings
Orlando Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FL DBPR Vacation Rental License | Varies by unit type | Annual; required statewide |
| Orlando Home Sharing Registration (Year 1) | $275 | First year only |
| Annual Renewal | $125 | Starting year 2 |
$275 year 1, $125/year after — affordable by major-market standards. The DBPR license is an additional variable cost.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Orlando Hosts
- Host must be present on-site during all guest stays
- Only one booking permitted at a time
- No more than 50% of bedrooms rented simultaneously
- Both DBPR and city registration numbers on all listings
- Zoning must permit home sharing
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Orlando
Orange County Tourist Development Tax (6%) + FL state sales tax (6%) = 12% total. Platforms collect and remit automatically.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Orlando
DBPR revocation, city fines, and forced listing removal for unlicensed operation.
How HostStarter Handles Orlando STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Orlando’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Orlando revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Orlando?
Yes. FL DBPR Vacation Rental License (statewide) + City of Orlando Home Sharing Registration. You must be present during all guest stays.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Orlando?
$275 year 1, $125/year renewal. DBPR license is additional (varies by unit type).
How long does it take to get an STR license in Orlando?
4–8 weeks total. Start the DBPR application first as the city may require it.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Orlando?
12% total: 6% Orange County TOT + 6% FL state sales tax. Platforms collect automatically.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Orlando?
DBPR revocation and city fines for unlicensed operation.