Orlando, the "Theme Park Capital of the World," welcomed over 74 million tourists in 2023, according to Road Genius. Thanks to this impressive visitor rate, the City retained its ranking as the most visited place in the country.
So, why not take advantage of all those holiday-goers by turning your Orlando property into a vacation rental? If you do things right, you can earn a hefty rental income.
One thing you need to do right is to learn about Orlando's legal considerations for vacation rentals. Our property management experts at PMI Orlando will discuss what they are in this guide, so read on.
Home Share vs. Commercial Dwelling Unit
You can use your Orlando house privately however you want, but if you wish to rent it to vacationers, you must follow the City's vacation rental regulations.
One of the most crucial legal requirements for vacation rentals in Orlando, FL, is to secure the necessary permits. The required permits depend on whether the property is a home share or a commercial dwelling unit.
Under the City of Orlando's local ordinances, a home share is a short-term rental that property owners can rent out only a portion of for one to 29 days. The owner must apply for home-sharing registration and live and be on-site while hosting guests.
On the other hand, commercial dwelling units are traditional vacation rentals that property owners can rent out in portions or entirely. They don't have to live or be on the property while hosting guests. However, the property must not be in a residential zoning district and requires a Business Tax Receipt.
Ad-Related Vacation Property Rental Laws
Under Orlando's home share ordinance, property owners must link their proof of registration with all online advertisements. So, you'd have to attach or include a copy of your short-term rental permit when creating your vacation rental listings.
It's a good idea to provide your permit details (e.g., permit number) at the start of your ads. Doing so can reassure potential guests of your vacation rental compliance.
Restricted Animals vs. Allowed Pets
In Florida, wildlife and animals fall under one of three categories: Class I, II, and III. Class I animals pose a potential or actual threat to humans and other animals, making it illegal for people to keep them as pets. Some examples are most big cats, Komodo dragons, and gibbons.
The last thing you want is to allow guests who say they'll bring pets to turn up with "illegal" animals. So, always screen tenants and their pets to ensure they're law-abiding citizens.
Keep These Legal Considerations for Vacation Rentals in Mind
Now that you know Orlando's legal considerations for vacation rentals, it's time to organize the requirements so you can rent your property as soon as possible. But if you don't have time to do all the above steps, worry not, as PMI Orlando has your back.
We're a full-service property management company that can help market, maintain, and ensure your property is always guest-ready. We'll handle all the details so you can just sit back, relax, and wait for us to send you your rental income.
Get in touch with us today and request your free property consultation!
