The short answer on licensing
Florida's state "vacation rental" license (through the DBPR) generally applies to places rented to guests for periods of less than 30 days (or one calendar month) more than three times a year, or advertised that way. True monthly rentals — stays of 30 days or more — typically fall outside that definition, so a state vacation-rental license usually isn't required.
That's a big part of why the monthly model is simpler than nightly hosting. But it isn't the whole picture — read on.
What can still apply
Local city and county ordinances, and your condo or HOA bylaws, may still restrict or require registration for rentals — these vary a lot by municipality, so check yours. And taxes are separate from licensing: Florida applies sales/use tax plus local tourist-development tax to living accommodations rented for six months or less, so most 1–6 month rentals are taxable unless you have a bona fide written lease longer than six months.
How to stay on the right side of it
Register for the applicable state and county tax accounts if your stays are six months or less, check your city/county short-term-rental rules and your HOA bylaws, and keep a written lease for every tenant. It's straightforward, but worth confirming before you list.
Practical steps before you list
If your stays are six months or less, register for a Florida sales-tax account with the Department of Revenue, and check whether your county collects a separate tourist-development tax (many do, filed with the county tax collector). Then confirm your city or county's short-term-rental rules, review your HOA or condo bylaws for any minimum-lease or rental-cap provisions, and use a signed written lease for every tenant.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I register to collect rental tax?+
Florida sales tax is handled through the Department of Revenue; the local tourist-development tax is usually filed with your county tax collector. Confirm both for your county — and treat this as general information, not tax advice.
Do I need a Florida vacation-rental license to rent monthly?+
Generally no — the state vacation-rental license targets stays under 30 days. Monthly (30+ day) rentals usually don't require it, but verify your local rules.
Are monthly rentals taxable in Florida?+
Usually yes. Florida taxes accommodations rented for six months or less (sales tax plus local tourist-development tax); a bona fide lease over six months is exempt. Register with the state and your county tax collector.
Can my condo association still say no?+
Yes. HOA and condo bylaws can restrict rentals or set minimum lease terms regardless of state law — always check yours before listing.
Is this legal or tax advice?+
No — this is a general overview, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and vary by location; confirm with the DBPR, your county tax collector, your HOA, and a qualified professional.