Thinking about turning your Lauderdale‑By‑The‑Sea property into a vacation rental? Getting licensed is manageable when you follow the steps in the right order. You want to start earning without surprises, fines, or delays. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact permits, taxes, inspections, and timelines you need to operate legally in town. Let’s dive in.
What counts as a short‑term rental
A short‑term or vacation rental typically means renting an entire unit for fewer than 30 days, more than three times a year, or advertising it to the public for transient stays. In Florida, that triggers a state “vacation rental” license for entire units. DBPR classifies licenses by property type and requires on‑site posting of the license once issued. Review the state’s vacation rental guide for definitions and forms on the DBPR licensing page.
Condominiums and HOAs can limit or prohibit short‑term rentals, even when the town and state allow them. Always verify your building or community’s rules before you apply. The Town also provides a condo‑specific application in its packet. Start with the Town’s Starting a Business page for zoning and BTR steps.
Start with local zoning and HOA checks
Before you spend money, confirm that your property is eligible for vacation rental use under Town zoning. The Town asks you to request zoning eligibility and include that confirmation with your application. You can begin on the Town’s Starting a Business page.
If your property is in a condo or HOA, obtain written confirmation that short‑term rentals are permitted. Many associations require a separate approval or proof that short‑term renting is allowed. Secure these documents early to avoid delays.
Step 1: Get your Florida DBPR license
If you rent an entire unit, apply for a DBPR vacation rental license online for the fastest processing. You will use the HR‑7028 application and, when applicable, the HR‑7020 balcony inspection certificate. Typical DBPR fees include a $50 application fee, a $10 hospitality education fee, plus a license fee that varies by license type and timing. Find forms, fee tables, and the online portal on the DBPR licensing page.
Once issued, display your DBPR license conspicuously at the property. Keep your confirmation or license number handy, since you will need it for Town paperwork and your online listings.
Step 2: Register for state and county taxes
Short‑term stays of six months or less are taxable. You must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit the state sales and transient rental tax, which is 6 percent of taxable rental charges. The DOR explains registration (Form DR‑1), filing (DR‑15), and which fees are taxable on the Florida DOR sales and use tax page.
Broward County also imposes a Tourist Development Tax of 6 percent. Register and file with the Broward County Tax Collector’s office. Their page covers who must collect, how to register, due dates, and penalties on the Broward Tourist Development Tax page.
Note on platforms: some sites may collect certain taxes for you, but you remain responsible for proper registration, filings, and any taxes the platform does not remit. Confirm details with DOR and Broward.
Step 3: Apply with the Town (BTR + certificate)
You need two Town approvals: a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and a Town Vacation Rental or Short‑Term Rental Certificate. Apply for your BTR through the Town’s business portal found on Starting a Business. The legal owner must sign the notarized BTR application.
Then complete the Town’s Vacation Rental & Short‑Term Rental application package. You must submit one application per dwelling unit and include required items such as zoning eligibility proof, your Florida DOR registration or affidavit, owner ID, floor plan/site sketch, property photos, proof of an active Waste‑Pro account in the owner’s name, and your designated 24‑hour local agent details. Find the official packet and checklist in the Town’s Vacation Rental & Short‑Term Rental Application Package.
Typical Town fees and timing
The Town’s checklist lists example fees, including a certificate fee around $775 for the first unit, a $75 fire inspection, and a $6 BTR. Additional unit fees vary by building type. Always confirm the current fee schedule in the Town’s application package.
DBPR online applications often process in 1 to 2 business days. Town timing depends on application completeness and inspection schedules. You may not advertise or rent until the Town issues your certificate and BTR.
Inspections and the 24‑hour agent
The Town will schedule code, building, and fire inspections before issuing your certificate. The inspection checklist covers items like smoke detectors in and near bedrooms, fire extinguishers, safe egress, electrical and plumbing condition, pool safety where applicable, parking layout, and any unpermitted conversions. If you do not pass, you may need a re‑inspection. The full checklist is in the Town’s application package.
You must designate a single local 24‑hour agent who can be reached at one phone number and respond on‑site within three hours of Town notification. Include the signed agent agreement with your application. The Town uses this agent to address complaints quickly.
After approval: advertise and operate compliantly
Once the Town issues your certificate and BTR, and you have your DBPR license and tax accounts, you can list and accept guests. Post your DBPR license at the property and include required license and registration numbers in your online advertisements. Keep your maximum occupancy and parking rules posted in the unit.
Maintain accurate rental and tax records, and verify any platform‑collected taxes. Staying organized helps you avoid penalties and pass renewals without stress.
Common pitfalls in LBTS
- Advertising before your Town certificate and BTR are issued.
- Skipping tax registrations or assuming a platform pays everything for you.
- Failing inspections due to missing smoke detectors, noncompliant pool barriers, or unpermitted room conversions.
- Forgetting to open a Waste‑Pro account in the owner’s name.
- Overlooking condo or HOA restrictions.
- Not appointing a reliable local 24‑hour agent.
Quick checklist
- Confirm zoning eligibility with the Town’s Starting a Business page.
- Apply online for a DBPR vacation rental license on the DBPR licensing page.
- Register for Florida sales and transient rental tax on the Florida DOR tax page and for Broward’s bed tax on the Broward TDT page.
- Complete the Town’s BTR and Vacation/Short‑Term Rental application and pass inspections using the Town’s application package.
- Post licenses at the property, include registration numbers in listings, and renew on schedule.
Renewals and ongoing tasks
Renew your DBPR license on its cycle and renew your Town certificate and BTR annually. Expect annual fire inspections and possible re‑inspections if violations occur. File state and county taxes as scheduled and keep records in case of audit.
Ready to map out your best path in Lauderdale‑By‑The‑Sea? If you want a local perspective on building rules, resale value, or investment viability, reach out to Steve Gray for neighborly guidance and trusted referrals.
FAQs
Do I need a Florida DBPR license if I only rent a room while I live there?
- Usually no, because the state vacation rental license applies when an entire unit is offered to transients, but always review DBPR guidance and local rules on the DBPR licensing page.
Can I list on Airbnb before I receive Town approvals in Lauderdale‑By‑The‑Sea?
- No, the Town prohibits advertising or renting until your Town certificate and BTR are issued and required inspections are passed, as outlined in the Town’s application package.
Will a booking platform handle all my taxes in Broward County?
- Sometimes platforms collect certain taxes, but you are still responsible for registering and remitting any taxes not covered; verify details with the Florida DOR and the Broward TDT office.
What if my condo association bans short‑term rentals in LBTS?
- Association rules control your ability to rent, so if your condo or HOA prohibits short‑term rentals you cannot legally operate without association approval; check the Town’s Starting a Business page for application types.
How is maximum occupancy set for a Lauderdale‑By‑The‑Sea vacation rental?
- The Town uses your floor plan and parking layout to determine the maximum occupancy, and you should post that limit inside the unit, as described in the Town’s application package.
How long does approval take for a short‑term rental in LBTS?
- DBPR online licenses often process in 1 to 2 business days, while Town timing varies based on completeness and inspections; plan for several weeks to complete all steps before you advertise.
