Clermont Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Clermont

Clermont, a city located in Lake County, Florida, has implemented specific regulations governing the operation of short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. These rules aim to balance the interests of property owners, visitors, and the local community.

Zoning and Licensing Requirements

According to the City of Clermont's ordinances, short-term rentals are permitted for non-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units located within the city limits. Hosts are required to obtain a vacation rental permit from the city before advertising or launching a short-term rental property.

To obtain the vacation rental permit, hosts must submit various documents, including proof of ownership, a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), a certificate of registration with the Florida Department of Revenue, and a building permit application for a life safety inspection.

Additionally, hosts must obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for their short-term rental business, with fees based on the number of bedrooms in the rental unit.

Principal Residence Requirement

Clermont does not currently have a principal residence requirement for short-term rentals. This means that property owners can potentially operate multiple entire-unit STRs across different properties, as long as they comply with other applicable laws and regulations.

However, it's advisable for hosts to stay informed about any updates or changes to the city's regulations, as the principal residence requirement is a common measure adopted by many municipalities to prevent the conversion of long-term rental housing into short-term accommodations.

Taxation and Fees

Short-term rental hosts in Clermont are required to collect and remit applicable taxes, including the Florida Sales Tax and the Lake County Tourist Development Tax, on their rental income.

The city also imposes a vacation rental fee of $375 per unit, as well as the BTR fee based on the number of bedrooms.

Enforcement and Penalties

Clermont has implemented measures to monitor and enforce compliance with the short-term rental regulations. Hosts who fail to obtain the necessary permits or violate the terms of their permits may face fines, permit suspension, or revocation.

The city has also established a complaint process for residents to report any issues or concerns related to short-term rentals in their neighborhoods, such as noise disturbances or parking violations. Enforcement actions may be taken based on these complaints.

Community Concerns and Debates

While some residents and businesses welcome the economic benefits of short-term rentals, others have raised concerns about their impact on housing affordability, noise levels, and the character of residential neighborhoods.

There have been discussions within the Clermont City Council and community forums regarding the appropriate level of regulation for short-term rentals. Some argue for stricter rules, such as limiting the number of nights a property can be rented, while others advocate for a more permissive approach to support property rights and the sharing economy.

As the short-term rental industry continues to evolve, Clermont's regulations may be subject to further review and adjustments to address emerging issues and community concerns.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Clermont

Clermont has implemented a comprehensive licensing system for short-term rentals to regulate this industry within the city. All hosts operating short-term rentals in Clermont are required to obtain a vacation rental permit from the city before advertising or renting out their properties.

The process for obtaining the vacation rental permit involves several steps:

Obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a transient public lodging establishment. This license is required to operate a short-term rental in Florida.

Register with the Florida Department of Revenue and obtain a certificate of registration. This registration is necessary for collecting and remitting applicable taxes on the rental income.

Register with the Lake County Tax Collector if you are managing your own rentals. If you have partnered with short-term rental platforms like Airbnb or VRBO that handle tax collection and remittance, this step may not be required.

Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the City of Clermont for your short-term rental business. The BTR fee is based on the number of bedrooms in the rental unit.

Submit a vacation rental permit application to the City of Clermont, along with the required documents, including proof of ownership, copies of the DBPR license, Department of Revenue certificate, and BTR.

Schedule and pass a life safety inspection by the city. This inspection ensures that the rental property meets all necessary safety standards and building codes.

Pay the required fees, which include a $375 vacation rental permit fee and the BTR fee based on the number of bedrooms.

Once all the required documents and inspections are completed, and the fees are paid, the City of Clermont will issue the vacation rental permit, allowing the host to legally operate a short-term rental business within the city limits.

It's important to note that the vacation rental permit must be renewed annually, along with the BTR, by September 30th of each year. Failure to obtain the required permit or comply with the regulations can result in fines, penalties, or legal consequences.

Clermont's licensing system serves as a mechanism to regulate the short-term rental industry, ensure compliance with safety standards, and address potential issues or concerns related to this type of accommodation.

Required Documents for Clermont Short-Term Rentals

To obtain the necessary permits and licenses for operating a short-term rental in Clermont, hosts are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents to the city. These documents serve various purposes, such as verifying ownership, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and providing information about the rental property and its occupants.

One of the primary documents required is proof of ownership, such as a Lake County property record card, tax receipt, or deed.

Hosts must also obtain and provide copies of the following:

• A license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a transient public lodging establishment.
• A certificate of registration with the Florida Department of Revenue.
• An active account with the Lake County Tax Collector (if managing rentals independently).
• A City of Clermont Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR).

In addition to these documents, hosts must submit the following as part of the vacation rental permit application:

1. An exterior sketch of the rental property, showing all structures, pools, spas, fencing, and parking areas.
2. An interior floor plan identifying bedrooms, bathrooms, exits, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and exit signage/lighting.
3. A completed Vacation Rental Permit Application form.
4. A signed Affidavit of Compliance acknowledging adherence to the city's vacation rental regulations.

Furthermore, hosts may be required to provide additional documentation depending on the specific circumstances of their rental property. For example, if the property is located in a community with a Homeowners' Association (HOA), hosts may need to provide proof that short-term rentals are permitted by the HOA rules.

It is crucial for hosts to carefully review and comply with the document submission requirements set forth by the City of Clermont. Failure to provide the necessary documents or providing incomplete or inaccurate information may result in delays or denial of the short-term rental permit application.

Clermont Short-Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Clermont are subject to various tax obligations at the state, county, and local levels. It's crucial for hosts to understand and comply with these tax requirements to avoid potential penalties and legal consequences.

One of the primary taxes that short-term rental hosts in Clermont must collect and remit is the Florida Sales Tax. The current state sales tax rate is 6%, and hosts must collect this tax from their guests and remit it to the Florida Department of Revenue.

In addition to the state sales tax, hosts must also collect and remit the Lake County Tourist Development Tax. This tax is levied on short-term rental stays of six months or less and is currently set at 5%.

Furthermore, the City of Clermont imposes a local resort tax on short-term rentals. The rate for this tax is currently 4%, and hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting it to the city.

It's important to note that the combined tax rate for short-term rentals in Clermont can vary depending on the specific location of the rental property and any additional taxes imposed by special districts or other local authorities.

Short-term rental hosts in Clermont must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and obtain a certificate of registration to collect and remit these taxes. Failure to register and comply with tax obligations can result in penalties, fines, or other legal consequences.

In addition to the taxes mentioned above, hosts may also be subject to other fees or charges imposed by the city or state authorities, such as licensing fees or inspection costs. These additional fees or charges may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the rental operation.

It's important for hosts to stay informed about any changes or updates to the tax regulations, as these can evolve over time to address emerging issues or concerns related to the short-term rental industry. Consulting with a tax professional or seeking guidance from the relevant authorities can help ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Florida Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

Florida has implemented statewide regulations governing the operation of short-term rentals, in addition to local rules imposed by individual cities and counties. Here are some of the key statewide rules for short-term rentals in Florida:

Definition of Short-Term Rental: According to Florida law, a short-term rental is defined as any unit or group of units in a condominium, cooperative, or individually owned single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit that is rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less.

Licensing Requirement: Property owners must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) if they are renting out an entire unit more than three times in a calendar year for stays of less than 30 days or if they market the unit as a property regularly rented to guests.

Taxation: Short-term rental hosts in Florida are required to collect and remit various taxes on their rental income, including the Florida Sales Tax (6%), County Discretionary Sales Surtax (varies by county), and Local Option Transient Rental Tax (varies by county).

Safety and Sanitation Standards: Florida has established strict sanitation and safety rules and regulations for short-term rentals. These include requirements for common areas, private spaces, kitchen appliances, water systems, bedding, linens, railings, stairwells, balconies, heating, ventilation, smoke alarms, electrical wiring, fire extinguishers, and more.

Local Regulations: While Florida state law prohibits local governments from banning short-term rentals altogether or limiting the length or frequency of stays, cities, and counties can impose their own rules and regulations to control the impact of vacation rentals on local communities. These may include zoning restrictions, permitting requirements, occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and other regulations specific to each locality.

It's important to note that Florida's short-term rental regulations are constantly evolving, with potential changes being proposed or implemented at both the state and local levels. Some proposed changes include the creation of a statewide registry for short-term rental hosts, changes to tax collection processes, and the introduction of mandatory inspections in certain areas.

Short-term rental hosts in Florida must stay informed about the specific regulations in their local area, as well as any updates or changes to statewide rules and guidelines. Consulting with local authorities and seeking professional advice can help ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or legal consequences.

Does Clermont Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, it appears that Clermont takes a relatively balanced approach to enforcing its short-term rental regulations compared to some other cities in Florida. The overall sentiment suggests that Clermont is moderately Airbnb-friendly.

Several Reddit users have shared experiences of operating short-term rentals in Clermont without facing significant issues or enforcement actions from the city authorities as long as they comply with the licensing and permitting requirements. One user commented, "Clermont seems to be pretty reasonable when it comes to Airbnb regulations. As long as you follow the rules and get the proper permits, they generally leave you alone."

On Bigger Pockets, some users have expressed interest in investing in short-term rentals in Clermont, indicating a perception that the city's regulations are manageable for responsible hosts. One user inquired, "Has anyone had success with Airbnb investments in Clermont? The regulations seem reasonable compared to some other areas."

While Clermont does have regulations in place, such as requiring vacation rental permits, business licenses, and safety inspections, the enforcement of these rules appears to be fair and consistent rather than overly strict or lenient.

Furthermore, there are reports of hosts successfully operating short-term rentals in Clermont while adhering to the regulations, suggesting that the city's enforcement efforts are focused on ensuring compliance rather than creating unnecessary barriers for responsible hosts.

However, it's important to note that the city's approach to enforcement may change in the future, particularly if there is an increase in community concerns or issues related to short-term rentals. Clermont may consider introducing additional regulations or stricter enforcement measures to address potential problems.

Based on the discussions on these forums, it can be concluded that Clermont is currently a moderately Airbnb-friendly city with reasonable regulations and consistent enforcement efforts. Hosts who operate within the established rules and guidelines are generally able to run their short-term rental businesses without facing significant challenges or penalties from the city authorities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Clermont

Starting a short-term rental business in Clermont requires complying with the city's regulations and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. Here are the steps to get started:

1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure that your property is located within the city limits of Clermont and that short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning area.
2. Obtain a License from the Florida DBPR: Apply for a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a transient public lodging establishment. This license is required to operate a short-term rental in Florida.
3. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue: Register with the Florida Department of Revenue and obtain a certificate of registration. This registration is necessary for collecting and remitting applicable taxes on your rental income.
4. Register with the Lake County Tax Collector (if applicable): If you are managing your own rentals independently, register with the Lake County Tax Collector. If you have partnered with platforms like Airbnb or VRBO that handle tax collection and remittance, this step may not be required.
5. Obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Apply for a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the City of Clermont for your short-term rental business. The BTR fee is based on the number of bedrooms in your rental unit.
6. Submit a Vacation Rental Permit Application: Submit a vacation rental permit application to the City of Clermont, along with the required documents, including proof of ownership, copies of the DBPR license, Department of Revenue certificate, and BTR.
7. Schedule a Life Safety Inspection: Schedule and pass a life safety inspection by the city. This inspection ensures that your rental property meets all necessary safety standards and building codes.
8. Pay Required Fees: Pay the required fees, which include a $375 vacation rental permit fee and the BTR fee based on the number of bedrooms.
9. Obtain Adequate Insurance: Ensure that you have appropriate liability insurance coverage for your short-term rental property to protect yourself from potential claims or lawsuits related to guest injuries or property damage.
10. Advertise and List Your Property: Once you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses, you can advertise and list your short-term rental on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
11. Stay Compliant: Regularly review and comply with any updates or changes to Clermont's short-term rental regulations. Renew your vacation rental permit and BTR annually by September 30th.

It's important to note that Clermont has implemented measures to monitor and enforce compliance with the short-term rental regulations. Hosts who fail to obtain the necessary permits or violate the terms of their permits may face fines, penalties, or legal consequences.

Who to Contact in Clermont about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have questions or need assistance regarding short-term rental regulations and zoning in Clermont, you can contact the following departments and officials:

Clermont Planning and Zoning Department
Phone: (352) 708-5416
Email: planning@clermontfl.org

The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for administering and enforcing the city's zoning bylaws, including regulations related to short-term rentals. You can reach out to them for inquiries about zoning requirements, permitted areas for short-term rentals, and other zoning-related matters.

Clermont Code Enforcement Division
Phone: (352) 241-7345
Email: codeenforcement@clermontfl.org

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the city's ordinances and regulations, including those governing short-term rentals. You can contact them for information about licensing requirements, inspections, and enforcement actions related to short-term rental operations.

Clermont Business Tax Receipt Office
Phone: (352) 241-7345
Email: businesstax@clermontfl.org

The Business Tax Receipt Office handles the issuance of Business Tax Receipts (BTRs) for short-term rental businesses. You can reach out to them for questions about the BTR application process, required documentation, and fee payments.

Clermont City Manager's Office
Phone: (352) 708-6151
Email: citymanager@clermontfl.org

If you have general inquiries or feedback regarding the city's policies and stance on short-term rentals, you can contact the City Manager's Office to voice your opinions or seek clarification on the city's approach to this issue.

It's recommended to contact the appropriate department or office directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, you can visit the City of Clermont's website, which may provide additional resources and guidance on short-term rental regulations and zoning.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Clermont on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

Based on the discussions on Reddit and Bigger Pockets, there seems to be a mix of opinions and perspectives among Airbnb hosts regarding the regulations for short-term rentals in Clermont.

Some users express appreciation for the clear and straightforward regulations in Clermont, which require hosts to obtain a vacation rental permit and comply with safety inspections. One user commented, "Clermont's regulations are reasonable and help ensure a level playing field for all hosts."

However, there are also concerns about the potential financial burden of obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, especially for hosts operating on a smaller scale. A user stated, "The fees and inspections required in Clermont can be a significant expense for someone just starting out with a single rental property."

A few users suggest that the regulations could be further improved by addressing issues such as noise complaints, parking restrictions, and the impact on housing affordability in the area.

Some users are actively seeking investment opportunities in Clermont due to the perceived favorable regulations for short-term rentals. One user inquired, "Has anyone had success with Airbnb investments in Clermont? The regulations seem reasonable compared to some other areas."

There are discussions about the potential challenges of operating short-term rentals in Clermont, such as competition from larger property management companies and the need to maintain high occupancy rates to offset the costs of compliance.

A few users express concerns about the potential impact of a proliferation of short-term rentals on the local housing market and community, with one user stating, "While the regulations are clear, we should also consider the broader implications of too many properties being converted to short-term rentals."

Overall, the opinions on Reddit and Bigger Pockets reflect a range of perspectives, from those who appreciate the clarity and reasonableness of Clermont's regulations to those who are concerned about the potential financial and community impacts of short-term rentals in the area.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.