Mount Dora Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in Mount Dora, Florida?

Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, many cities and towns have enacted regulations on these types of rentals. Here's what you need to know about short-term rental rules in Mount Dora, Florida.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Mount Dora

Mount Dora has fairly strict regulations on short-term rentals compared to some other Florida cities. According to the city's Code of Ordinances, short-term rentals are only allowed in certain zoning districts:

The city requires all rental properties to be licensed and inspected if the structure is more than 5 years old. Owners must pay a fee to register their rental property with the city.

In 2018, Mount Dora reviewed a "loophole" that was allowing some short-term rentals to operate without proper permits. The city has been working to close this loophole and enforce its existing regulations more strictly.

On forums like Bigger Pockets, real estate investors have discussed the challenges of operating short-term rentals legally in Mount Dora. One investor noted that it's important to "make sure it's in an area where the zoning is conducive to one-day rentals" before purchasing an investment property in the city.

Despite the regulations, there are still many short-term rentals available in Mount Dora on sites like Zumper. Prices range from around $100-300 per night for full houses or apartments.

However, Airbnb hosts need to be diligent about complying with all local rules. As one property manager advised, "In Mount Dora, Florida, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations."

In summary, while it is possible to operate a short-term rental in Mount Dora, the city has fairly restrictive zoning rules. Hosts need to make sure their property is properly licensed, inspected, and located in an approved district for short-term rentals. Consulting with a local property manager familiar with the regulations is advisable before starting an Airbnb business in Mount Dora.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Mount Dora

In 2017, the City Council of Mount Dora adopted Ordinance No. 2017-05 requiring all owners of rental properties to obtain a license. This applies to short-term vacation rentals as well as long-term rentals.

To get a rental license, property owners must submit a completed Rental License Application to the Building Division at City Hall, along with a $30 application fee, $50 inspection fee, and $75 zoning review fee. If the rental structure is less than five years old, it does not require an inspection, but still needs a license. Structures over five years old must be inspected to ensure they meet minimum criteria outlined in the International Property Maintenance Code.

After the initial inspection, the owner or their designated agent must submit a rental affidavit to the Building Division every two years to keep the license active. If the license expires without an affidavit being submitted, the owner will need to reapply and pay the fees again.

The rental inspection and certification requirements are detailed in Chapter 22, Part VII of Mount Dora's Code of Ordinances. Some of the most common violations found during rental inspections include:

• Lack of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors
• Electrical hazards like exposed wiring or overloaded circuits
• Plumbing leaks or unsanitary conditions
• Structural issues such as rotting wood or damaged roofs
• Insect or rodent infestations

Mount Dora has been working to close loopholes and more strictly enforce its short-term rental regulations in recent years. In 2018, the city reviewed a "loophole" that was allowing some vacation rentals to operate without proper permits. Officials aim to ensure all short-term rentals are properly licensed, inspected, and compliant with zoning rules.

Required Documents for Mount Dora Short-Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental legally in Mount Dora, property owners must submit several required documents to the city. The first step is completing a Rental License Application and submitting it to the Building Division at City Hall.

Along with the Rental License Application, owners need to provide:

1. A $30 application fee
2. A $50 inspection fee (for structures over 5 years old)
3. A $75 zoning review fee
4. Proof of property ownership
5. A completed W-9 form
6. A copy of the owner's driver's license or state ID
7. If using a property management company, a letter authorizing them as an agent

If the rental property is located within a Homeowners Association (HOA), the owner may also need to provide a letter from the HOA board approving the use of the property as a short-term rental. Some HOAs have restrictions on rentals that are more stringent than the city's rules.

After the initial application and inspection, the owner or their designated agent must submit a rental affidavit to the Building Division every two years to keep the license active. This affidavit confirms that the property is still being used as a rental and that it continues to meet all city requirements.

Short-term rental owners need to keep all of their documentation up to date. If a license expires without a new affidavit being submitted, the owner will need to go through the entire application process again, including paying the associated fees.

The specific zoning requirements for short-term rentals are detailed in the city's Land Development Code. Owners can contact the Planning Department to verify their property's zoning district and whether rentals are allowed.

By carefully following the city's requirements and submitting all necessary documents, short-term rental owners in Mount Dora can ensure they are operating legally and avoid potential fines or penalties. The Building and Planning Divisions are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the licensing process.

Mount Dora Short-Term Rental Taxes

In addition to obtaining a rental license, short-term rental owners in Mount Dora must also collect and remit the appropriate taxes. Like most cities in Florida, Mount Dora collects several types of taxes on short-term rentals.

The first is the state sales tax, which is currently 6% in Florida. This tax applies to all rental stays of less than six months. Owners must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit this tax.

On top of the state sales tax, Lake County also collects a 5% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on short-term rentals. This tax funds tourism promotion and infrastructure improvements in the county. Rental owners must register with the Lake County Tax Collector's office to pay the TDT.

Finally, the City of Mount Dora levies a 6% Local Business Tax on all businesses operating within the city limits, including short-term rentals. This tax is paid annually when the owner renews their rental license with the city.

To summarize, the taxes that apply to short-term rentals in Mount Dora are:

1. 6% Florida sales tax
2. 5% Lake County Tourist Development Tax
3. 6% Mount Dora Local Business Tax

It's critical for rental owners to collect and remit these taxes properly to avoid penalties and interest charges. Many owners find it helpful to use a tax collection service or property management platform that automatically handles tax collection and remittance.

Failing to pay required taxes can lead to serious consequences, including fines, liens against the property, and even criminal charges in extreme cases. The Florida Department of Revenue and Lake County Tax Collector's Office conducts audits to ensure compliance with tax laws.

By understanding and fulfilling their tax obligations, short-term rental owners in Mount Dora can operate their businesses responsibly and contribute to the local economy. The city and county rely on these tax revenues to fund essential services and infrastructure that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Florida Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

While specific short-term rental regulations can vary by city and county, there are some general rules that apply across the state of Florida.

First, the state defines a short-term rental as any rental agreement that is less than six months in duration. For these rentals, owners must collect a 6% State Sales Tax from guests and remit it to the Florida Department of Revenue. This applies regardless of the length of the rental, and there is no minimum stay requirement to trigger this tax.

In addition, Florida state law prohibits local governments from banning short-term rentals altogether and from limiting the length or frequency of stays. This makes Florida one of the more favorable states for short-term rental operators compared to markets with more restrictive laws.

However, while cities and counties cannot ban short-term rentals outright, they are allowed to pass rules to mitigate potential negative impacts on the community. This includes things like noise ordinances, parking requirements, trash collection rules, and safety regulations.

Statewide, all vacation rentals must comply with strict sanitation and safety standards. This covers common areas like hallways and stairwells as well as private spaces and amenities within the rental unit. Specific items that fall under these rules include kitchen appliances, refrigerators, water systems, bedding, and linens.

Safety is also heavily regulated, with requirements for railings, heating and ventilation, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and more. The state authorities take these rules very seriously, and failure to comply can result in fines or other penalties.

It's important to note that the short-term rental landscape in Florida is constantly evolving. Legislators frequently propose new bills that could impact hosts, such as a potential statewide registration system, changes to tax collection, or mandatory inspections. Owners and property managers need to stay informed about the latest developments at both the state and local level.

Overall, while Florida is generally a short-term rental friendly state, operating a vacation rental legally requires careful research and compliance with a variety of state and local rules. Hosts should consult with local authorities and legal advisors to ensure they are meeting all requirements for registration, taxation, safety, and other regulations.

Does Mount Dora Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions from real estate investing forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, it appears that Mount Dora does enforce its short-term rental regulations fairly strictly compared to some other Florida cities. Many investors note the importance of ensuring a property is zoned properly for vacation rentals before purchasing in Mount Dora.

One Bigger Pockets user advised, "If you're going to buy something with the intent of short-term renting, make sure it's in an area where the zoning is conducive to one day rentals." This suggests that Mount Dora is not very lenient when it comes to allowing short-term rentals in areas not specifically zoned for them.

In 2018, the city reviewed a "loophole" that was enabling some vacation rental owners to operate without the proper permits and approvals. Officials aimed to close this loophole and more strictly enforce the existing rules, indicating the city is taking a harder stance on illegal short-term rentals.

While there are still many short-term rentals available in Mount Dora on sites like Airbnb and VRBO, the general consensus is that the city is not particularly friendly to vacation rentals compared to some other Florida hot spots. One source stated that of the estimated 200 short-term rentals operating in Mount Dora, only about 25 are properly licensed under the city's rules.

This doesn't necessarily mean investors and hosts aren't operating short-term rentals in Mount Dora, but doing so comes with more risk if not fully compliant with the city's zoning and licensing requirements. The strict enforcement means hosts are more likely to face fines, penalties or even shutdown if they attempt to skirt the rules.

Overall, Mount Dora appears to be a more challenging market for short-term rentals than other Florida vacation destinations. Investors should be very diligent about researching zoning and ensuring properties can be legally operated as vacation rentals to avoid issues with the city's stringent enforcement. While operating under the radar is always an option, it's a riskier approach in Mount Dora than in more STR-friendly cities.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mount Dora

Based on the information gathered from real estate forums and official city sources, here are the key steps to legally start a short-term rental business in Mount Dora, Florida:

1. Check the zoning for your property. Short-term rentals are only allowed in certain districts in Mount Dora. Contact the Planning Department to verify your property is zoned properly for vacation rentals. Rentals are not permitted in single-family residential zones.
2. Submit a Rental License Application to the Building Division at City Hall, along with a $30 application fee, $50 inspection fee (for properties over 5 years old), and $75 zoning review fee. New properties under 5 years old still need a license but may not require an inspection.
3. Schedule an inspection with the Building Department. Your property must meet the minimum standards in the International Property Maintenance Code. Common violations include missing smoke alarms, electrical hazards, plumbing issues, and structural problems.
4. Obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the city. Submit a signed and notarized application, a copy of your lease agreement if renting, proof of fictitious name registration if using a DBA, and payment of the business tax fee.
5. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue and Lake County Tax Collector to collect and remit the required 6% sales tax, 5% tourist development tax, and 6% local business tax on short-term rentals.
6. Verify with any homeowners association that short-term rentals are permitted and follow any HOA rules on rental terms, parking, pets, etc. HOA regulations supersede city ordinances.
7. Set up your property with furnishings, amenities, and safety equipment that will appeal to your target guests. Install noise monitoring devices and security cameras to deter parties and bad behavior.
8. List your property on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, or establish your own direct booking website. Set competitive rates, upload high-quality photos, write an enticing description, and establish house rules.
9. Implement a system to manage bookings, inquiries, cleaning, and maintenance. Consider hiring a property manager or using property management software to automate operations.
10. Market your rental property on social media and optimize your listing for SEO. Consider paid advertising to boost visibility. Solicit reviews from happy guests.

By carefully following Mount Dora's short-term rental regulations and implementing a well-thought-out business plan, you can launch a successful and compliant vacation rental business in this charming lakefront town. The key is ensuring your property is zoned and licensed properly to avoid fines and restrictions.

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

If you have questions about short-term rental regulations or zoning for your property in Mount Dora, there are several city departments you can contact for assistance.

For questions about rental licenses, inspections, and building codes, contact the Building Division:

Building Division
510 N Baker St
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Phone: (352) 735-7112
Email: building@cityofmountdora.com

The Building Division handles all rental license applications, schedules inspections for properties over 5 years old, and enforces the International Property Maintenance Code. They can help you determine if your rental property meets the city's minimum standards for safety and habitability.

For questions about zoning, land use, and allowable rental districts, contact the Planning and Development Department:

Planning and Development Department
510 N Baker St
Mount Dora, FL 32757
Phone: (352) 735-7113
Email: planning@cityofmountdora.com

The Planning and Development Department oversees the city's Land Development Code and zoning map. They can verify if your property is located in a district that allows short-term rentals, and explain any specific restrictions that may apply.

You can also find helpful information and application forms on the city's website:

1. Rental Inspection Information:
   https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/182/Rental-Inspection-Information
2. Planning & Development:
   https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/231/Planning-Development
3. Planning & Zoning:
   https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/304/Planning-Zoning

The staff in these departments are knowledgeable about Mount Dora's short-term rental rules and are available to answer questions and provide guidance on the licensing and zoning process. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for assistance in ensuring your vacation rental business is fully compliant with all city regulations.

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

Based on discussions from real estate investing forums like Bigger Pockets, it appears that potential short-term rental investors have some concerns about Mount Dora's regulations.

One user on Bigger Pockets asked about purchasing an investment property in Mount Dora to use as an Airbnb. In response, another investor advised, "If you're going to buy something with the intent of short-term renting, make sure it's in an area where the zoning is conducive to one-day rentals." This suggests that Mount Dora's zoning rules are fairly restrictive when it comes to allowing short-term rentals in certain districts.

Another Bigger Pockets member, who is a real estate agent in the nearby town of Apopka, noted that downtown Mount Dora is a great year-round Airbnb market, but only "as long as you're within the main downtown district." This implies that Mount Dora likely has geographic limitations on where short-term rentals are permitted.

While there weren't many posts from current Airbnb hosts in Mount Dora specifically, the general sentiment seems to be that the city's regulations present some challenges for short-term rental operators. Investors are cautioned to carefully research zoning rules and ensure properties can be legally used as vacation rentals before purchasing.

The lack of many vocal Airbnb hosts based in Mount Dora on these forums could indicate that the city's strict enforcement has limited the number of people operating short-term rentals. Hosts may be hesitant to draw attention to themselves if they are skirting the rules.

Overall, the opinions expressed by investors and agents on Bigger Pockets suggest that Mount Dora's short-term regulations are fairly restrictive compared to some other Florida cities. Potential Airbnb hosts should be diligent about ensuring compliance with all local rules before starting a vacation rental business in Mount Dora.

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.