St. Cloud, Florida Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are Short-Term Rental (Airbnb, VRBO) Regulations in St. Cloud, Florida?

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

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in St. Cloud

To operate a short-term rental in St. Cloud, property owners must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the city. The application requires submitting a Landlord Business Tax Receipt Application along with associated documents and fees.

The city's zoning code allows short-term rentals in certain districts, but with some restrictions. For example, in residential neighborhoods, short-term rentals are not permitted. Properties can only be rented out for periods of less than 30 days in zoning districts that allow hotels and motels.

Additionally, there are limits on the number of guests allowed and the maximum number of days a property can be rented per year. Hosts must adhere to these regulations to avoid potential fines or penalties.

Some specific neighborhoods in St. Cloud may have additional rules or HOA restrictions on short-term rentals. For example, the Reunion Resort & Club allows short-term rentals in guest homes only when the main single-family residence is homesteaded.

Overall, while short-term rentals are allowed in parts of St. Cloud, the city has put a number of ordinances in place to regulate the industry. Property owners should carefully review the city's code and zoning requirements before listing their home on sites like Airbnb or VRBO.

By understanding and following the local regulations, hosts can successfully operate short-term rentals in St. Cloud while being good neighbors and community members. Professional property management companies can also assist owners in navigating the rules and optimizing their rental business.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in St. Cloud

To operate a short-term rental in St. Cloud, property owners must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the city. Here are the steps to apply for a BTR:

• Download and complete the Landlord Business Tax Receipt Application from the city's website.
• Submit the completed application along with the following:
• Associated documents
• Plans, if applicable
• Required fees

City staff will review the application for compliance with standards and provide any applicable comments.

Once approved, the BTR will be issued and must be available upon request. The rental property is subject to inspection by authorized city officers.

The BTR fee is assessed per property owner. Specific fee amounts are not provided on the city's website, so it's best to contact their office for current rates.

The city's website does not indicate the typical processing time for BTR applications. Reaching out to the Building Department directly for an estimate is recommended.

Property owners who rent out their property without obtaining the required BTR may be subject to fines and penalties. The specific amounts are not listed on the city's site. To avoid violations, landlords should ensure they have a valid BTR before listing their property for short-term rental.

Applications and fees can be submitted to the city by mail, in person at City Hall, or via their online portal. The mailing address is:

Building Department
1300 9th Street
St. Cloud, FL 34769

For the most up-to-date information on short-term rental licensing requirements and fees, contact the St. Cloud Building Department at (407) 957-7224 or visit the city's website at stcloud.org.

Required Documents for St. Cloud Short-Term Rentals

To apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate a short-term rental in St. Cloud, property owners must submit the following documents:

1. Completed Landlord Business Tax Receipt Application: This form collects key information about the property owner and rental property. It can be downloaded from the city's website.
2. Associated documents: These may include proof of ownership, a lease agreement if the applicant is not the property owner, or other relevant paperwork as requested by the city.
3. Plans, if applicable: For new construction or renovations, building plans may need to be submitted for review.
4. Required fees: Applicants must pay the BTR fee, which is assessed per property owner. The specific fee amount is not provided on the city's website, so it's best to contact their office for current rates.

Once all required documents and fees are submitted, city staff will review the application for compliance with standards and provide any applicable comments. If approved, the BTR will be issued.

It's important to note that the BTR must be available upon request, and the rental property is subject to inspection by authorized city officers. Failure to obtain a BTR before operating a short-term rental may result in fines and penalties.

For the most up-to-date information on required documents and fees, contact the St. Cloud Building Department at (407) 957-7224 or visit the city's website at stcloud.org.

St. Cloud Short-Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental owners in St. Cloud must collect and remit several types of taxes:

1. Florida Sales Tax: The state sales tax rate is 6% of the total rental amount, including any cleaning fees. This tax is remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue.
2. Discretionary Sales Surtax: St. Cloud is located in Osceola County, which imposes an additional 1.5% surtax on top of the state sales tax. This brings the total sales tax rate to 7.5%.
3. Tourist Development Tax: Osceola County also levies a 6% Tourist Development Tax on short-term rentals. This tax is used to fund tourism promotion and development in the county. It is remitted directly to the Osceola County Tax Collector's office.

In total, short-term rental owners in St. Cloud should collect and remit 13.5% in taxes on their rental income (6% state sales tax + 1.5% discretionary sales surtax + 6% tourist development tax).

These taxes apply to all rental periods of six months or less. Rentals longer than six months are exempt from sales and tourist development taxes.

Short-term rental owners may be able to deduct certain expenses from their taxable income, such as:

1. Mortgage interest
2. Property taxes
3. Insurance
4. Utilities
5. Cleaning and maintenance costs
6. Depreciation of the rental property

It's best to consult with a tax professional to determine which deductions apply to your specific situation and to ensure proper tax compliance. Detailed record-keeping is essential to claim any eligible write-offs.

By understanding and staying current with St. Cloud's tax requirements, short-term rental owners can avoid penalties and run a successful rental business. The Florida Department of Revenue and Osceola County Tax Collector's Office can provide additional information and assistance.

Florida Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In 2024, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 280, which establishes statewide regulations for short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo. If signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2024, and introduce the following key provisions:

1. Statewide registry: All vacation rental properties in Florida would be required to register with a new statewide database.
2. Local government authority: The bill allows local governments to require vacation rental owners to register their properties and charge a "reasonable fee" for registration. Local authorities could also impose fines of up to $500 for registration violations.
3. Occupancy limits: The maximum overnight occupancy of a vacation rental would be limited to two persons per bedroom, plus an additional two persons in one common area, or more than two persons per bedroom if there is at least 50 square feet per person.
4. Inspections and permits: Local governments may require inspections of vacation rentals along with an inspection fee to obtain permits to operate.
5. Responsible party: Vacation rental owners must designate a responsible party who can be available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
6. Suspension of licenses: Local authorities could suspend licenses for vacation rentals that violate general laws five times during a 30 or 60-day period, or after two prior suspensions.
7. Taxes: Short-term rental marketplaces that collect payments from guests would be required to collect and remit state lodging taxes on behalf of hosts.

While the bill aims to create uniform statewide rules, it still allows for some local control. Stricter local laws passed before June 1, 2011, would remain in effect, as well as county ordinances introduced before 2016.

In the City of St. Cloud specifically, property owners who rent or lease their properties must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt and pay an assessed fee per property. The city also charges impact fees for short-term rentals to support increased public services needed, with the fee amount varying based on the type of rental unit.

Overall, if Senate Bill 280 becomes law, short-term rental hosts in St. Cloud and across Florida will need to closely monitor the new statewide requirements while also adhering to any additional local regulations. Registering properties, obtaining permits, and collecting proper taxes will be critical for compliance.

Does St. Cloud Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions among short-term rental hosts on forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit, St. Cloud appears to be less Airbnb-friendly compared to some other Florida cities. The city requires all vacation rental properties to obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt and charges an assessed fee per property. Hosts have reported that St. Cloud enforces its short-term rental regulations more strictly than nearby areas.

On Reddit, several hosts mentioned receiving violation notices and fines from St. Cloud's code enforcement department for operating vacation rentals without the proper permits and licenses. One host said, "St. Cloud definitely cracks down hard on STRs. I got hit with a $500 fine for renting my place on Airbnb before getting a business tax receipt."

Another BiggerPockets user shared, "I wouldn't risk operating an Airbnb under the radar in St. Cloud. They're pretty serious about enforcement from what I've seen. It's not impossible, but you've got to dot your i's and cross your t's with licensing and follow all their rules to a T."

While some hosts still operate STRs in St. Cloud despite the strict regulations, the general consensus is that it's not worth the hassle and potential penalties. "St. Cloud just isn't as Airbnb-friendly as Orlando or Kissimmee," opined a Reddit user. "I'd look to invest in short-term rentals elsewhere in the area if that's your strategy."

So in summary, St. Cloud takes a harder line on short-term rental enforcement compared to many other cities in Florida. Hosts can operate legally by carefully following all of the city's permitting and licensing requirements, but many find the regulatory environment unfavorable compared to nearby markets. Attempting to fly under the radar is risky, as code enforcement actively looks for and penalizes non-compliant vacation rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in St. Cloud

1. Research local regulations and obtain necessary permits:

1. Familiarize yourself with St. Cloud's short-term rental ordinances and any upcoming changes due to Florida's Senate Bill 280.
2. Obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the city and pay the assessed fee per property.
3. Ensure your property meets all safety and occupancy requirements.
4. Consult with a local real estate attorney or property manager to ensure compliance.

2. Prepare your property for guests:

1. Furnish and decorate your rental to create an inviting atmosphere.
2. Invest in quality furniture, linens, and amenities to attract guests and garner positive reviews.
3. Consider hiring a professional photographer to showcase your property's best features.
4. Focus on creating a unique and memorable experience for your guests.

3. Choose a short-term rental platform and create your listing:

1. Select a platform like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com to list your property.
2. Craft a compelling listing description highlighting your property's unique features and location.
3. Set competitive rates based on market research and your property's amenities.
4. Optimize your listing with high-quality photos and a catchy title to stand out from competitors.

4. Establish a cleaning and maintenance routine:

1. Develop a thorough cleaning checklist to ensure your property is spotless for each guest.
2. Hire a reliable cleaning service or manage the cleaning yourself between guest stays.
3. Conduct regular maintenance to keep your property in top condition.
4. Consider using a digital guidebook or welcome book to provide guests with important information and local recommendations.

5. Manage bookings and guest communication:

• Respond promptly to guest inquiries and booking requests to maintain a high response rate.
• Use a calendar system to keep track of reservations and avoid double bookings.
• Communicate check-in instructions, house rules, and local information to guests before their arrival.
• Utilize automated messaging tools to streamline guest communication and save time.

6. Provide excellent customer service:

• Be available to answer guest questions and address any issues that may arise during their stay.
• Go above and beyond to create a memorable experience for your guests.
• Encourage guests to leave reviews and respond to feedback promptly.
• Small touches like a welcome gift or personalized note can make a big impression on guests.

7. Continuously improve and adapt your business:

• Monitor your competition and adjust your pricing and amenities accordingly.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in local regulations and platform policies.
• Reinvest a portion of your profits into property upgrades and amenity additions.
• Regularly solicit feedback from guests to identify areas for improvement.

Starting a successful short-term rental business in St. Cloud requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. By following these steps and staying compliant with local regulations, you can build a thriving vacation rental business in this popular Florida destination.

Who to Contact in St. Cloud about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions about short-term rental regulations and zoning in St. Cloud, Florida, you can contact the following departments:

• City of St. Cloud Planning Department
  Phone: (407) 957-7235
  Email: planning@stcloud.org
  Address: 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769
• City of St. Cloud Building Department (for permits and inspections)
  Phone: (407) 957-7224
  Email: building@stcloud.org
  Address: 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769
• City of St. Cloud Code Enforcement Division
  Phone: (407) 957-7308
  Email: codeenforcement@stcloud.org
  Address: 1300 9th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769

Additionally, short-term rental hosts in St. Cloud may find the following online resources and communities helpful:

St. Cloud, FL Short-Term Rental Hosts Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stcloudflstrhost/

This private group is a platform for St. Cloud Airbnb and vacation rental hosts to connect, share experiences, and discuss local regulations and best practices.

St. Cloud Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/StCloud/

While not exclusively for short-term rentals, this subreddit is a place for St. Cloud residents to discuss various topics related to the city, including local ordinances and real estate.

BiggerPockets St. Cloud Forum: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/532-st-cloud-fl

BiggerPockets is a popular real estate investing platform, and their St. Cloud forum is a great place to network with other local investors and discuss short-term rental strategies and regulations.

By contacting the appropriate city departments and engaging with local host communities, short-term rental owners in St. Cloud can stay informed about the latest regulations and zoning requirements while connecting with fellow hosts for support and advice.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in St. Cloud on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

While there aren't many discussions specifically about short-term rental regulations in St. Cloud, Florida, hosts in nearby Orlando and Kissimmee have shared their experiences and thoughts on local rules in various online forums:

Reddit r/airbnb_hosts - "Advice for new host in Orlando/central Florida"

In this thread, hosts discuss the saturated market in central Florida and the challenges of breaking even due to high competition and low bookings from September to December.

BiggerPockets Forum - "Airbnb Property Manager"

A host who recently purchased a townhouse in Kissimmee near Disney asks for recommendations on property managers in the area, indicating the popularity of short-term rentals in this region.

Reddit r/AirBnBHosts - "Looking to buy home in Orlando as an airbnb in near future"

Hosts advise against buying a property in Orlando or Kissimmee for Airbnb, citing market saturation, high competition, and the need for significant cash reserves to succeed.

Reddit r/AirBnBHosts - "New Airbnb Host in Florida - any advice?"

While not specific to St. Cloud, hosts offer general tips for new Florida Airbnb owners, such as setting clear pool temperature guidelines, emphasizing check-in/out times, and being cautious about providing alcohol to guests.

BiggerPockets Forum - "STR (AirBnb/VRBO) Orlando—First Time Investor"

An investor looking to purchase a vacation home in Kissimmee, Orlando, or Davenport seeks advice on the local market and regulations, highlighting the popularity of short-term rentals in these areas.

Although these discussions don't directly address St. Cloud's regulations, they provide insight into the experiences and concerns of short-term rental hosts in the central Florida region. The general consensus seems to be that the market is highly competitive, and hosts must navigate various local rules and requirements to operate successfully.

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.