Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Tampa?

Yes. Tampa requires Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) plus City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt; no city-specific STR permit exists, and the fee is $170. Short-term rentals are legal throughout the City of Tampa, which has no STR-specific ordinance, registration program, night cap, or minimum-stay rule of its own (Florida law preempts new local STR bans, and Tampa repealed its rental-certificate program in May 2023). Hosts must hold a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License ($170/year for a single unit, plus a one-time $50 application fee and a $10 annual Hospitality Education Program fee — $230 the first year) and a City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt, and guests owe 13.5% in combined taxes (7.5% state/county sales tax plus 6% Hillsborough Tourist Development Tax, largely platform-collected). The biggest restriction nearby — Hillsborough County's 7-night minimum stay in residential zones — applies in the unincorporated county, not inside Tampa city limits. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Tampa?

The Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) plus City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt; no city-specific STR permit exists fee in Tampa is $170, renewed annual. DBPR single vacation rental license (1 unit) is $170 for a full year; new applications add a one-time $50 application fee plus a $10 Hospitality Education Program (HEP) fee on top of the license fee, so the first year is $230, and annual renewals are $180 ($170 license + $10 HEP). Multi-unit single/group licenses run $180-$350/yr; half-year fees are roughly 50% if applying after the district's half-year date. The City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt fee for rental property was not published on the pages reviewed (varies by classification under Tampa Code Ch. 24; Business Tax Division 813-274-8751). Tampa's separate rental certificate/registration requirement was repealed effective May 4, 2023. A Hillsborough County local business tax receipt may also be required (county business tax operates under F.S. Ch. 205 / Ord. 95-4).

How to get a short-term rental permit in Tampa, FL (2026)

Tampa requires Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) plus City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt; no city-specific STR permit exists — the fee is $170, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.

Permit at a glance

Permit required	Yes
Permit name	Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) plus City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt; no city-specific STR permit exists
Permit fee	$170
Renewal	Annual

Step by step

1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. The City of Tampa has no dedicated STR ordinance and no STR-specific zoning restrictions, minimum-stay mandates, or annual night caps; STRs operate in residential districts citywide subject to ordinary noise, nuisance, and building/occupancy codes. By contrast, unincorporated Hillsborough County (outside city limits) treats rentals of fewer than 7 consecutive nights as lodging uses not allowed in residential zoning districts; several industry guides conflate the two jurisdictions, but documented county enforcement cases are in unincorporated areas (e.g., Thonotosassa, Apollo Beach), not inside Tampa.
2
Apply for the Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) plus City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt; no city-specific STR permit exists
Submit the Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) plus City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt; no city-specific STR permit exists application to Tampa and pay the $170 fee. DBPR single vacation rental license (1 unit) is $170 for a full year; new applications add a one-time $50 application fee plus a $10 Hospitality Education Program (HEP) fee on top of the license fee, so the first year is $230, and annual renewals are $180 ($170 license + $10 HEP). Multi-unit single/group licenses run $180-$350/yr; half-year fees are roughly 50% if applying after the district's half-year date. The City of Tampa Business Tax Receipt fee for rental property was not published on the pages reviewed (varies by classification under Tampa Code Ch. 24; Business Tax Division 813-274-8751). Tampa's separate rental certificate/registration requirement was repealed effective May 4, 2023. A Hillsborough County local business tax receipt may also be required (county business tax operates under F.S. Ch. 205 / Ord. 95-4).
3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Tampa. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.

STR rules change without warning.

Get an email the moment Tampa changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.

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Verified July 13, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Tampa before applying.

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