Understanding Sarasota County Short-Term Rental Policies: What You Need to Know

​As a Sarasota County homeowner, you may be considering renting out your home on a short-term basis. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or simply want to accommodate travelers, it’s important to understand the county’s policies on short-term rentals. This guide will explain what you need to know about short-term rental regulations in Sarasota County.

Sarasota County’s short-term rental market has exploded in recent years, as the area has become a popular vacation destination. According to data from the vacation rental website VRBO, the number of listings in Sarasota County has nearly doubled since 2014.

With this increase in popularity has come increased regulation from the county. In 2017, the county commission passed a law that established new regulations for short-term rentals. These regulations include a requirement that owners obtain a license from the county, as well as a limit on the number of occupants that can stay in a rental unit.

The county has also created a Short-Term Rental Advisory Board, which is tasked with making recommendations on how to best regulate the industry. The board is made up of representatives from various stakeholders, including vacation rental property owners, real estate professionals, and members of the tourism industry.

If you’re thinking about renting out your home on a short-term basis, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations. This guide will explain everything you need to know about short-term rental policies in Sarasota County.

Overview of Sarasota County Short-Term Rental Rules

​Sarasota County is a beautiful place to visit, and many people choose to rent short-term vacation rentals when they come here. It's important to be aware of the county's rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals, so that you can be sure to have a enjoyable and smooth vacation.

Sarasota County's short-term rental policies are designed to balance the needs of residents and visitors, and to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the most important things to know about short-term rental rules in Sarasota County:

1. All short-term rentals must be licensed by the county. You can apply for a license online, and there is a non-refundable application fee of $100.

2. Your property must meet certain standards in order to be eligible for a short-term rental license. These standards include having adequate parking, being in a good state of repair, and being in compliance with the county's zoning regulations.

3. You must have liability insurance in order to rent your property short-term. This insurance must cover damages up to $500,000.

4. You must provide your guests with a list of house rules, and you must also post a notice in a conspicuous place on the property that lists the county's noise ordinance.

5. You are responsible for ensuring that your guests comply with all local ordinances, including the noise ordinance. If your guests violate any ordinances, you may be subject to fines or have your license revoked.

6. You must limit the occupancy of your rental property to two people per bedroom, plus two additional people.

7. You must maintain the property in a clean and orderly condition, and you must provide adequate trash receptacles for your guests.

8. You must have a valid fire extinguisher on the premises, and you must provide your guests with information about how to use it.

9. You must provide your guests with information about the nearest hospital, police station, and fire station.

10. You must comply with all other local ordinances that apply to short-term rentals.

Following these rules will help to ensure that your vacation rental experience in Sarasota County is a positive one. By being aware of the county's regulations, you can help to ensure that your rental property is a safe and enjoyable place for both you and your guests.

Understanding the Different Types of Short-Term Rentals in Sarasota County

​There are different types of short-term rentals in Sarasota County. Some are for vacationers and some are for business travelers. You need to know the difference so you can make the best decision for your travel needs.

Vacation rentals are perfect for those who want to enjoy all that Sarasota County has to offer without having to worry about hotel accommodations. There are many vacation rental properties available, from condos and apartments to single-family homes and villas. You can find vacation rentals in all price ranges, so you can find one that fits your budget.

Business travelers often need short-term rentals for work-related trips. If you're coming to Sarasota County for a business conference or training, you may not need a hotel room for your entire stay. A short-term rental can give you the flexibility to come and go as you please, and it can be more cost-effective than a hotel room.

There are many different types of short-term rentals available in Sarasota County. You need to know what you're looking for so you can find the perfect rental for your needs. Whether you're coming for a vacation or a business trip, there's a rental property that's perfect for you.

Requirements for Obtaining a Short-Term Rental Permit in Sarasota County

​If you're thinking of renting out your property for short-term stays, it's important to be aware of the policies and regulations in Sarasota County. In this blog post, we'll go over the requirements for obtaining a short-term rental permit, as well as some of the other things you need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, you'll need to obtain a short-term rental permit from the county. The application must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the start of the rental period. Along with the application, you'll need to submit a site plan, floor plan, and elevation drawings of the property.

In addition to the permit, there are a few other things you'll need to take care of. First, you'll need to make sure that your property is zoned for short-term rentals. You can check with the county planning department to see if your property is zoned correctly.

You'll also need to obtain a business tax receipt from the county. This is required for all businesses operating in Sarasota County, regardless of whether they're based in the county or not. The receipt must be renewed annually.

Finally, you'll need to have liability insurance in place. This is to protect you in case something happens on your property that results in someone being injured. Without insurance, you could be held liable for any damages.

So, those are the requirements for obtaining a short-term rental permit in Sarasota County. If you have any questions, be sure to contact the county planning department or your insurance provider.

How to Comply with Sarasota County's Short-Term Rental Insurance Guidelines

​Assuming you would like a blog titled "How to Comply with Sarasota County's Short-Term Rental Insurance Guidelines":

As a homeowner in Sarasota County, you may be considering renting out your home on a short-term basis. While this can be a great way to earn some extra income, it's important to make sure you're in compliance with the county's short-term rental insurance guidelines.

Here's what you need to know about Sarasota County's short-term rental insurance guidelines:

1. You must have a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance.

2. Your insurance policy must name Sarasota County as an additional insured.

3. You must provide proof of insurance to the county upon request.

4. Your insurance policy must cover any damages caused by guests during their stay.

5. You must have a policy in place that covers any damages caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

following these guidelines will help you protect your investment, while also ensuring you're in compliance with the law.

Tips for Creating an Effective Short-Term Rental Advertising Plan

​As a Sarasota County resident, you may be considering renting out your home or investment property on a short-term basis.

Before you start advertising your property, it's important to understand the county's short-term rental policies.

Here are some tips for creating an effective short-term rental advertising plan:

1. Know the county's policy on short-term rentals.

The county has strict rules on who can rent out their property on a short-term basis.

Make sure you are familiar with the policy before you start advertising your property.

2. Choose the right platform to advertise your property.

There are many websites and platforms that allow you to advertise your property.

Take some time to research which platform will work best for you.

3. Make sure your property is listed correctly.

When you list your property, make sure all the information is accurate.

Include photos and a description of your property.

4. Be clear about your rental policies.

When you advertise your property, be clear about your rental policies.

Include information about your cancellation policy, check-in and check-out times, and pet policy.

5. Set a competitive price.

When you set your rental price, make sure it is competitive.

You can use websites like Airbnb to research prices for similar properties in the area.

6. Promote your property.

Once you have listed your property, promote it on social media and other online platforms.

You can also use traditional marketing methods, such as flyers and postcards.

By following these tips, you can create an effective short-term rental advertising plan.

Keeping Up with Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sarasota County

​Sarasota County is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. And, with its year-round warm weather and abundance of activities and attractions, it's no wonder that short-term rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years.

However, as with anything, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed in order to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and safe experience for everyone involved. So, if you're thinking of renting out your home or property for short-term stays, it's important to have a basic understanding of the policies and regulations in place.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. All short-term rentals in Sarasota County must be registered with the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) office. This includes properties that are rented through online platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.

2. A Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate must be prominently displayed at the rental property.

3. Sarasota County requires all short-term rental owners to obtain a business tax receipt (BTR) from the county clerk's office.

4. Properties that are rented for less than 6 months or 30 days, whichever is longer, are considered to be short-term rentals.

5. Short-term rentals are not allowed in residential zoning districts. In order to be eligible for short-term rental status, a property must be located in a commercial, industrial, or agricultural zoning district.

6. There are specific requirements that must be met in order for a property to be considered a short-term rental, such as having a minimum of three bedrooms and being available for rent a minimum of four days per week.

7. short-term rental permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

8. The maximum number of occupants for a short-term rental is eight people.

9. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed to be parked at a short-term rental property.

10. There are noise and party ordinances in place that must be followed in order to maintain the quality of life for all residents in Sarasota County. This includes a curfew of 10pm for outdoor music and gatherings.

With all of these things to keep in mind, it's important to do your research and be prepared before making the decision to rent out your property for short-term stays. By understanding the policies and regulations in place, you can help ensure a positive experience for both you and your guests.

Understanding Sarasota County's Tax Requirements for Short-Term Rentals

​If you're thinking about renting out your home or investment property in Sarasota County, it's important to understand the tax implications. The county imposes a 3% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on all short-term rentals of six months or less. This tax is used to fund local tourism-related projects and promotion.

While the TDT may seem like a small amount, it can add up quickly. For example, if you rent out your property for $1,000 per month, you would owe $360 in TDT for the year.

In addition to the TDT, you may also be responsible for other taxes, including the Florida State Sales Tax and the Sarasota County Business Tax. The state sales tax rate is 6%, while the county business tax rate varies depending on the type of business.

If you're renting out your property on a short-term basis, it's important to be aware of these tax implications. Failure to pay the TDT can result in penalties and interest. The county also has the right to pursue legal action if the taxes are not paid.

So, if you're thinking about renting out your property in Sarasota County, be sure to factor in the cost of the TDT. It's also a good idea to consult with a tax professional to make sure you're in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Navigating Sarasota County's Noise and Nuisance Regulations

​If you're considering renting out your home or property on a short-term basis in Sarasota County, it's important to be aware of the county's noise and nuisance regulations. By understanding these regulations, you can help ensure that your rental property doesn't become a nuisance to your neighbors or the community at large.

Sarasota County's noise and nuisance regulations are found in Chapter 86 of the county's Code of Ordinances. These regulations cover a wide range of potential nuisances, including excessive noise, disorderly conduct, and public urination.

One of the most important aspects of these regulations is the noise ordinance. This ordinance prohibits any noise that can be heard from a distance of 50 feet or more. This means that if your renters are having a party or playing music loudly, they could be violating the noise ordinance.

To help enforce the noise ordinance, the county has established a noise complaint line. If you receive a complaint about excessive noise coming from your rental property, you may be required to investigate the complaint and take action to address the problem.

In addition to the noise ordinance, there are also regulations prohibiting disorderly conduct. This can include things like fighting, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct at a funeral. If your renters are engaging in any of these activities, they could be in violation of the county's ordinances.

Finally, there is also a regulation prohibiting public urination. This regulation is designed to protect public health and keep neighborhoods clean. If your renters are caught urinating in public, they could be fined or even arrested.

By understanding Sarasota County's noise and nuisance regulations, you can help ensure that your rental property is a good neighbor and doesn't become a nuisance to the community. If you have any questions about these regulations, or if you need help addressing a complaint, you can contact the county's Code Enforcement Division at 941-861-5000.

Responding to Complaints About Your Short-Term Rental Property

​If you're renting out your home or property as a short-term rental, it's important to be aware of the policies in place in Sarasota County. These policies are in place to help ensure the safety of both guests and neighbors, and to minimize the impact of short-term rentals on the local community.

When it comes to responding to complaints about your short-term rental property, the best approach is to be proactive and responsive. If you're aware of potential problems before they arise, you can take steps to prevent them. And if problems do arise, address them quickly and openly.

One of the most common complaints about short-term rentals is noise. If you live in a quiet neighborhood, be sure to let your guests know that they need to respect the peace and quiet. Explain the rules about noise level and hours of operation, and enforce them if necessary. You may also want to consider investing in soundproofing materials for your rental property.

Another common complaint is trash and debris. Be sure to provide adequate garbage and recycling bins for your guests, and make sure they know where they should put them. You may also want to create a house rule about not leaving trash or debris outside, and enforce it if necessary.

Another complaint that's often made about short-term rentals is parking. If you live in a neighborhood with limited parking, be sure to let your guests know where they can and can't park. You may also want to consider providing guest parking passes or creating a parking spot just for short-term rental guests.

Finally, one of the most common complaints about short-term rentals is the behavior of the guests themselves. If you have concerns about a particular guest, feel free to ask them to leave. And if you receive complaints from neighbors about disruptive or disrespectful guests, don't hesitate to take action.

By being proactive and responsive to complaints, you can help ensure that your short-term rental property is a positive experience for both guests and neighbors.

Conclusion: What You Need to Know About Short-Term Rental Policies in Sarasota County

​In order to rent your home or property in Sarasota County for fewer than 30 days at a time, you must obtain a special exception permit from the county. The number of days that you are allowed to rent your home or property and the number of times per year that you can rent it are both determined by the zoning of your property.

In most cases, you will need to apply for a permit to the county’s Development Review Services. The application must be accompanied by a site plan that shows the location of the property relative to its surroundings, as well as any structures on the property. The application must also include a statement from the owner that they will be in compliance with all of the requirements of the Short Term Rental Ordinance.

If you are found to be in violation of the ordinance, you may be subject to a fine of up to $500 per day.

The Short Term Rental Ordinance is in place to ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the peace and quiet of Sarasota County. By following the policies set forth in the ordinance, you can help to keep your community a great place to live, work, and play.