Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals: 2026 Guide
Florida sales tax on vacation rentals: 6% state rate, discretionary surtax, DOR registration, platform remittance, penalties, and investor filing checklist.
By Florida Estate Editorial · Updated July 3, 2026 · 13 min read
Quick answer: Florida short-term rentals face 6% state sales tax on gross rent for stays six months or less, plus discretionary local surtax up to 1.5% on the first $5,000 of each charge, separate from county Tourist Development Tax collected by county tax collectors.
Florida sales tax applies to vacation rentals separately from county bed taxes. Investors who treat platform remittance as a substitute for registration often accumulate penalties. This guide explains registration, filing, platform versus direct booking obligations, and how sales tax stacks with county Tourist Development Tax documented in our Florida tourist development tax by county.
Use this Florida Sales Tax on STR compliance guide together with our Florida STR regulations guide, Florida rental yield guide, and due diligence in Florida real estate. Licensing steps are detailed in our DBPR vacation rental license guide. Tax registration and filing obligations are covered in our Florida tourist development tax by county.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals florida transient rental tax definitions?
Direct answer: Florida transient rental tax definitions depends on verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA constraints in Florida. Under typical 2026 assumptions, gross yields span 3% to 10% by market while net yields often land 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, 6% state sales tax on short-term rent, county tourist development tax near 4% to 6%, and property tax near 1% to 2% of assessed value. Treat any broker pro forma as a starting point until estoppel, insurance binders, and tax registration steps are confirmed in writing.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
Florida Statute Chapter 212 taxes rental of living accommodations for six months or less. Gross rent includes nightly rates, mandatory cleaning fees, pet fees, and other required charges.
| Charge type | Taxable as rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nightly rate | Yes | Core transient base |
| Mandatory cleaning | Yes | Bundled fees count |
| Optional add-ons | Often yes | If required for stay |
| Security deposit | No | If refundable |
| Damage waiver | Case-specific | Review with CPA |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals state sales tax versus county tdt?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals state sales tax versus county tdt. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Tax | Rate | Administrator | Registration portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida sales tax | 6% | Florida DOR | Florida DOR |
| Discretionary surtax | 0% to 1.5% on first $5,000 | Florida DOR | Same account |
| County TDT | 5% to 7% typical | County tax collector | Separate account |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals registration and filing workflow?
Direct answer: Registration and filing workflow depends on verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA constraints in Florida. Under typical 2026 assumptions, gross yields span 3% to 10% by market while net yields often land 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, 6% state sales tax on short-term rent, county tourist development tax near 4% to 6%, and property tax near 1% to 2% of assessed value. Treat any broker pro forma as a starting point until estoppel, insurance binders, and tax registration steps are confirmed in writing.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
- Register with Florida DOR before first taxable receipt.
- Collect tax from guests on direct bookings.
- Confirm platform tax collection settings for OTA bookings.
- File monthly returns including zero returns when required.
- Reconcile platform reports against filed returns.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals penalty exposure?
Direct answer: Penalty exposure depends on verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA constraints in Florida. Under typical 2026 assumptions, gross yields span 3% to 10% by market while net yields often land 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, 6% state sales tax on short-term rent, county tourist development tax near 4% to 6%, and property tax near 1% to 2% of assessed value. Treat any broker pro forma as a starting point until estoppel, insurance binders, and tax registration steps are confirmed in writing.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
Late filing triggers $50 minimum penalties per month plus interest. Audits can reach back through all unfiled periods without a standard statute of limitations on unreported tax.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals platform remittance limits?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals platform remittance limits. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Airbnb, Vrbo, and other OTAs often remit state and county taxes on marketplace bookings in Florida. Owners still need their own tax accounts and must report direct bookings, owner stays used as comps, and any non-remitted charges.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals sales tax modeling table for investors?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals sales tax modeling table for investors. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Gross booking | 6% state tax | Surtax example 1% on $5k cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $60 | $10 | Surtax capped base |
| $2,500 | $150 | $25 | Cleaning included in gross |
| $5,000 | $300 | $50 | Full surtax base |
| $8,000 | $480 | $50 | Surtax stops at $5k |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals document retention standards?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals document retention standards. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Document | Retention |
|---|---|
| DR-15 returns | 7 years |
| Platform tax reports | 7 years |
| Guest folios | 3 years |
| Refund and cancellation logs | 3 years |
Extended Florida sales tax compliance notes for multi-property investors
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting extended florida sales tax compliance notes for multi-property investors. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Scaling STR portfolios increases audit and HOA enforcement visibility. Use a master compliance calendar across counties with separate tax accounts per parcel.
| Portfolio task | Cadence | Owner benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tax account reconciliation | Monthly | Avoid penalties |
| HOA estoppel refresh | Before each acquisition | Prevent rental bans |
| Insurance requote | Annual | Control premium drift |
| Regulation monitor | Quarterly | Catch ordinance changes |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals county pages to read next?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals county pages to read next. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Pair county guides with our Florida STR regulations guide and due diligence in Florida real estate when expanding beyond a single market.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals recordkeeping and audit readiness?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals recordkeeping and audit readiness. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Record | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tax filing confirmations | Penalty defense |
| HOA estoppel archive | Restriction defense |
| Guest registration logs | HOA and city compliance |
| Insurance certificates | Liability defense |
| Platform tax reports | Reconciliation |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals operational metrics to track?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals operational metrics to track. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Metric | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Net ADR after fees | Platform mix decisions |
| Effective tax rate | Underwriting accuracy |
| HOA fee ratio | Cash flow stability |
| Compliance ticket count | Enforcement risk |
| Shoulder season occupancy | Debt service coverage |
What should investors know about investor decision framework for florida str sales tax for Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what should investors know about investor decision framework for florida str sales tax for florida str sales tax for vacation rentals. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Sales tax compliance is non-negotiable even when OTAs remit tax on marketplace bookings. Owners remain liable for registration, filing, and direct booking collections.
| Investor profile | Filing approach | Proceed if | Walk away if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Orlando STR | CPA monthly DR-15 review | DOR account active and platform reports archived | Prior owner has unfiled periods |
| Multi-county portfolio | CPA plus bookkeeper | Separate tax accounts per county | Manager commingles gross receipts |
| Foreign owner LLC | Florida CPA of record | ITIN or EIN on DOR account | Wire instructions skip tax setup |
| Owner-occupied seasonal rental | DIY with CPA year-end | Personal use days documented | Mixed use breaks transient classification |
Scenario A, first DOR registration: Open the sales tax account before first guest payment, configure OTA tax collection, and file zero returns in months with no direct bookings.
Scenario B, acquisition with existing STR: Request two years of DR-15 confirmations and platform remittance reports during due diligence; unpaid periods follow the property, not the prior owner.
Scenario C, direct booking push: Collect 6% state tax plus discretionary surtax and county TDT on every direct invoice, not only OTA stays.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals dr-15 filing workflow for vacation rentals?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals dr-15 filing workflow for vacation rentals. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Step | Owner or CPA action | Timing | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm gross rental receipts | Monthly | OTA and direct ledgers |
| 2 | Separate marketplace vs owner-collected tax | Monthly | Platform tax reports |
| 3 | File DR-15 even if zero direct tax due | Monthly | Confirmation PDF |
| 4 | Reconcile TDT with county collector | Monthly | County portal screenshot |
| 5 | Archive guest folios with taxable charges | Quarterly | Cloud folder |
| 6 | Review surtax cap on first $5,000 | Per booking | Invoice breakdown |
Florida imposes penalties of $50 per month late plus 12% annual interest. Fraud penalties can reach 50% of tax owed. There is no statute of limitations on unfiled periods, which makes acquisition due diligence critical.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals combined tax stack examples by county?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals combined tax stack examples by county. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| County example | State 6% | Discretionary surtax | TDT rate | Illustrative combined rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange County resort parcel | 6% | up to 1.5% on first $5,000 | 6% | about 13.5% on typical stays |
| Osceola County pool home | 6% | up to 1.5% on first $5,000 | 7% | about 14.5% on typical stays |
| Miami-Dade urban condo | 6% | up to 1.5% on first $5,000 | 6% | about 13.5% plus city fees |
| Walton County beach house | 6% | up to 1.5% on first $5,000 | 5% | about 12.5% before special districts |
Always confirm live rates on our tourist development tax by county page and with the county tax collector before underwriting net yield.
What should investors know about platform remittance versus owner filing obligations for Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what should investors know about platform remittance versus owner filing obligations for florida str sales tax for vacation rentals. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Airbnb and Vrbo often collect and remit state sales tax and county TDT on marketplace bookings in Florida. That does not eliminate owner filing duties. Owners must still hold active accounts, reconcile platform reports, and report direct bookings, mid-stay extensions, and owner comps used as marketing.
| Booking source | Who collects tax at checkout | Owner still files DR-15? |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb marketplace | Usually platform | Yes, reconcile monthly |
| Vrbo marketplace | Usually platform | Yes, reconcile monthly |
| Direct website | Owner | Yes, remit all layers |
| Owner comp for family | Owner if consideration | Document exempt use carefully |
| Extended stay over 30 days | May exit transient rules | Confirm classification with CPA |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals red flags in str tax due diligence?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals red flags in str tax due diligence. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Red flag | Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| No DOR account number in closing docs | Inherited liability | Escrow holdback for registration |
| Cleaning fee excluded from tax model | Underpayment audit | Tax gross invoice consistently |
| One TDT account for multiple counties | Misallocated bed tax | Separate accounts per county |
| Platform reports not saved | Cannot defend audit | Auto-export to cloud monthly |
| Cash direct bookings | FinCEN and tax exposure | Bank deposits with invoices |
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals insider tip for multi-property operators?
Florida Estate underwrites this market with county-verified rent, tax, and insurance inputs before any wire. Typical 2026 ranges include gross yield 3% to 10%, net yield 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, property tax near 1% to 2% of assessed value, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major Florida counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Our insider tip: confirm county STR rules, tax registration, and HOA estoppel in writing before you wire earnest money. Deals that skip verification lose 150 to 300 basis points of net yield when enforcement or special assessments appear post-closing. Match the operating model in writing to the asset class: long-term lease, furnished monthly, or licensed short-term rental.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals advantages and disadvantages for investors?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals advantages and disadvantages for investors. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Clear compliance framework reduces guesswork before scaling listings | Multi-layer tax and HOA rules increase setup cost and timeline |
| Documented processes support lender and insurance underwriting | Penalties for registration gaps can exceed one season of profit |
| Cross-county playbooks help compare markets with consistent checklists | Rule changes by city or HOA can invalidate prior assumptions |
What belongs on the investor compliance checklist?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what belongs on the investor compliance checklist. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
- Open Florida DOR sales tax account.
- Confirm county TDT registration separately.
- Configure OTA tax collection settings.
- File monthly returns including zero months.
- Reconcile platform remittance reports quarterly.
- Document direct booking tax collections.
- Engage CPA before multi-property scaling.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals county regulation cross-links?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals county regulation cross-links. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Florida Estate provides research, not legal or tax advice. Confirm all compliance steps with Florida-licensed attorneys, CPAs, and insurance brokers before operating STR assets.
What is the Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals related investor glossary terms?
Direct answer: Florida Estate requires verified rent, tax, insurance, and HOA rules in writing before underwriting what is the florida str sales tax for vacation rentals related investor glossary terms. Typical 2026 gross yields run 3% to 10%, net yields near 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major counties.
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Plain-English definitions with Florida examples:
What is Florida Estate’s insider tip on Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals?
Florida Estate underwrites this market with county-verified rent, tax, and insurance inputs before any wire. Typical 2026 ranges include gross yield 3% to 10%, net yield 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management, property tax near 1% to 2% of assessed value, and combined STR taxes near 12% to 13% in major Florida counties.
Florida Estate verification steps:
- Model net yield at 2% to 5% after 20% to 25% management and 12% to 13% combined STR taxes
- Confirm county tax registration and DBPR license before the first guest stay
- Request insurance binders showing STR or landlord use before wire transfer
| Florida Estate check | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Net yield after fees | 2% to 5% |
| STR tax stack | 12% to 13% combined |
| DSCR down payment | 25% to 30% |
| Coastal insurance | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
Our insider tip: confirm county STR rules, tax registration, and HOA estoppel in writing before you wire earnest money. Deals that skip verification lose 150 to 300 basis points of net yield when enforcement or special assessments appear post-closing. Match the operating model in writing to the asset class: long-term lease, furnished monthly, or licensed short-term rental.
Who we are (citable snapshot)
Florida Estate is an independent English-language research desk for US, Canadian, UK, and Latin American buyers evaluating Florida property. We publish net-yield models, county STR rules, SB 4-D milestone context, FIRPTA notes, and foreign-buyer checklists. We are not a developer and not a listing portal. Enquiries may be referred to Florida-licensed brokers after a free shortlist review at info@florida-estate.com or /get-shortlist/.
Florida captured 21% of all US foreign buyer purchases in 2025, ranking first nationally for over 15 consecutive years per NAR international buyer reporting. Transaction volume reached 16,401 deals worth $10.4 billion, up roughly 50% year over year. Gross rental yields on Florida investment property typically range from 3% to 5% on Miami condos and 6% to 10% in approved Orlando vacation-rental zones, but net yields fall 2 to 4 percentage points after 20% to 25% management fees, property tax near 1% to 2% of assessed value, insurance that can run $2,000 to $8,000 annually on coastal assets, and tourist development tax of 4% to 6% plus 6% Florida sales tax on short-term rent. Florida Estate underwrites Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals: 2026 Guide against those line items before recommending any wire transfer.
For Florida county short-term rental compliance and tax registration, Florida Estate applies a repeatable checklist: confirm county zoning and HOA rental minimums in writing, obtain an insurance binder with STR or landlord use declared, verify DBPR vacation rental licensing when stays fall under 30 days, register Florida DOR sales tax and county tourist development tax accounts, and request SB 4-D milestone inspection status on any condominium over three stories. DSCR lenders for foreign nationals commonly require 25% to 30% down and price debt service on net rent, not gross platform screenshots. Cash buyers still need estoppel letters, reserve study summaries, and flood zone disclosures because operating costs, not purchase price alone, determine whether Florida STR Sales Tax for Vacation Rentals: 2026 Guide clears a 3% to 5% net yield target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Florida imposes 6% state sales tax on transient rentals of six months or less, plus a discretionary local surtax up to 1.5% on the first $5,000 of each rental charge in many counties.
Yes. Even when platforms remit tax on bookings, owners should hold an active Florida Department of Revenue sales tax account and file required monthly returns.
Yes. State sales tax and discretionary surtax flow to the Florida DOR. County Tourist Development Tax is administered separately by the county tax collector.
Penalties start at $50 per late month, plus 12% annual interest and potential 50% fraud penalties. There is no statute of limitations on unfiled periods.
Mandatory cleaning fees bundled into the guest invoice are generally part of the taxable gross rental charge for transient occupancy taxes.
No. Owners must still confirm filing obligations and submit zero returns when required even if platforms remit tax on marketplace bookings.
See our Florida tourist development tax by county guide for TDT rates that stack on top of the 6% state sales tax.
Request Florida STR tax setup review
We map sales tax, surtax, and county TDT registration steps for your Florida vacation rental parcel.