Is Airbnb legal in West Palm Beach?

Airbnb Regulations in West Palm Beach: A Brief Overview

If you're considering listing your property as a short-term rental in West Palm Beach, Florida, it's crucial to understand the local regulations that govern Airbnb and other similar platforms.

1. Licensing Requirements: To operate a short-term rental in West Palm Beach, property owners must obtain a rental license from the City, the County, and the State of Florida. This process includes passing a property inspection to ensure compliance with local standards.

2. Rental Tax Application: All rental units must secure a rental tax application, available through the city's Development Services Department. This document requires property owners to provide details on the number of buildings and units on their property.

3. Tourist Development Tax (TDT): For short-term stays (less than 180 consecutive nights), hosts are required to collect a County-Issued Tourist Development Tax (TDT) of 6% on total taxable rental receipts. This tax is paid in addition to state sales tax and must be remitted monthly.

4. Geographic Caps: West Palm Beach has established limits on the percentage of short-term rentals allowed in each census tract. Property owners must adhere to these caps as part of the application process.

5. Property Standards: The City has codes regulating property maintenance, which includes guidelines for yard upkeep, waste collection, and prohibitions on building additional units without proper permits.

6. Stay Duration: There is a minimum stay requirement of seven nights for rentals, ensuring that properties are used for longer-term stays.

7. Compliance with Other Regulations: Hosts must comply with leases, community rules, and guidelines set by homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or local tenant organizations to avoid potential conflicts.

8. Contact Information: For any inquiries regarding short-term rental regulations, property owners are encouraged to contact the Development Services Department directly.

Overall, while West Palm Beach isn't as strict as some other cities regarding short-term rental regulations, it is important for hosts to thoroughly understand and comply with all established rules to operate legally and protect their investment.