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Is Airbnb legal in Orlando, Florida?

Whole-home Airbnb effectively banned in residential zones. Orlando only allows whole-home short-term rentals in O-3, mixed-use, or activity center districts, not in residential zones where most homes sit. The only legal STR in a residential home is Home Share, where you live on-site and rent up to half the bedrooms. Most of the investor vacation rental market around Orlando actually sits outside city limits, in unincorporated Orange or Osceola County.

Showing the researched rules for Orlando, FL below. Type your Orlando address to jump to the verdict.

Not allowed

Whole-home Airbnb effectively banned in residential zones

Orlando only allows whole-home short-term rentals in O-3, mixed-use, or activity center districts, not in residential zones where most homes sit. The only legal STR in a residential home is Home Share, where you live on-site and rent up to half the bedrooms. Most of the investor vacation rental market around Orlando actually sits outside city limits, in unincorporated Orange or Osceola County.

Permit and costs

Permit
Home Share Registration
Issued by
City of Orlando
Cost
$275 first year, $100 annual renewal
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Night cap
None, but zoning blocks most investor homes
Minimum stay
7 consecutive nights for whole-unit rentals where allowed
Owner occupancy
Whole-home investor rentals barred from residential zones
Where allowed
O-3, mixed-use, or activity center districts only

Taxes

State sales tax
6%
County tourist tax
Set by Orange County, check the current rate

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check the zoning first
    Confirm the address sits in an O-3, mixed-use, or activity center district, since residential zones are off-limits for investor whole-home rentals.
  2. 2
    Register with the City
    Apply for a Home Share registration or a Commercial Dwelling Unit permit with the Planning Division, depending on the category.
  3. 3
    Add state and county licenses
    Get the Florida DBPR vacation rental license and an Orange County business tax receipt before listing.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA and condo rules can ban STRs even where the city allows them, so read the CC&Rs before buying.
Look outside city limits
Unincorporated Orange County and Osceola County are far more permissive and hold most of the area's investor inventory.

Sources

BNBCalc Orlando STR guide 2026

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.