Does Tampa require a short-term rental registration?

The city's council memo of August 27, 2026 recommends drafting a local registration program. Check whether it has passed before you sign.

What does Florida require?

A vacation rental license from the state, plus state and county lodging taxes. See the Florida page.

Does the Hillsborough County ordinance apply in Tampa?

Not as drafted. The county ordinance covered unincorporated areas, and Tampa would have to adopt its own ordinance to participate.

Can a renter do rental arbitrage in Tampa?

Nothing on this page bars it, but you need the landlord's written permission and the unit's zoning, HOA and lease rules have to allow it.

Is Rental Arbitrage Legal in Tampa, FL?

Permit required

A Florida state licence applies, and a local registration program may follow. Hillsborough County approved a short-term rental registration ordinance on September 2, 2026 ($200 a year per unit, effective January 1, 2027), but Tampa's council was told in an August 2026 memo that the county ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas. Tampa would need its own ordinance, or an opt-in route the county was expected to add, to run a registration program. The City's Neighborhood Enhancement rental page covers long-term tenant issues only and says nothing about short-term rentals.

Researched by RentalArbitrage AdminReviewed by RentalArbitrage AdminLast verified: October 2026

Requirements

The state vacation rental licence from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
State and county lodging taxes, registered through the Florida Department of Revenue and the county tax collector
Check Tampa's current zoning rules and any new registration ordinance before signing

Restrictions

Hillsborough County's ordinance (registration, a $200 annual fee per unit, a designated complaint contact, inspections after complaints) is set to take effect January 1, 2027, and the county plans to review it after 90 days
The memo says the county ordinance covers unincorporated areas only; Tampa would have to adopt its own ordinance to run a registration program
Whether Tampa has voted to draft or opt in is not confirmed on this page
HOA, condo and lease rules can still prohibit short-term rentals

Taxes and Fees

Florida sales tax on short-term rentals: 6%
Hillsborough County tourist development tax: 6%, collected by the county tax collector

Next Step

Legal is one half of the decision. The other half is whether the deal earns enough to be worth the risk.

Run the numbers for Tampa, FL

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tampa Require a Short-Term Rental Registration?: The city's council memo of August 27, 2026 recommends drafting a local registration program. Check whether it has passed before you sign.
What Does Florida Require?: A vacation rental license from the state, plus state and county lodging taxes. See the Florida page.
Does the Hillsborough County Ordinance Apply in Tampa?: Not as drafted. The county ordinance covered unincorporated areas, and Tampa would have to adopt its own ordinance to participate.
Can a Renter Do Rental Arbitrage in Tampa?: Nothing on this page bars it, but you need the landlord's written permission and the unit's zoning, HOA and lease rules have to allow it.