Osceola County Short Term Rental License — Complete Guide for 2026
If you own or are buying a vacation rental property in Kissimmee or anywhere in Osceola County, operating legally requires navigating three layers of licensing and tax compliance. Here is a complete guide to what is required, what it costs, and how Edge handles it on behalf of every owner we manage.
The Three Layers of STR Compliance in Osceola County
Short term rental compliance in Osceola County involves state-level licensing, county-level registration and taxation, and community-level HOA rules. Each operates independently and all three must be in order before you legally rent your property.
Layer 1 — Florida State DBPR License
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires all vacation rental properties to hold a valid state license. This applies to any property rented more than three times per year for periods under 30 days.
What is required:
Submit the DBPR vacation rental application online at myfloridalicense.com. Pay the current application and license fee (approximately $155 for initial application and $155 for annual renewal — verify current fees directly with DBPR). Schedule and pass a state inspection of the property.
What the inspection covers:
Smoke detectors on every floor and in every sleeping area. Carbon monoxide detectors. Fire extinguisher accessible to guests. Pool barrier/fencing if applicable. Adequate egress from sleeping areas. General safety and habitability standards.
Timeline: Initial licensing can take two to four weeks. Factor this into your timeline before listing on Airbnb or VRBO.
Layer 2 — Osceola County Registration and Tax
Osceola County STR Registration
In addition to the state DBPR license, Osceola County requires a separate local registration for short term rental properties. Verify current requirements directly with the Osceola County Growth Management Department before purchasing.
Tourist Development Tax (TDT)
Short term rentals in Osceola County are subject to the Osceola County Tourist Development Tax, currently approximately 6%, in addition to Florida state sales tax of 6% — for a combined rate of approximately 12% on gross rental revenue. These taxes apply to every guest stay under 182 days.
Edge Property Management collects and remits all applicable Osceola County taxes on behalf of every property we manage, ensuring full compliance without the administrative burden falling on the owner.
Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
A Business Tax Receipt from Osceola County is also required for properties operating as short term rentals. Edge handles the BTR application as part of the owner onboarding process.
Layer 3 — HOA and Community Rules
Most purpose-built resort communities in Kissimmee have their own governing documents that layer on top of state and county requirements. These HOA rules cover minimum stay requirements, maximum occupancy limits, parking rules, noise and quiet hour policies, guest access to community amenities, pool and spa usage rules, pet policies, and trash requirements.
Critical point for buyers: Verify the HOA governing documents — not just a summary — before purchasing any property in Osceola County. HOA rules can and do change through membership votes.
Zoning — Not Every Property in Osceola County Can Be an STR
Short term rental use is not permitted in all Osceola County zoning districts. It is generally permitted in purpose-built resort communities specifically zoned for vacation rental use — but can be prohibited in standard residential areas, particularly in Celebration, St. Cloud, and some Poinciana neighborhoods.
Always verify the specific zoning classification of any property you are considering purchasing before making a commitment.
