On February 5, 2024, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 24-5506, revising Chapter 34.5 of the City Code. The new Ordinance requires all single, two, three, and four-family dwelling units within Residential Single and Multi-Family Zoning Districts citywide to obtain a vacation rental certificate of registration to advertise or operate as a vacation rental. Applications for vacation rentals on the mainland will be accepted beginning July 1, 2024.
Previously, the registration requirement was limited to the Coastal Islands Overlay District which includes St. Armand's Key, Coon Key, Bird Key, Otter Key, Lido Key and portions of Siesta Key within city limits. Now, the requirement applies to all properties within city limits that operate as vacation rentals.
The new ordinance also raised the registration fee for new applications to $500, and the fee for renewals to $350. Registrations are required to be renewed annually. The renewal application must be submitted between July 1 and October 1 each year.
Vacation Rentals FAQs
What is the minimum stay requirement for vacation rentals in the City of Sarasota?
The City of Sarasota allows for short term vacation rentals within Residential Zone Districts in the City limits. Minimum stay requirements apply to vacation rental units within the entirety of the City limits. The minimum stay requirement for any short term vacation rental unit located within the City limits of Sarasota is 7 Full Days and 7 Full Nights.
What is a vacation rental certificate of registration?
A certificate of registration is a document issued by the City to indicate that a vacation rental property has registered with the City as a vacation rental. The general purpose of the Chapter is to ensure to the City's residents the tranquility and peaceful enjoyment of their homes and their neighborhoods; to mitigate incompatibilities between vacation rentals and resident occupied homes; and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of vacation rentals and their guests and to encourage them to be respectful of the residents of the neighborhood in which they are vacationing.
Who is required to obtain a certificate of registration?
All single, two, three, and four-family dwelling units within Residential Single and Multi-Family Zoning Districts citywide are required to obtain a vacation rental certificate of registration to advertise or operate as a vacation rental.
When is the certificate required to be renewed?
An owner or authorized representative shall renew the certificate of registration prior to December 31 of each calendar year after the initial certificate of registration is issued. The renewal application must be submitted between July 1 and October 1 each year.
For more information: https://www.sarasotafl.gov/government/development-services/vacation-rentals