Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Rules

Cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Island is three separate cities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, and all three run among the strictest short-term-rental programs in Florida. Each requires its own registration, a passed inspection, posted occupancy limits, and a local responsible party. The rules differ by city, so first confirm which city your property is in.
City of Anna Maria
Annual Vacation Rental Registration under Chapter 108, with a mandatory annual inspection. Occupancy is capped at 8 regardless of bedroom count, parking is one space per four occupants (no street or yard parking), and quiet hours run 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. The occupancy-based registration fee ran about $93.92 per allowed occupant for 2024-25. Nightly rentals are allowed; there is no city minimum stay.
City of Holmes Beach
A two-year Vacation Rental Certificate, $545 initial and $545 renewal (inspection included). Minimum stay is zoning-dependent and is the biggest trap here: R-1 and R-1AA zones require a 30-day minimum, while R-2, R-3, and R-4 allow a 7-night minimum. Occupancy is capped at 8, with one on-site parking space per bedroom. Advertise the correct minimum for your zone.
City of Bradenton Beach
City registration plus a posted, city-issued exterior identification label and a passed inspection. Occupancy is the lesser of two per bedroom plus two, one person per 100 square feet, or a hard cap of 12. Parking is one off-street space per four occupants, and quiet hours apply after 11 p.m. Monthly stays are permitted. Island condos often impose stricter limits than the city.
Taxes (all three cities)
All of Anna Maria Island is in Manatee County, so short stays carry about 13% total: 6% Manatee Tourist Development Tax to the county Tax Collector, plus 7% state sales tax and surtax to the state. A Florida DBPR license is required for transient operation.
Frequently asked questions
Which Anna Maria Island city am I in?
The island holds three cities: Anna Maria (north), Holmes Beach (middle), and Bradenton Beach (south). Each has its own ordinance, so confirm the city for your exact address before registering.
What is the strictest rule to watch?
In Holmes Beach, zoning sets the minimum stay: R-1 and R-1AA require 30 days, while R-2 through R-4 allow 7 nights. Advertising the wrong minimum is a common violation.
How many guests can stay?
Anna Maria and Holmes Beach cap occupancy at 8; Bradenton Beach caps at 12. Each uses a per-bedroom-plus-additional formula, with the cap as the ceiling. Occupancy must be posted inside the unit.
Do I need an inspection?
Yes, in all three cities. Anna Maria inspects annually, Holmes Beach every two years with the certificate, and Bradenton Beach before operation. Inspections check life-safety and posted notices.
More about Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island vacation rentals ยท All vacation rental rules
This is general guidance for the Sarasota and Manatee County area, not legal advice. Rules change, and what applies to you depends on your exact parcel, its zoning, and your HOA or condo documents. Confirm current requirements with the city or county and the Florida DBPR before you advertise or rent.
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