Downtown Sarasota Vacation Rental Rules

City certificate is mandatory

The City requires a Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration before you advertise or rent a unit for under 30 days. The property must be applied for, inspected, and approved first. Renewals are submitted between July 1 and October 1 each year.

Fees and inspection

Initial registration is $500 and includes the inspection, annual renewal is $350, a re-inspection is $100, and a late application is $200. All fees are non-refundable. You must contact the city within 30 days to schedule the inspection.

Occupancy, parking, and responsible party

In single-family zones, maximum overnight occupancy is two people per bedroom plus two, or 10 total, whichever is less, and up to 12 in multi-family districts. All guest parking must be on-site, and a responsible party must respond within one hour, 24/7.

Stays of 30-plus days are exempt

Rentals of 30 days or more fall entirely outside the city certificate program, so no city certificate or inspection is needed for mid-term and monthly stays. The Florida six-month tax rule still applies.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to rent downtown short-term?

Yes. Since January 1, 2025 a City of Sarasota Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration is required for any rental under 30 days, with an inspection and annual renewal.

How much does the city certificate cost?

Initial registration is $500 (inspection included), annual renewal is $350, re-inspection is $100, and a late application is $200. Fees are non-refundable.

Does the certificate apply to condos?

The program targets single, two, three, and four-family dwellings in residential zones. Owner-occupied rentals, condos, cooperatives, and stays of 30 days or more are not covered. Confirm your specific situation with the city.

More about Downtown Sarasota

• Occupancy limits by city, with a guest calculator