Thinking about hosting a short-term rental in Delray Beach but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Between city rules, county taxes, state laws, and HOA policies, the details can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the essentials in plain language so you can plan with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your investment. Let’s dive in.
How STR rules work here
Short-term rentals in Delray Beach are shaped by four layers of rules: the City of Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, the State of Florida, and private communities like condos or HOAs. Each layer can set requirements that you must follow. That usually means registration, taxes, safety standards, and clear guest policies.
Because rules can change, you should always confirm current requirements on the City of Delray Beach official website and with the Florida Department of Revenue for taxes. If your property is in an association, review the recorded condo or HOA documents before you host.
Registration and local permits
Many Florida cities require a local registration or permit for short-term rentals. In Delray Beach, you should plan to:
- Register your rental with the city if required and keep the registration current.
- Obtain a business tax receipt if the city or county requires it for rental activity.
- Provide a local contact who can respond quickly to complaints or emergencies.
- Display any issued registration or permit number in your online listings if required.
To confirm the exact steps and forms, start with the City of Delray Beach website. For ordinance language and updates, you can also check the Municode Library for Delray Beach.
Taxes you must collect and remit
Short-term stays in Florida are generally subject to state sales tax and local tourist development tax. As a host, you are usually required to register, collect, and remit these taxes unless your booking platform handles them under an agreement.
- Register with the state and learn filing rules using the Florida Department of Revenue.
- Check local tax details with Palm Beach County government, which administers tourist development taxes.
- Confirm whether your platform collects and remits taxes on your behalf. If not, you must collect taxes from guests and file on time.
If you are unsure about filings or deductions, speak with a CPA experienced in Florida transient rentals.
Zoning and where STRs are allowed
Whether you can operate a short-term rental depends on your property’s zoning and any area-specific rules. Some zoning districts permit transient rentals by right, others limit them, and some require special approvals. The city may also set standards for occupancy, parking, trash, and noise.
- Verify your property’s zoning with the City of Delray Beach planning and zoning team.
- Confirm whether short stays are allowed in your district and if there are minimum-stay limits.
- Ask about parking, trash pickup days, and any quiet hours you should share with guests.
Zoning is property specific. Always verify before you purchase a home for short-term rental use.
HOA and condo restrictions
Association rules can be stricter than city or county rules. Many HOAs and condos set minimum lease terms, require board approval, cap the number of units that can be rented, or prohibit short-term stays altogether.
- Review the recorded declaration, bylaws, and rules for your association.
- Ask for any rental caps, guest screening rules, or registration steps.
- Confirm whether there are pending amendments that could affect rentals.
If you are buying a condo or home for STR income, make HOA due diligence part of your contract timeline.
Safety, habitability, and advertising
Cities often require rentals to meet basic safety standards and to follow advertising rules. Expect to:
- Install and maintain working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and confirm safe egress.
- Complete inspections if the city requires them and keep certificates on file.
- Follow local nuisance rules, including quiet hours and trash placement.
- Include any required registration number and a local contact in your listing.
To confirm current safety and inspection requirements, contact city code enforcement or the building department through the City of Delray Beach website.
State and lodging classifications
In some cases, a rental may fall under state lodging rules depending on how it operates or is structured. If you are unsure whether your unit could be treated as a public lodging establishment, review guidance from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
You can also review relevant Florida statutes on the Florida Legislature website to understand how state law interacts with local ordinances and association rules.
Enforcement and penalties
Short-term rental enforcement typically ramps up with repeated violations. You should plan for:
- Fines for failing to register, posting noncompliant ads, or exceeding occupancy.
- Code cases triggered by neighbor complaints about noise, trash, or parking.
- Tax audits, interest, and penalties for missed or incorrect filings.
- Possible listing removal on major platforms if you lack required registration.
A simple way to reduce risk is to respond quickly to issues, document your compliance, and keep a clear house manual for guests.
Step-by-step compliance checklist
Use this list to get organized, then confirm each item with the right office before you host.
- Verify permissibility
- Confirm zoning and whether short-term rentals are allowed for your address.
- Check for special overlays such as historic districts or coastal areas.
- Start with the City of Delray Beach website and the Municode Library.
- Register locally
- Apply for any required city STR registration and business tax receipt.
- Keep your registration current and display the number where required.
- Designate a local contact
- List a local emergency and complaint contact who can respond within the required timeframe.
- Meet safety standards
- Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and safe exits.
- Complete any inspections and keep certificates on site.
- Confirm HOA or condo rules
- Review governing documents for rental restrictions and approval procedures.
- Set up taxes
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales and transient taxes.
- Check county tourist development tax rules with Palm Beach County government.
- Verify whether your booking platform will collect and remit on your behalf.
- Follow advertising rules
- Include your registration or license number and local contact in listings if required.
- State occupancy limits, parking, and trash rules clearly for guests.
- Track records and insurance
- Keep registrations, filings, guest logs, receipts, and communications.
- Confirm your insurance covers short-term rental activity or add coverage.
- Plan for issues
- Set quiet hours, outline neighbor-friendly rules, and respond fast to complaints.
- Consult professionals
- For legal and tax questions, speak with an attorney and a CPA who know Florida transient rental rules.
Buying a property for STR use
If you are exploring Delray Beach as an STR investment, set up your due diligence before you go under contract.
- Confirm zoning for the specific address with the city.
- Review HOA or condo documents for rental restrictions and pending changes.
- Estimate tax obligations and check whether your platform will remit for you.
- Price in safety upgrades, inspections, and city fees.
- Create a guest operations plan that covers parking, trash, and noise.
A clear plan helps you compare properties and avoid surprises after closing.
How we can help you move forward
If you want a property that allows short-term rentals, you need a team that understands local nuance. Our bilingual advisors can help you source STR-friendly options, request HOA documents, coordinate zoning and permitting checks, and connect you with trusted local professionals. When you are ready to take the next step, reach out to the Thormann Caltabiano Group to schedule a consultation.
FAQs
What permits do I need for a Delray Beach short-term rental?
- You should plan to register locally, secure any required business tax receipt, and display your registration number in listings if required. Start with the City of Delray Beach website to confirm current steps.
Are short-term rentals allowed in single-family areas of Delray Beach?
- It depends on zoning for the specific property. Confirm your zoning designation and permitted uses with the city’s planning and zoning team and review the Municode Library for applicable rules.
Who collects tourist taxes on my bookings in Palm Beach County?
- You are generally responsible for state sales tax and local tourist development tax unless your platform collects and remits under an agreement. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue and verify local requirements with Palm Beach County government.
Can my condo board stop me from doing short-term rentals?
- Yes, associations can set stricter limits than the city. Review your condo or HOA documents for minimum lease terms, caps, approval processes, and enforcement policies before hosting.
What are common penalties for STR noncompliance in Delray Beach?
- Expect escalating fines, possible permit suspension, platform delisting, and tax penalties for missed filings. Keeping accurate records and responding quickly to issues helps reduce risk.
How do I know if my rental is a public lodging under state law?
- If your setup is unclear, review guidance from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and check relevant statutes on the Florida Legislature website.
