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Bradenton, FL

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STR Regulations for Bradenton, Florida

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bradenton, FL?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Bradenton, Florida. The City of Bradenton permits short-term vacation rentals, commonly known as "transient public lodging establishments," which are defined as properties rented to guests more than three times per year for periods of less than 30 days. This has been explicitly permitted since February 9, 2022, when the City adopted Ordinance 3093, which added Article III to Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances to regulate short-term rental operations within City limits.

The City Council's goal was to preserve property owners' ability to operate short-term vacation rentals while maintaining neighborhood quality and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of all residents.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Bradenton?

Bradenton hosts earn a median $50,081/year with $302 ADR and 65% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $76,889+ per year.

See the full Bradenton market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bradenton

Step 1: Understand Legal Requirements

Before operating any short-term rental in Bradenton, you must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the City of Bradenton. This applies to all properties rented three or more times per year for stays of less than 30 days.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

Gather all required documents before submitting your application, as the City will not consider your application complete until ALL documentation is submitted.

Step 3: Submit Registration Application

Complete your registration through the City's third-party vendor system at: secure.hostcompliance.com/bradenton-fl/permit-registration/welcome

Step 4: Prepare for Inspection

Once your application is deemed complete, City staff will contact you via email to schedule an inspection to verify compliance with minimum safety and posting requirements.

Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Designate a responsible party, maintain compliance with all regulations, and renew your Certificate annually.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Bradenton Requirements

Certificate of Registration:

  • Initial application fee: $250.00
  • Annual renewal fee: $150.00
  • Each property requires a separate certificate
  • Certificate is non-transferable and non-assignable
  • Non-renewable upon ownership change

Required Documentation:

  1. Registration Application
  2. Designated Responsible Party Form (must be signed by both property owner and designated responsible party)
  3. Affidavit of Owner or Authorized Representative
  4. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License - Current and valid license as a Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE)
  5. Florida Department of Revenue Certificate - Current and active Certificate of Registration
  6. Manatee County Tax Collector Account - Current and active account
  7. City of Bradenton Local Business Tax Receipt - Current business tax certificate
  8. Proof of Ownership - Copy of deed or tax bill
  9. Standard Rental Agreement Sample (contact Airbnb or VRBO if applicable)
  10. Pre-existing Rental Agreements (if any; if none, submit written statement)
  11. Authorized Representative Form (if applicable)

Property-Specific Documentation:

  • Number of bedrooms and full bathrooms
  • Maximum overnight occupancy number
  • Square footage of temperature-controlled living space
  • Exterior Sketch - Identify all structures, pools, hot tubs, spas, fencing, and off-street parking areas
  • Interior Building Sketch - Floor plan layout for each floor showing bedrooms, exits, hallways, stairways, elevators

State-Level Florida Requirements

Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE) License:

  • Issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
  • Required for all vacation rentals in Florida
  • Contact: MyFloridaLicense.com

Department of Revenue Certificate:

  • Current and active Certificate of Registration with Florida Department of Revenue
  • Contact: Florida Dept. of Revenue - General Tax Administration (floridarevenue.com)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Bradenton Regulations

Occupancy Limits:

  • Maximum occupancy is the lesser of:
    • Two (2) persons per bedroom plus two (2) additional persons, OR
    • One (1) person per 150 square feet of climate-controlled living space, OR
    • Twelve (12) persons maximum

Parking Requirements:

  • Provide one off-street parking space for every four (4) persons of occupancy
  • All vehicles must be parked within the driveway or designated parking areas
  • Boats may not be parked in front of the house except for temporary loading, unloading, or cleaning
  • Boats may be parked on the side of the house

Designated Responsible Party Requirements: The designated responsible party must:

  1. Be available 24/7 by land line or mobile telephone
  2. Be capable of handling issues arising from the vacation rental
  3. Respond to complaints within one hour
  4. Have authority to address safety issues, noise, or parking problems
  5. Come to the property within one hour following notification
  6. Receive service of legal notices on behalf of the owner
  7. Exercise rights under Florida Statutes §§ 509.141, 509.142, and 509.143
  8. Maintain interior posting requirements
  9. Keep premises free of garbage and litter
  10. Monitor the property at least once weekly when rented
  11. Maintain records of all occupants and their information
  12. Provide one week's written notice before resigning

Posting Requirements:

  • Interior posting requirements must be maintained continuously
  • Emergency evacuation plans must be posted
  • Local contact information must be displayed

Pre-existing Rental Agreements:

  • Any fully executed rental agreements dated on or before February 9, 2022, are exempt from maximum occupancy limits under Section 22-65

Amendments to Certificate of Registration: Required if any of the following changes occur:

  • Increase in number of bedrooms or bathrooms
  • Increase in square footage
  • Increase in maximum occupancy
  • Increase in number of parking spaces or change in parking location
  • Any other material modifications that increase use or occupancy

County-Level Regulations

Manatee County: As of the provided information, Manatee County (unincorporated areas) does not have any short-term residential or vacation rental ordinances. This means properties outside city limits in Manatee County are not subject to county-level STR regulations, though state requirements still apply.

State-Level Florida Regulations

Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE) Requirements:

  • All vacation rentals in Florida must obtain a TPLE license from DBPR
  • This license is separate from and in addition to local registration requirements
  • Must be maintained current and valid at all times
  • Contact information and application available at MyFloridaLicense.com

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Bradenton - Vacation Rentals Department

Physical Address: 101 Old Main Street Bradenton, FL 34205 (At the corner of Old Main Street (12th St. W.) and Barcarrota Boulevard)

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Phone: 941-932-9400

Email: VacationRentals@bradentonfl.gov

Online Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/bradenton-fl/permit-registration/welcome

State-Level Contacts

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Website: MyFloridaLicense.com License: Transient Public Lodging Establishment

Florida Department of Revenue: Website: floridarevenue.com Certificate: General Tax Administration

Manatee County Tax Collector: Online: secure.taxcollector.com/excise/

Source Links

Primary City Sources

State-Level Sources

Local Business Tax Information

Supporting Documentation

Important Note: Regulations may change. Always verify current requirements with the City of Bradenton before making investment decisions. This guide is based on information available as of the provided content and should be supplemented with current city ordinance information.

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Bradenton

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
5/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Bradenton Market Analysis

Photos of Bradenton

Overview of Bradenton

Bradenton sits on the west coast of Florida in Manatee County, where the Manatee River empties into Tampa Bay. With a population of roughly 55,000 residents, the city has the feel of a laid-back Gulf Coast town that doubles as a convenient base for exploring some of Florida's most beloved barrier-island beaches. Long associated with old Florida charm, a walkable riverfront, and a thriving arts community, Bradenton is best known as the mainland gateway to Anna Maria Island and the surrounding Gulf beaches. It lies about 45 miles south of Tampa, making it easily reachable for travelers flying into the larger metropolitan hub while offering a noticeably slower pace.

Just off Bradenton's western edge, Anna Maria Island offers seven miles of white-sand Gulf beaches, low-rise communities, and a car-free, old-Florida atmosphere in spots like Pine Avenue. The island's three cities — Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria — are reached from downtown Bradenton in roughly 15 to 20 minutes via the Cortez Bridge, and the route is one of the area's most popular day-trip itineraries. Visitors can spend the morning on the sand, the afternoon browsing small beach-town shops, and the evening watching the sun set over the Gulf.

In the heart of the city, the Village of the Arts is a designated arts district where colorful historic cottages have been converted into galleries, studios, cafés, and boutiques. Bounded roughly by 9th Street, 14th Avenue, and the surrounding blocks, it sits just minutes from the downtown riverfront and hosts regular gallery walks that give visitors a feel for the local creative community. The walkable streets, painted bungalows, and small-batch shops give the area a personality quite distinct from the beach towns to the west.

A short drive north of downtown along the Manatee River leads to De Soto National Memorial, a waterfront park that commemorates the 1539 landing of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and the first major European exploration of what is now the southern United States. The site, managed by the National Park Service, features a replica of a 16th-century village, walking trails through mangroves, and a scenic shoreline, all within about 15 minutes of Bradenton's center. Nearby, Robinson Preserve offers more than 600 acres of coastal wetlands, observation towers, and paddling trails for those who want a quieter outdoor experience within the city limits.

Bradenton makes a compelling base for short-term rentals because it pairs genuine small-city amenities with quick access to the area's marquee draws. Guests can spend the day on Anna Maria Island, explore a national memorial, paddle through coastal preserves, and still return to a downtown with restaurants, the Riverwalk, and the Village of the Arts. With Sarasota just to the south and Tampa to the north, the city sits in a sweet spot that combines beach-town atmosphere with regional connectivity, making it appealing to a wide range of visitors year-round.

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