Regulations >
Florida >
Clermont

Want to see how Clermont compares to other top cities in Florida?  Explore all city regulations in Florida. →

B

Clermont, FL

Generally Investor Friendly

Local STR Agent

Local STR Agent

Clermont STR Expert
Clermont, Florida skyline

STR Regulations for Clermont, Florida

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

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Clermont, FL. The City explicitly permits “vacation rentals” for non-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units located within Clermont city limits. Vacation rentals must meet city, county, and state requirements, including licensing, life safety inspection, tax registrations, and annual renewal.

Note on fees: The City’s information page and the application checklist contain fee discrepancies (application fee listed as $375 on the information page vs. $300 on the checklist; inspection fee noted as $75 on the checklist vs. “initial inspection” paid with the $375 application fee on the information page). Confirm the current fees directly with the City when you apply.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Clermont?

Clermont hosts earn a median $43,507/year with $199 ADR and 72% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $67,474+ per year.

See the full Clermont market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Clermont, FL

  1. Confirm eligibility and property constraints
  • Allowed unit types: Non-occupied, whole-house single-family or duplex (two-family residential).
  • Property must be within Clermont city limits.
  • Verify HOA/condo rules; if there is an active HOA, you must indicate whether it allows short-term rentals in your application.
  1. Obtain state and county registrations
  • Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Licensure for a transient public lodging establishment (Vacation Rental). See the VRTSP guide for the specific license category.
  • Florida Department of Revenue (DOR): Certificate of registration to report and remit state sales tax. If you use a platform (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) that collects/pays sales tax, you still need an active DOR account to report sales.
  1. Handle local taxes
  • Lake County Tourist Development Tax (TDT): Required for short-term rentals. If you partner with platforms that collect/pay TDT for you, the City indicates you may not need a separate account with the Lake County Tax Collector. If you manage rentals yourself, you must register and remit TDT with the Lake County Tax Collector.
  1. Secure City of Clermont authorizations
  • City of Clermont Local Business Tax Receipt.
  • Vacation Rental Permit Application + Affidavit of Compliance (notarized).
  • Building Permit Application for the Life Safety inspection (describe work as “Life Safety inspection” and complete the Property Information section).
  1. Prepare required sketches and inspections
  • Exterior sketch: Structures, pools/spas/hot tubs, fencing, uses, and off-street parking.
  • Interior sketch: All rooms (labeled), stairs, locations of smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and exit signage/lighting.
  • Pass the City’s Life Safety inspection.
  1. Submit, pay fees, and schedule inspection
  • Submit the complete application package (see Required Documents, below) and fee. Then call to schedule the life safety inspection. Some details (permit fee, inspection fee) vary by source; confirm current fees with the City.
  1. Annual renewal
  • ALL vacation rentals must be renewed by September 30 each year. Renewal and re-inspection are required annually.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-level

  • DBPR license for a transient public lodging establishment (Vacation Rental).
  • Florida DOR certificate of registration for sales tax.

County-level

  • Lake County Tourist Development Tax account/registration. If using a platform that handles TDT collection/remittance, confirm whether a direct county account is still needed (City guidance suggests it may not be required if you are partnered with such a platform).

City of Clermont

  • Vacation Rental Permit Application + Affidavit of Compliance (notarized).
  • Building Permit Application for the Life Safety inspection.
  • City of Clermont Local Business Tax Receipt.
  • Exterior and interior sketches meeting City specifications.
  • Proof of ownership (Lake County Property Record card, deed, or tax receipt).
  • Responsible party contact information; the responsible party must be available 24/7 and able to respond and take action within 1 hour.
  • Property-specific details (address, total bedrooms, parking spaces, occupancy capacity: less than 10 or more than 10 occupants, HOA status and restrictions).

Permit classification

  • Occupancy classification appears tied to capacity (less than 10 occupants vs. more than 10 occupants) as indicated on the application form.

Key operational requirement

  • Life Safety inspection is mandatory. Submit the building permit application for the Life Safety inspection, complete the interior/exterior sketches, pay applicable fees, and pass the inspection prior to operating.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Clermont

  • Eligibility: Vacation rentals are permitted only for non-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units within city limits.
  • Zoning and unit type: Single-family or duplex (two-family residential); whole house only.
  • Responsible party: Must be identified and available 24/7, with ability to act within 1 hour.
  • Annual renewal: Required by September 30 each year (renewal and re-inspection).
  • Safety requirements: Life Safety inspection is required. Interior sketch must show smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and exit signage/lighting. Exterior sketch must show structures, pools/spas/hot tubs, fencing, and off-street parking areas.
  • HOA/condo compliance: Application requires disclosure of active HOA status and whether the HOA allows short-term rentals.

Lake County

  • Tourist Development Tax (TDT): Applies to short-term rentals. Registration/remittance responsibilities vary depending on whether a platform collects/pays the tax on your behalf; if you self-manage, you must register with the Lake County Tax Collector.

State of Florida

  • DBPR licensure: All transient public lodging establishments (including vacation rentals) must be licensed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
  • State sales tax: Short-term rentals are subject to Florida sales tax. You must obtain and maintain an active DOR registration to report and remit taxes.
  • Safety codes: Must comply with state life safety codes (e.g., smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, exits/signage, and electrical/building standards as verified by the City’s Life Safety inspection).

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

  • City of Clermont – Development Services (Planning & Development)
    • Physical Address: 685 W Montrose Street, Clermont, FL 34711
    • Phone: 352-394-4083
    • Email: Curt Henschel, Planning and Development Director – chenschel@clermontfl.org
  • City of Clermont – Main Phone (City Hall): 352-394-4081

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)

Lake County Tax Collector – Tourist Development Tax

Lake County Property Appraiser (ownership verification)

Links to Source Pages

Important notes for investors

  • HOA/condo restrictions may prohibit short-term rentals even if the City allows them. Confirm and document HOA approval before purchase or listing.
  • Always verify current City fees and inspection scheduling procedures directly with Development Services; fee details in City sources are inconsistent.
  • Keep a current annual renewal schedule (due each September 30) and maintain compliance to avoid citations, permit suspension, or revocation.

Next step

Found a property in Clermont?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Clermont

Free brief

Get the free Clermont STR Investment Brief

Revenue data, top neighborhoods, seasonal trends, and the key regulations for Clermont, Florida in one email.

Clermont

Market Saturation Score

036912
Low Saturation
0/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
0–1 declining months: minimal saturation pressure — revenue trends are stable.
View Full Clermont Market Analysis

Photos of Clermont

Overview of Clermont

Clermont sits in Lake County in central Florida, on the western edge of the broader Orlando metropolitan area. With a population of roughly 40,000 residents, the city has a relaxed, suburban character framed by a series of low rolling hills — an unusual feature in Florida that has earned the area the nickname "the hills of Clermont." It is best known as a scenic base for visitors heading to the Orlando theme parks and as a popular destination in its own right along the Lake County chain of lakes. Clermont lies approximately 25 miles west of downtown Orlando, generally a 30- to 40-minute drive depending on traffic and destination.

Downtown Clermont wraps around the southern shore of Lake Minneola, the centerpiece of the South Lake chain. Waterfront Park features a small swimming beach, picnic pavilions, a boardwalk, and a playground, and serves as a gathering point for festivals and outdoor events throughout the year. The South Lake Trail, a paved multi-use path, runs through the area and connects Clermont with neighboring towns, drawing cyclists, joggers, and walkers year-round in the mild central Florida climate.

Just off U.S. Highway 27, the Florida Citrus Tower is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1956 at the height of central Florida's citrus industry, the 226-foot observation tower offers panoramic views over the surrounding groves, lakes, and rolling terrain. Visitors can ride to the top, learn about the region's agricultural history, and look out over the same landscape that once made this part of Florida famous for its orange groves.

To the north of town, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a notable local stop. Established in 1989 on a hillside estate, it is one of the largest wineries in Florida and produces a range of wines from muscadine and other regional grape varieties. The property offers guided tours, tastings, and seasonal festivals that draw visitors from across central Florida, pairing well with the area's reputation for outdoor leisure.

Although Clermont itself is decidedly low-key, it sits within easy reach of the region's marquee attractions. Walt Disney World Resort is roughly 30 miles to the southwest, and Universal Orlando Resort and the rest of the Orlando tourism corridor are a similar distance to the east, making day trips straightforward for guests who want theme park thrills without staying in the middle of the action.

For short-term rental owners, Clermont offers a compelling blend: a quieter, lakefront setting with a small-town feel, walkable access to parks and trails, distinct landmarks like the Citrus Tower, and the Orlando theme parks within a comfortable drive. That combination of natural scenery, local character, and proximity to one of the country's most-visited tourism regions gives the city broad appeal for a wide range of traveler types.

Want to know if a property in Clermont is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.