Hollywood Beach, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Executive Overview: STR Status in Hollywood Beach, FL

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in the City of Hollywood Beach, FL under specific regulatory framework. The city has established a comprehensive Vacation Rental License program that permits short-term rentals (defined as rentals of 30 days or less, or less than one calendar month) but requires strict compliance with licensing, safety, and operational requirements. Hollywood Beach operates under the City's jurisdiction, not as a separate municipality, making the City's Vacation Rental License mandatory for all STR operations within its boundaries.

The regulatory environment is well-defined but stringent, with emphasis on noise management, safety compliance, and proper tax remittance. Investors should note that while STRs are permitted, the city maintains active enforcement through dedicated complaint systems and regular inspections.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Hollywood Beach?

Hollywood Beach hosts earn a median $47,703/year with $233 ADR and 72% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $65,774+ per year.

See the full Hollywood Beach market breakdown

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

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before initiating the licensing process, ensure you have all required documentation organized:

Property Assessment: Verify your property meets all safety and zoning requirements
Financial Planning: Budget for initial licensing fees ($850-$1,250 depending on occupancy status)
Tax Registration: Establish accounts with Florida Department of Revenue and Broward County Tax Collector
Insurance Review: Ensure adequate liability coverage for short-term rental operations

Step 2: State-Level Registration

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):

Obtain Transient Public Lodging Establishment license
Complete online application or submit paper application
This license is mandatory for properties rented more than three times annually for periods under 30 days

Florida Department of Revenue (DOR):

Secure Short-Term Rental certificate of registration
Certificate must be in property owner's name with property address
If using a property manager, their certificate is also required
Exception: Properties exclusively advertised on Airbnb may not need DOR certificate

Step 3: County-Level Registration

Broward County Tax Collector:

Obtain Local Business Tax Receipt
Register for Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account
Complete TDT registration forms for short-term rental tax collection

Step 4: City-Level Licensing

Hollywood Vacation Rental License Application:

Submit online application through City portal
Complete owner certification form (must be notarized)
Upload all required documentation
Pay applicable licensing fees

Step 5: Property Preparation and Inspection

Install noise level detection device
Complete residential inspection with city inspector
Ensure compliance with all safety requirements
Prepare property for initial guest occupancy

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licenses and Permits

1. State Level (Florida):

Transient Public Lodging Establishment License (DBPR)
Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration (DOR)
Florida State sales tax registration

2. County Level (Broward County):

Local Business Tax Receipt
Tourist Development Tax (TDT) registration
Tourist Development Tax account setup

3. City Level (City of Hollywood):

Vacation Rental License
Certificate of Use (if applicable to property type)
City Local Business Tax Receipt

Required Documentation

Property Documentation:

Proof of property ownership to Broward County
Current and sample lease agreement
Interior building sketch by floor (hand-drawn acceptable)
Exterior sketch showing structures, pools, fencing, parking spaces

Safety and Compliance:

Single-station smoke detector in each guest room (NFPA compliant)
Fire extinguisher placement verification
Exit signage and emergency lighting documentation
Carbon monoxide detector compliance (if applicable)

Operational Documentation:

Notarized letter from property owner (if applicant is not owner)
Property manager designation letter (if applicable)
Emergency contact information
Noise monitoring device installation confirmation

Advertising and Marketing Requirements

Display unique listing number on each advertising platform
Prominently feature State DBPR license number on all advertising
Include City Vacation Rental License number on all marketing materials
Ensure all advertising complies with local ordinances

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Hollywood Regulations

Operational Requirements:

Maximum Stay: 30 consecutive days or less
Occupancy Limits: As defined by dwelling unit classification
Licensing: Mandatory for rentals exceeding three occurrences annually
Inspection: Required before operation and periodically thereafter

Noise Ordinance Compliance:

Quiet Hours: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily
Noise Monitoring: Mandatory installation of noise detection device
Data Retention: 180-day retention of all noise monitoring data
Enforcement: Active enforcement by Code Compliance and Police Department

Parking and Trash:

Compliance with residential parking regulations
Proper trash collection scheduling
Property maintenance standards enforcement

Broward County Regulations

Tourist Development Tax:

Rate: 6% on short-term rentals
Purpose: Funding for tourism-related projects
Remittance: Monthly filing required

Business Tax Requirements:

Annual Business Tax Receipt renewal
Code compliance for specific property types

State of Florida Regulations

DBPR Requirements:

Annual license renewal
Compliance with state lodging standards
Guest safety and health regulations

Tax Obligations:

Florida Transient Rental Tax: 6% on short-term lodging
Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1% on first $5,000 of rental charges
Total State/County Tax Burden: Approximately 13% combined

Safety Standards:

NFPA smoke detector requirements
Emergency egress standards
Building code compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Hollywood - Primary STR Authority

Office of Treasury (Vacation Rental Licensing):

Phone: 954.921.3225
Email: vrl@hollywoodfl.org
Website: hollywoodfl.org/946/Vacation-Rental-License
Application Portal: apps.hollywoodfl.org/VacationRentals/Default.aspx

Code Compliance and Enforcement:

24/7 Hotline: 954.231.2375
Online Reporting: secure.hostcompliance.com/hollywood-fl/complaints/type
Report Website: hollywoodfl.org/744/Hollywood-Connect

City Hall:

Address: 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33020-4807
General Phone: 954.967.4357
Police/Fire Non-Emergency: 954.764.HELP (4357)
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

County and State Contacts

Broward County Tax Collector:

Tourist Development Tax: Contact Tax Collector office
Website: bcpa.net

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

Phone: Contact DBPR directly
Online Services: Florida DBPR portal

Florida Department of Revenue:

Phone: Contact DOR directly
Online Registration: Florida DOR portal

Important Source Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

Application Resources

Compliance and Enforcement

Additional Resources

Registered Properties Information

This comprehensive regulatory framework provides clear pathways for legitimate short-term rental operations while maintaining community standards and guest safety. Investors should maintain ongoing compliance monitoring and establish relationships with local enforcement authorities to ensure successful long-term operations.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Hollywood Beach

Hollywood is a coastal city in southeastern Florida, situated in Broward County roughly between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. With a population of approximately 150,000 residents, it has a laid-back beach-town character that contrasts with the bustle of its larger neighbors. The city is best known for its wide Atlantic beach and the famous oceanfront promenade, and it serves as a convenient gateway to the broader South Florida region, with both Miami and Fort Lauderdale within a short drive. Hollywood lies about 20 miles north of downtown Miami and roughly 10 miles south of downtown Fort Lauderdale, making it well positioned for travelers who want to experience multiple destinations in one trip.

The defining attraction in Hollywood is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a brick-paved promenade that runs for about two and a half miles along the oceanfront. Lined with restaurants, ice cream shops, bike rental shops, and oceanfront hotels, the Broadwalk is a lively but family-friendly stretch where visitors can walk, rollerblade, or cycle right beside the sand. It sits at the heart of the city and is what most visitors picture when they think of Hollywood, Florida.

Just inland from the beach, the Anne Kolb Nature Center offers a quieter side of the city. This Broward County park protects a large expanse of mangrove wetlands and coastal habitat, with walking trails, a fishing pier, and a tall observation tower that looks out over West Lake and the surrounding marsh. It is located within Hollywood itself, only a few minutes from the Broadwalk, and provides a refreshing change of pace from the beach scene.

A short drive south of the city, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the United States. The resort includes a hotel tower, multiple restaurants, a sprawling casino, concert venues, and the distinctive guitar-shaped hotel that opened in recent years, drawing visitors from across the region. It is roughly 15 to 20 minutes from the beach by car and adds a major nightlife and entertainment option to the area.

Downtown Hollywood, centered along Harrison Street and Young Circle, has grown into a recognizable arts and entertainment district. Murals decorate the buildings, and the area is home to independent restaurants, craft cocktail bars, breweries, and the performing arts venue at the ArtsPark. It is a few minutes inland from the beach and gives the city a cultural counterpoint to its coastal identity.

Hollywood makes a compelling base for short-term rentals because it combines the appeal of a walkable, amenity-rich beachfront with easy access to two of South Florida's largest cities. Guests can spend their mornings on the Broadwalk, their afternoons exploring nature preserves or downtown dining, and their evenings at the casino or in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, all without having to change accommodations. For property owners, this mix of beachfront leisure, entertainment draws, and regional connectivity supports year-round demand from both leisure travelers and event-goers.