Executive Summary

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Longwood, Florida, subject to compliance with Seminole County Ordinance 2020-14 and Florida state regulations. Longwood is located within Seminole County, and the primary regulatory framework for vacation rentals operates at the county level. Investors must understand that while STRs are permitted, they must meet specific registration, safety, and operational requirements set forth by Seminole County and the State of Florida.

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1. Overview: STR Status in Longwood, FL

Explicit Answer: Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Longwood, Florida. However, they are regulated under Seminole County's comprehensive vacation rental ordinance, not through separate city-specific regulations. Longwood operates under the jurisdiction of Seminole County for land use and zoning matters related to vacation rentals.

Key Points:

• Longwood is located within Seminole County, which regulates vacation rentals through Ordinance 2020-14
• The ordinance explicitly recognizes and allows vacation rentals as transient public lodging establishments
• State law (Florida Statutes Chapter 509) provides the foundational framework for vacation rental classification
• Local regulation focuses on registration, safety standards, occupancy limits, parking, and noise restrictions

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2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Longwood

Step-by-Step Process:

Phase 1: Pre-Operational Requirements

1. Verify Property Eligibility

   • Confirm the property is located in unincorporated Seminole County (which includes Longwood)
   • Ensure the property meets residential zoning requirements
   • Review any applicable HOA/Condo association rules that may be more restrictive than county regulations

2. Obtain State-Level Licenses and Registrations

   • Apply for transient public lodging establishment license with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
   • Register with Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and remittance
   • Obtain local tourist tax account from Seminole County Tax Collector

Phase 2: County Registration and Compliance

3. Complete Seminole County Vacation Rental Registration

   • Register through the county's authorized third-party vendor
   • Submit all required documentation and certifications
   • Pay applicable registration fees

4. Implement Minimum Safety Standards

   • Install required fire safety equipment
   • Establish emergency communication systems
   • Prepare required informational materials

Phase 3: Operational Launch

5. Marketing and Advertising Compliance

   • Ensure all advertisements include required disclosures
   • Comply with maximum occupancy and parking restrictions in marketing materials

6. Ongoing Compliance Management

   • Maintain annual registration renewal
   • Monitor and respond to code enforcement inquiries
   • Ensure responsible party availability for guest issues

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3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

• Transient Public Lodging Establishment License
• Active license number required for county registration

Florida Department of Revenue:

• Sales tax registration for collecting and remitting state taxes
• Proof of active registration required for county registration

Seminole County Tax Collector:

• Local tourist tax account number
• Proof of account establishment required for registration

County-Level Registration Requirements:

Seminole County Vacation Rental Registration Application:

• Completed Affidavit of Compliance registration form
• Registration certificate (valid annually)

Required Acknowledgments and Certifications:

• Acknowledgment of compliance with parking standards (Section 30.1221(1) and 30.1375(a)(5))
• Acknowledgment of noise regulations compliance (Chapter 165)
• Acknowledgment of solid waste regulations compliance (Chapter 235)
• For properties within Urban Bear Management Area: Acknowledgment of bear management requirements
• Acknowledgment of sexual offender/predator restrictions (Section 228.7)
• Acknowledgment of homestead exemption risks if applicable

Property-Specific Documentation:

• For 5+ bedroom properties: Survey, scaled sketch, or photograph identifying required parking spaces
• For properties with shared parking: Signed and notarized letter from property association verifying parking space reservation
• Notarized letter from alternate property owner if additional parking spaces are provided off-site
• Safe pedestrian pathway documentation for off-site parking arrangements

Operational Documentation:

• Copy of rental agreement to be signed by all transient occupants
• "Transient Occupant Information" binder with specified content
• Emergency information posters for posting requirements

Safety Equipment Requirements:

Fire Safety Equipment:

• At least one fully charged, portable, multi-purpose dry chemical ABC fire extinguisher per floor
• At least one Class K fire extinguisher near the kitchen

Communication Requirements:

• Telephone (landline or cellular) capable of contacting Seminole County Emergency 911 Communications Center
• Clearly marked as Emergency Communications Center contact telephone

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4. Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County Regulations (Seminole County Ordinance 2020-14):

Maximum Occupancy and Guest Limits:

• Maximum of 2 persons per sleeping room for overnight occupancy
• Maximum of 4 children under age 13 (not counted against maximum occupancy)
• Non-overnight guests limited to 2 times the maximum overnight occupancy
• Sleeping room definition: fully enclosed portion with door access, primarily for sleeping, no cooking facilities

Parking Standards:

• Minimum of 2 parking spaces per vacation rental within single-family dwelling limits
• Additional parking required: 1 space for each sleeping room exceeding 2 (total minimum remains 2)
• All required parking must be located on the same parcel as the vacation rental
• Must comply with minimum net area, length, and width standards
• Parking prohibited in drainage swales, public sidewalks, street rights-of-way, or pedestrian/bicycle paths
• Off-site parking requires notarized agreement with alternate property owner and pedestrian pathway documentation

Safety and Information Requirements:

• Emergency contact telephone in main common area
• "Transient Occupant Information" binder permanently installed near telephone
• Emergency information posters on refrigerator door, main egress door, and all sleeping room doors
• Posting of parking information and emergency information in specified locations

Noise and Behavior Restrictions:

• Compliance with Chapter 165 Noise regulations of Seminole County Code of Ordinances
• No excessive noise between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Compliance with Chapter 235 Solid Waste regulations
• For Urban Bear Management Area properties: compliance with bear-resistant refuse container requirements and prohibition on feeding bears

Advertising Requirements:

• All advertisements must include maximum occupancy, parking regulations, noise restrictions
• Must include urban bear management regulations (if applicable)
• Must include distance requirements for sexual offenders and predators

State Regulations (Florida Statutes Chapter 509):

Vacation Rental Classification:

• Vacation rentals are classified as transient public lodging establishments
• Must comply with Florida Statutes Chapter 509 requirements
• Local governments cannot prohibit vacation rentals or regulate duration/frequency of rental
• Local regulation permitted for noise, occupancy, parking, and registration

Tax Obligations:

• Sales tax collection and remittance requirements
• Tourist development tax collection and remittance requirements
• Local business tax compliance (Seminole County Chapter 45, Part 1)

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5. Contact Information for Local Authority

Seminole County Vacation Rental Registration:

Third-Party Registration Vendor

• Online registration portal (specific vendor to be confirmed with Seminole County)
• Registration fees payable to Seminole County (amount set by Board of County Commissioners)

Seminole County Code Enforcement:

• Phone: (407) 665-6650
• Online reporting: www.seminolesheriff.org/forms/ReportCodeViolation.aspx
• Responsible for investigating potential violations

Seminole County Sheriff's Office:

• Main Phone: (407) 665-6650
• Code violation reporting and general enforcement inquiries

State-Level Contacts:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

• Transient Public Lodging Establishment Licensing
• License verification and applications

Florida Department of Revenue:

• Sales tax registration and compliance
• Online registration available

Seminole County Tax Collector:

• Tourist tax account establishment
• Local business tax compliance

Longwood City Government:

Longwood City Hall:

• Address: 175 West Warren Avenue, Longwood, FL 32750
• Phone: (407) 260-3440
• Email: cityhall@longwoodfl.org
• Police Dispatch After Hours: (407) 339-1297
• Website: www.longwoodfl.org

Note: While Longwood City Hall handles general municipal services, vacation rental regulations are primarily administered through Seminole County.

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6. Key Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents:

• Seminole County Vacation Rental Ordinance 2020-14: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/docs/default-source/pdf/Vacation-Rental-Ordinance_2020_14.pdf
• Seminole County Sheriff Code Violation Reporting: https://www.seminolesheriff.org/forms/ReportCodeViolation.aspx
• City of Longwood Official Website: https://www.longwoodfl.org/

Contact and Service Information:

• Longwood City Hall Contact Information: https://www.longwoodfl.org/directory
• Florida Senate - Find Your Senator: https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators
• Florida House - Find Your Representative: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx

Professional Resources:

• Short-term rental bill opposition document (state-level context): https://www.ournsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Short-term-Rental-Bill-Threatens-Property-Rights-for-All.pdf

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Additional Considerations for Investors

Compliance Strategy:

• Establish clear operating procedures to ensure consistent compliance with all regulations
• Designate a responsible party available 24/7 during occupied periods
• Implement quality control measures to prevent violations
• Maintain detailed records of all registrations, licenses, and compliance activities

Financial Planning:

• Budget for registration fees and annual renewals
• Account for tax collection and remittance obligations
• Consider potential impacts on homestead exemption status
• Plan for potential code enforcement investigation costs

Market Positioning:

• Understand that Longwood's proximity to Orlando attractions creates strong rental demand
• Consider the balance between maximizing occupancy and maintaining good neighbor relations
• Factor in seasonal variations in demand and pricing
• Evaluate the competitive landscape for vacation rentals in the Longwood area

This comprehensive framework provides investors with the essential information needed to establish and operate a compliant short-term rental business in Longwood, Florida, while understanding the regulatory landscape and ongoing compliance requirements.