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Port Orange, FL
Challenging To Investors
Local STR Agent
Local STR Agent

(All information drawn directly from the sources you provided – no web‑fetching has been performed.)
Short‑term rentals are allowed in Port Orange, but they are strictly regulated.
Bottom line: In Port Orange you may operate an STR only if the property is situated in a zoning district that permits hotels/motels, you hold the required city license, and you satisfy state licensing and tax obligations.
Port Orange hosts earn a median $31,570/year with $206 ADR and 57% occupancy.
Top performers pull in $49,606+ per year.
See the full Port Orange market breakdown| Step | Action | Details & Where to Get It | |------|--------|---------------------------| | 1. Verify Zoning | Confirm the parcel’s zoning with Volusia County. | • Use the Connect Live – Volusia County zoning lookup: <growthmgt.vcgov.org/PublicPortal/Volusia/common/index.jsp> <br>• Contact the Zoning Office (see “Contact Information” below) for confirmation. | | 2. Secure State Vacation‑Rental License | Apply to the Florida DBPR – Division of Hotels & Restaurants. | • Online portal: <www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/> <br>• License types: vacation‑rental dwelling (single‑family, duplex, etc.) or vacation‑rental condominium (condo/co‑op). <br>• Required documents: owner info, property address, balcony‑inspection certificate (if applicable), proof of human‑trafficking‑training for house‑keeping staff, fee ($50 + $10 HEP + unit‑based fee). | | 3. Register for State & Local Taxes | Obtain a Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) sales‑tax account and the local Tourist Development Tax (TDT) registration. | • DOR registration form (GT‑800034): <floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800034.pdf> <br>• TDT (local option transient rental tax) – Volusia County rate is 6 % (collected with the state sales tax). <br>• Discretionary sales surtax (county) – 1 % (Volusia County). | | 4. Obtain City (Port Orange) STR License | Apply for the Port Orange short‑term‑rental license (includes inspection & fee). | • City codes are housed in the Municode library for Port Orange: <library.municode.com/FL/Port_Orange> <br>• License fee and inspection details are listed in the city’s ordinance (see “Specific Regulations – City”). | | 5. Conduct Required Inspections | • City inspection (interior safety & compliance). <br>• State safety inspection (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, pool safety, balcony inspection for 3‑story+ buildings). | • Schedule through the Building & Code Administration (Port Orange) – phone 386‑506‑5563. | | 6. Set Up Business Tax Receipt | Get a Volusia County Business Tax Receipt (formerly occupational license). | • Obtain via the County Tax Collector: <www.vctaxcollector.org> | | 7. Create Operating Documents | • Guest rental agreement (must include TDT disclosure). <br>• House rules covering occupancy, noise, parking, trash collection. | • Use templates from the city’s ordinance or industry‑standard forms. | | 8. Marketing & Listing | List on Airbnb, Vrbo, etc., but include the city license number and any required disclosures in the listing. | • Ensure advertising complies with local advertising rules (see “Regulations – City”). | | 9. Ongoing Compliance | • Remit state sales tax & local TDT monthly/quarterly (as required). <br>• Renew the city license annually and the DBPR license on its renewal date (district‑specific). | • Keep inspection certificates current; schedule annual safety inspections. |
| Level | Document / Permit | Key Requirements | Source | |-------|-------------------|------------------|--------| | State (FL) | DBPR Vacation‑Rental License (Dwelling or Condominium) | • Owner/responsible‑party info, property address, balcony‑inspection cert (if ≥3 stories), human‑trafficking‑training proof, fee ($50 + $10 HEP + unit‑based fee). <br>• License valid for 1‑year (half‑year options). | <www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/> | | State (FL) | DOR Sales‑Tax Registration (Form GT‑800034) | • Required to collect/remit 6 % state sales tax + county surtax & TDT. | <floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800034.pdf> | | State (FL) | Human‑Trafficking Awareness Training | • Annual training for any staff who perform housekeeping duties. | DBPR license checklist | | County (Volusia) | Business Tax Receipt | • Required for operating any business in the county. | <www.vctaxcollector.org> | | County (Volusia) | Zoning Confirmation | • Property must be in a zone that permits hotels/motels. | Zoning FAQ: <www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-management/faqs-zoning.stml> | | City (Port Orange) | Short‑Term‑Rental License (including inspection) | • Application, interior safety inspection, fee (ordinance‑specified). <br>• License must be posted in the unit. | City code on Municode: <library.municode.com/FL/Port_Orange> | | City (Port Orange) | Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Registration | • Collect and remit Volusia County TDT (6 %). | Volusia County Tax Collector (same link as business tax receipt) | | All Levels | Proof of Ownership (deed, title, mortgage statement) | • Required for both state and city license applications. | — | | All Levels | Site Plan & Parking Plan | • Required by city licensing to show location of off‑street parking, trash collection points, and compliance with setback/occupancy limits. | City ordinance (Municode) | | All Levels | Insurance (general liability, property, and loss‑of‑rental‑income) | • Not mandated by law but strongly recommended; some lenders require it. | — |
| Topic | Requirement | Source | |-------|-------------|--------| | License Requirement | All STRs must obtain a city‑issued short‑term‑rental license before operating. License includes an interior inspection and fee. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Inspection | A city safety inspection is required prior to issuance and annually thereafter. Inspectors verify smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, electrical safety, and pool safety where applicable. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Occupancy Limits | Maximum occupancy is generally limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons per property (same as many Florida municipalities). | City ordinance (Municode) | | Noise & Nuisance | Quiet hours and noise decibel limits are enforced; violations may result in fines and/or license suspension. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Parking | Off‑street parking must be provided at a ratio of 1 space per bedroom (minimum 2 spaces). Parking must be shown on the site‑plan submitted with the license application. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Trash & Recycling | Trash containers sufficient for the maximum occupancy must be provided; regular pickup schedules must be posted. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Advertising | All listings must display the city license number and TDT registration number. | City ordinance (Municode) | | Posting of License | The license must be displayed in a conspicuous location inside the unit (e.g., near the front door). | City ordinance (Municode) | | Renewal | Licenses are annual; renewal requires a new inspection and fee payment. | City ordinance (Municode) |
| Topic | Requirement | Source | |-------|-------------|--------| | Zoning Restriction | Short‑term rentals are prohibited in single‑family residential zoning districts (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, etc.). STRs are only permitted in zones where hotels or motels are a permitted principal use (e.g., C‑1, C‑2, MX‑1, etc.). | Zoning FAQ: <www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-management/faqs-zoning.stml> | | Definition of Short‑Term Rental | “Short‑term rental” = rented for fewer than 30 days or one calendar month (whichever is less). | Same as above | | Permit Process | No separate county STR permit; zoning compliance is verified through the building‑permit and zoning review process. | Zoning FAQ | | Occupancy / Parking | County standards for off‑street parking (1 space per bedroom) apply, and noise ordinances are enforced via the county Code‑Compliance Division. | County Code of Ordinances (Municode: <library.municode.com/fl/volusia_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH72LAPL>) | | Taxation | 6 % Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on all short‑term rentals collected by the county (administered through the Florida DOR). | County Tax Collector site: <www.vctaxcollector.org> | | Inspections | County building and fire inspections are required for any structural changes or safety devices (smoke detectors, CO alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems). | County Building & Code Administration: <www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-management/building-and-zoning/> |
| Topic | Requirement | Source | |-------|-------------|--------| | Vacation‑Rental License | Required if the property is rented fewer than 30 days or one calendar month more than three times per year; two license classes (dwelling & condominium). | DBPR guide: <www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/> | | License Fees | $50 new‑application fee + $10 HEP fee + full‑year license fee ($170 for a single unit; $180 for 2‑25 units). | Same DBPR page | | Renewal | License valid 1 year (or half‑year option); renewal dates vary by district. | DBPR renewal schedule (see district list in article) | | Safety Requirements | • Smoke detectors in every sleeping room & common area.<br>• Carbon‑monoxide detectors where required.<br>• Fire extinguishers (minimum 2‑A:10‑BC).<br>• Swimming‑pool safety features (fence, gate, self‑closing latch).<br>• Balcony inspection certificate for buildings ≥ 3 stories (unless balconies are common elements of a condo). | DBPR checklist | | Human‑Trafficking Training | Annual training for any employee performing housekeeping duties. | DB
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Port Orange is a mid-sized city situated in Volusia County on Florida's Atlantic coast, with a population of roughly 63,000 residents. Lying along the western shore of the Halifax River just south of Daytona Beach, the city has a quiet, suburban character, defined by leafy residential streets, waterfront neighborhoods, and easy access to some of central Florida's most popular beaches, springs, and nature preserves. It functions as a popular gateway to the greater Daytona Beach area and a comfortable base for travelers exploring the broader Volusia County coastline, and it sits approximately 60 miles northeast of Orlando, the nearest major metropolitan hub.
One of the most recognizable landmarks within city limits is the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, a quiet botanical and historical site featuring the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill surrounded by tropical plantings and walking paths. The gardens are just minutes from most of the city and offer a calm, shaded counterpoint to the busier coastal attractions further north.
Just a short drive south along the barrier island, Ponce Inlet is home to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping views of the coast, explore the attached museum, and walk the surrounding jetty and beach. Ponce Inlet is roughly 10 minutes from central Port Orange.
About 25 miles to the southwest, Blue Spring State Park draws visitors year-round for its clear spring run, where manatees famously gather in large numbers during the cooler winter months. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and campgrounds, and it provides a distinctly Florida nature experience that contrasts nicely with the area's beach-oriented offerings.
To the north, Daytona Beach is essentially continuous with Port Orange, offering its famous hard-packed shoreline, the Daytona International Speedway, and a bustling boardwalk. The same barrier-island coastline extends south toward New Smyrna Beach, another well-known surfing and family beach destination, and continues toward the Canaveral National Seashore, a protected stretch of undeveloped beach and estuary roughly an hour's drive to the southeast.
For short-term rental investors, Port Orange offers an appealing blend of small-city calm and proximity to some of central Florida's strongest tourism draws. Its quieter residential setting appeals to families and repeat visitors who want a relaxed base, while its location between Daytona Beach, the lighthouse, the springs, and the broader Atlantic coast means guests can reach a wide range of attractions within a short drive, supporting steady year-round demand.
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