What Exactly Is Considered a Short-Term Rental in Lauderdale-By-The Sea
The Town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea defines a short-term rental as any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit that is advertised and/or rented to transient occupants more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty days or one calendar month. Within the city limits, any rental rented for longer than 90 consecutive nights will be deemed as a long-term rental. In Florida a short-term vocational rental is a property that is fewer than 180 consecutive nights. A vacation rental license is required to operate in any capacity within the city limits. You can find further information here.
Quick Summary of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Airbnb Rules
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- Short-term Vacation rental: 30 consecutive days or less.
- Does not restrict owners to principal dwellings. No current restrictions on the amount of properties/dwellings one can have under the same portfolio with the city.
- Licence required: Apply online or in person, License number must appear on all ads (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo).
- The costs to apply for the necessary rental licenses are dependent on the property type. Single family dwellings, townhomes and duplexes have separate pricing from duplexes, tri-plexes and quadplexes.
- Vacation Rental—Single-Family Dwellings, Townhomes, and Split-Lot Duplexes:
- Certificate Fee: $775.00
- Fire Inspection Fee: $75.00
- BTR: $6:00
- Short-Term Rental—Duplex, Triplex or Quadplex Buildings:
- Certificate Fee- First Unit: $775.00
- Fire Inspection Fee for each unit: $75.00
- BTR for each unit: $6.00
- Each Additional Unit: $275.00
- Vacation Rental—Single-Family Dwellings, Townhomes, and Split-Lot Duplexes:
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea does require hosts/owners to register for a municipal Business Tax Receipt, there are numerous county and state taxes that must be remitted to respective governing bodies.
- Broward County Tourist Development Tax: 6% levied on short-term rentals and is used to fund tourism-related projects in Broward County
- Florida Transient Rental Tax: 6% tax on short-term lodging
- Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1% additional applied to the first $5,000 of the rental charges
How to Apply for a City of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Vacation Rental Licence
Step-by-Step application instructions and descriptions (Apply Online Here):
- Submit all necessary information for State and County regulatory divisions:
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Department of Revenue Tax Statements
- Broward County Business Tax receipt
- Broward County Tourist Development Tax Forms
- Provide proof of property ownership to Broward County
- Provide a blank or sample copy of the current lease agreement
- Complete the application form online or in person.
- Pay the aforementioned state and county taxes and licensing fees annually
City of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Enforcement & Penalties
The city of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea will enforce regulatory compliance through one of if not all avenues described here:
- Fines under both state and county guidelines.
- Unpaid penalties can be added to your property tax bill.
- Inspections may occur without prior notice
- License can be suspended for months at a time, if violations continue then indefinite suspension is a possibility
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Airbnb Market Potential
- Average Nightly Rate: $175–$300
- Premium Properties: $600+ during peak winter months
- Occupancy: ~72.5% average, up to 90% in winter
- Average Monthly Revenue: $3500-$4000 for typical listings, $5500+ for premium properties
Why Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a Top Destination for Airbnb
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has earned a reputation as a charming seaside village with the distinct “old Florida” feel, setting it apart from the faster paced styles of neighboring Fort Lauderdale just minutes away. Visitors are drawn to its pristine, walkable beaches, vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving, and the town’s pedestrian friendly center filled with boutique shopping, waterfront dining and live entertainment. The town maintains a friendly, relaxed, small-town atmosphere while still offering easy access to greater Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife, shopping, and cultural attractions. Its laid-back coastal character appeals to families, couples, and snowbirds seeking a slower, more intimate beach experience without sacrificing the proximity to airports, cruise ports, and all of South Florida’s hotspots.
Unlike many coastal cities in South Florida that impose strict restrictions on vacation rentals, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has been generally supportive of short-term and long-term vacation rentals, provided hosts comply with county, state and municipal licensing requirements. This clarity allows for investors and property owners to confidently operate in the market without the uncertainty seen in the surrounding markets. Unlike purely seasonal destinations, the town benefits from year-round interest fueled by snowbirds in the winter, beach vacationers in the summer, and divers attracted to its offshore reefs year-round. The compact, walkable layout enhances guest appeal, as visitors can enjoy beaches, dining, and entertainment without needing a car – an increasingly attractive factor in today’s vacation rental market. Proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Port Everglades cruise terminal adds another layer of demand from short-term travelers. For hosts and investors, this creates a stable rental environment with strong occupancy rates, premium pricing opportunities during peak season, and steady mid-term and family bookings throughout the year.
Demand for Mid-Term Rentals (30+ Days)
Mid-term rental demand in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is exceptionally strong, driven by a mix of snowbirds seeking seasonal residences, professionals on short-term work assignments, and an increasing number of remote workers drawn to the area’s small-town charm and walkable beachfront. Properties offering 30-90 day stays – especially well equipped beachfront or downtown locations – consistently attract steady occupancy and can achieve above-market rates compared to the traditional long-term leases. With local regulations that allow for flexible rental operations, coupled with the town’s proximity to Fort Lauderdale’s corporate hubs, cultural attractions and international airport. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea stands out as one of the most reliable and profitable markets for hosts looking to capture the growing mid-term rental market.
Why Choose Guestable for Your Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Airbnb
- Best Revenue Optimization Strategies: Data-driven pricing to maximize earnings.
- Tailored Management Solutions: Customized plans to fit your goals.
- Client-Focused Communication: 24/7 availability, transparent updates.
- Dynamic Rental Approach: Expertise in both short- and mid-term markets, adjusting to seasonal trends.
- Guest Experience & Ground Support: Local presence across Broward County and across Southern Florida, hands-on guest service.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Airbnb FAQ
Do I need a licence to operate an airbnb in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
Yes, any rental that the owner would be looking to list on a vacation rental service will need to have their property fully licensed and inspected before beginning operations.
How long does the licence process take?
The application takes minutes, but full approval depends on inspections and document submission. The municipal code officer will contact the applicant within 3 business days of the inspection being completed.
Do I need to collect any tax from guests?
Yes, the City of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea requires all owners to remit a collective 13% tax on all rental bookings. Now, some booking platforms will remit the taxes on behalf of the owners but responsibility falls on the owner at the end.
Final Word for Potential Hosts
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea stands out as a rare gem in South Florida- a seaside village that blends old-Florida charm with modern convenience, vibrant tourism, and supportive rental regulations. Its pristine beaches, thriving coral reefs, walkable downtown, and year-round visitor appeal create an environment where both guests and property owners thrive. For investors and hosts, the town’s balance of steady tourism, strong mid-term rental demand, and proximity to Fort Lauderdale makes it not just a beautiful place to visit, but a smart and sustainable market to invest in. With its unique ability to attract and retain both leisure travelers and long-term guests, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea continues to grow as a gem within Broward County’s rental ecosystem.
To get more information about other regulations, you can also visit Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s official website or contact us. Explore Airbnb management in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.