Thinking about listing your Hollywood home as a short-term rental? You are not alone. Demand from vacationers and traveling professionals has made short stays a real income opportunity in Broward County. At the same time, rules are layered and enforcement is active, so getting compliant before you host is essential. In this guide, you will learn the key requirements most owners face in Hollywood, how taxes work, what to expect on safety and nuisance standards, and a practical checklist to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What is a short-term rental in Hollywood
A short-term rental, often called a transient rental, generally means renting a home or unit for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The exact definition and any carve-outs can vary, so you should confirm how the City of Hollywood defines and treats different property types such as single rooms, whole homes, or accessory units.
Short-term rentals in Hollywood involve multiple layers of rules. City regulations, Broward County taxes, and Florida state laws all apply. If you live in a condo or HOA, private bylaws can be more restrictive than public rules and may require longer minimum lease terms.
Where STRs are allowed: zoning basics
Cities often use zoning to determine where short-term rentals are permitted. Some residential zones allow STRs, while others limit or restrict them. Certain areas may have caps, spacing rules, or overlay districts that set extra conditions.
Hollywood may apply different standards for single-family homes versus multifamily or condominium buildings. Before you invest or convert a long-term rental, check zoning for your specific address and ask about any proximity limits, neighborhood caps, or special corridors where STRs are concentrated.
Registration and business licensing
Many Florida cities require operators to hold a local business license, often called a business tax receipt. Some also require a dedicated short-term rental registration or permit. Registration commonly includes your property address, owner or operator contact details, and a local emergency contact available 24 hours a day.
You should verify whether Hollywood requires a specific STR registration in addition to a business tax receipt. If inspections are required, plan for scheduling and any fees. Renewal timelines are typical, and failure to renew can lead to fines or suspension.
Taxes to collect and remit
Short-term rentals typically incur two types of taxes on your rental income:
- Florida state sales tax, administered by the Florida Department of Revenue.
- Local tourist or bed taxes at the county level, administered by Broward County.
You must register with the state to collect sales tax and with Broward County to remit the local tourist tax if it applies to your property. Some booking platforms may collect and remit certain taxes in Broward County, but owner obligations vary. You should confirm which taxes, if any, are covered by your platform and which remain your responsibility. Even when a platform remits taxes, you may still need to register your account and maintain records.
Safety, building code, and occupancy rules
Safety is a core focus for local governments. Expect requirements tied to building and fire codes, which can include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and clear exit paths. If your property has a pool, you should review pool safety rules such as barriers and life-saving equipment.
Many cities set occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms or square footage, and some limit the number of unrelated guests. If Hollywood requires safety inspections for STRs, plan for any corrective actions before you host. Clear house rules posted on-site help guests follow the basics around exits, quiet hours, trash, and parking.
Nuisance, noise, parking, and trash
Most STR enforcement focuses on neighborhood impacts. Noise ordinances and quiet hours are common, along with rules for trash handling and street or on-site parking. Cities often require a local contact who can respond to complaints within a set time window.
Fines for repeated nuisance violations can escalate and may lead to suspension or revocation of your ability to rent short-term. A proactive approach is best. Provide guests with clear, simple rules, and have a reliable local contact who can respond quickly when issues arise.
Condos, HOAs, and private restrictions
If your home is governed by a condominium association or HOA, start with those documents. Many associations restrict or prohibit short-term rentals by imposing minimum lease terms or explicit bans. Private rules remain enforceable even if the city allows STRs in your zoning district.
Review the recorded declaration, bylaws, rules, and any amendments. If there is a conflict between association restrictions and city allowances, seek guidance before proceeding. Approval processes, fees, and guest registration requirements may apply.
Insurance and risk management
Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity. You should talk with an insurance professional about STR-specific coverage or host protection policies that address guest injuries, property damage, and liability.
Use a written rental agreement that sets expectations around occupancy, house rules, payment terms, and penalties for violations. Consider higher liability limits to protect your assets. Keep maintenance logs and incident reports so you can document responses to any complaints or safety issues.
Advertising and platform rules
Some jurisdictions require you to display a registration or license number in every advertisement or listing. Listing platforms may also require certain safety features and proof that you comply with local laws.
Each platform has its own rules for bookings, guest screening, refunds, and tax collection. Review your platform’s host resources to confirm what they handle and what remains on you. Consistency across your listings reduces confusion and helps with compliance.
Penalties and enforcement
Noncompliance can lead to warnings, monetary fines, and in some cases suspension or revocation of registration. Continued violations may trigger court orders or additional sanctions.
Most cities follow an escalating process that starts with notices and moves to fines and suspensions for repeat offenses. Good recordkeeping, responsive handling of complaints, and documented corrective actions can help if you need to appeal a decision.
Hollywood STR owner checklist
Use this quick checklist to organize your compliance plan:
Confirm local classification
- Read the City of Hollywood code section on short-term or transient rentals.
- Verify definitions, permitted locations, and any caps or spacing limits.
Licensing and registration
- Apply for a City of Hollywood business tax receipt if required.
- If a dedicated STR registration exists, complete the application, schedule inspections, and pay fees.
- List a 24/7 local contact or agent for complaints and emergencies.
Taxes
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales tax.
- Register with Broward County for tourist or bed taxes and confirm filing frequency.
- Check whether your booking platform collects any taxes and what you still must remit.
Safety and code
- Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain fire extinguishers.
- Confirm clear exits and post emergency information in a visible location.
- If you have a pool, confirm barrier and safety equipment requirements.
- Schedule any required inspections.
Neighbor relations and operations
- Create house rules covering occupancy, parking, trash, quiet hours, and pool use.
- Share contact details for the local emergency contact and ensure fast response times.
HOA or condo
- Review the recorded declaration, bylaws, and rules for rental restrictions and approval processes.
- Complete any association registrations or guest procedures.
Insurance and contracts
- Obtain short-term rental insurance or host coverage that fits your property and risk profile.
- Use a written rental agreement for every booking.
Recordkeeping
- Keep tax filings, guest records, maintenance logs, and complaint responses for several years.
Enforcement readiness
- Learn the city’s fine schedule and appeals process.
- Document corrective actions after any complaint.
Professional help
- Consult local legal or compliance professionals for complex cases, such as HOA restrictions or multi-unit operations.
Buying an STR in Hollywood: due diligence tips
If you are shopping for a property to use as a short-term rental, build compliance into your analysis from day one. Start by confirming zoning and whether short-term rentals are permitted at the address. For condos, read the declarations and bylaws for minimum lease terms or bans.
Stress test your numbers with full tax and operational costs, including cleaning, supplies, maintenance, insurance, and potential permitting fees. Ask about any required inspections and typical timelines. Plan for changes in rules or platform policies so your investment remains resilient.
What this means for your investment strategy
Short-term rentals can be a smart income strategy in Hollywood when you treat compliance as part of your operating playbook. The most successful hosts run their rentals like a business. They document everything, respond quickly to neighbors and guests, and keep their filings up to date.
If you want help evaluating a property, aligning it with the rules, and estimating realistic returns, reach out. You can get support with acquisitions, pricing, and property preparation so your rental launches on solid footing. To talk strategy or request a valuation, connect with Linda Hoyt.
FAQs
Can I operate a short-term rental in any Hollywood neighborhood?
- Not always. Zoning and local rules can limit STRs in certain residential areas or apply caps and spacing limits. Check the City of Hollywood’s zoning for your address before you host.
Do I have to collect Florida sales tax and Broward tourist tax?
- Yes. STR income is typically subject to Florida state sales tax and Broward County tourist or bed taxes. Register with the state and county and confirm if your platform remits any portion.
Are condo and HOA restrictions enforceable if the city allows STRs?
- Often yes. Private covenants, bylaws, and minimum lease terms can be more restrictive than city rules and are commonly enforceable. Review all association documents before you rent.
What safety features do Hollywood STRs usually need?
- Expect standards tied to building and fire codes, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, clear exits, and pool safety measures if applicable.
What happens if neighbors report noise or parking issues at my STR?
- Cities frequently require a local contact who can respond quickly. Repeated nuisance complaints can lead to fines and potential suspension or revocation of your ability to rent short-term.
Will Airbnb or Vrbo handle all my taxes and registrations for Broward County?
- Platforms may collect and remit some taxes in certain jurisdictions, but you typically remain responsible for required registrations and any taxes not covered by the platform.
