Vacation Rental Registration

Vacation rentals (or short term rentals) have become extremely popular throughout the State of Florida. The ease in which a homeowner can rent their property utilizing websites such as VRBO and Airbnb has helped spur this growth and popularity. However, prior to deciding to rent your property, there are several factors which must be considered as well as associated fees.

A "Vacation Rental" is a dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment, but is not a time share project. It is defined by Florida Statute §  509.013(4)(a) as any unit which is rented out, or advertised out, to the public as a place for guest rental more than three (3) times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty (30) days or one (1) calendar month, whichever is less. 

In 2023, the City Council adopted Chapter 18, Article VIII of the Dunnellon Code of Ordinances which establishes standards, regulations, and enforcement for vacation rentals within the City of Dunnellon. Please take a moment to fully review the requirements and standards established by the City Council.  Ordinance #ORD2022-05.

REGISTRATION FEES 
The City Council implemented registration, renewal and inspection fees effective April 1, 2025 via Resolution.  The initial registration fee and the renewal fee is now $380.00 per unit.  There is an initial and annual Fire Inspection Fee of $40.00 per unit.  Please see Resolution #RES2025-06 for details and other possible fees. 

BUSINESS TAX  
A Business Tax Receipt will be required for individuals who own two or more vacation rental units.  Click here to learn more and register for your business tax.  

REGISTRATION
Click here to register online and set up your account or call Localgov at 877-842-3037 for assistance. You will be prompted to upload the following documents during the registration process:

• A current and active copy of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation license as a transient public lodging establishment
• A current and active copy of the certificate of registration with the Florida Department of Revenue
• Proof of establishment of an account with the Marion County Tax Collector
• Evidence of required postings
• An interior site sketch by floor in accordance with Ordinance #ORD2022-05
• An exterior site sketch in accordance with Ordinance #ORD2022-05

You can also visit the Localgov Help Center for help with payments, accessing forms and answers to other common questions.

FIRE INSPECTION REQUIREMENT
Inspection of a vacation rental to verify compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code shall be required prior to the issuance of a registration certificate, and annually upon each renewal.  Please call 352-291-8000 to schedule your fire inspection. Helpful information regarding your fire and code inspections can be found here.

ENFORCEMENT
The City of Dunnellon's Code Enforcement Department is tasked with monitoring and enforcing the City's codes which includes vacation rental registration. If you wish to report a vacation rental owner for failing to register, please report your concern here.

COMPLAINTS
Report a vacation rental complaint here to electronically report a concern or call the 24-hour hotline (877) 558-3266.