Florida Airbnb Tax Guide (Sales, Tourist & Income Taxes Explained)

Introduction

Taxes can be confusing for Airbnb and VRBO hosts in Florida. Between state sales tax, county tourist taxes, and federal income tax, it’s easy to miss something—and that can mean penalties.

This guide simplifies Florida STR taxes so you know exactly what to collect, remit, and report.

State Sales Tax

• Rate: 6% on all short-term rentals.

• Who Pays: Guests pay, hosts remit.

• Platform Collection: Airbnb and VRBO often collect automatically, but check your county.

Tourist Development Tax (Bed Tax)

• Rate: 2–6% depending on the county.

• Example:

  • Miami-Dade: 6%

  • Orange County (Orlando): 6%

  • Broward (Fort Lauderdale): 6%

• Use: Funds tourism marketing and local events.

Discretionary Sales Surtax

• Additional 0.5%–2% in some counties.

• Example: Hillsborough (Tampa) charges an extra 1%.

Federal Income Tax

• All rental income must be reported to the IRS.

• Deductions include mortgage interest, depreciation, maintenance, utilities, and insurance.

Tips to Stay Compliant

• Track all bookings and payouts.

• Use property management software to automate reporting.

• Hire a CPA familiar with Florida STR tax rules.

Call to Action

Don’t let taxes eat into your profits. Contact us for referrals to STR-friendly tax advisors and help setting up automated collection systems for your Florida rentals.