Thinking about listing your Weston home as a vacation rental? Before you take your first booking, you need to know exactly what the City and State require. The rules are clear, and following them will keep your investment protected and your guests safe. In this guide, you’ll learn how Weston defines short‑term rentals, how to register, which inspections to expect, what taxes apply, and how state preemption affects local rules. Let’s dive in.
What counts as a short‑term rental
In Florida, vacation rentals are regulated at the state level under Chapter 509. The statute defines vacation rentals and limits how local governments can regulate them, with some exceptions adopted before 2011. You can review the state preemption language in Florida Statutes §509.032.
Weston’s rules align with that definition. If you rent a single‑ to four‑family home or a condominium unit more than three times in a calendar year for periods under 30 days or one calendar month, or if you hold it out to the public as regularly rented, Weston treats it as a vacation rental and requires registration. The City’s process and forms are on the City of Weston Vacation Rental Registration page and in Chapter 81 of the Code.
Where rentals are allowed
Weston restricts vacation rentals in certain zoning districts. The City notes that vacation rentals are prohibited in multi‑family buildings with more than four units. If your property is in a condo or cooperative complex, confirm zoning and community rules before you list. The City’s vacation rental page provides current guidance.
Registration, certificate, and fees
Before advertising your property, you must apply for Weston’s Vacation Rental registration and obtain a Certificate of Use. The City lists current fees on its site, including the initial registration, Certificate of Use, and annual renewal. As of the latest City posting, the initial registration fee, the Certificate of Use fee, and a reduced renewal fee if completed before September 30 are published on the City’s registration page. Fees can change, so verify the latest amounts with the City before applying.
Safety standards and inspections
Weston requires life‑safety compliance and inspections by City Fire Rescue. Expect to provide proof of ownership and liability insurance, meet Broward County Minimum Housing Standards, and comply with Florida Building Code. Typical safety items include hard‑wired or interconnected smoke and carbon‑monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, a posted evacuation map, and pool safety where applicable. Maximum occupancy limits apply, for example two persons per bedroom subject to code limits. See Weston’s standards in Chapter 81, including §81.06, in the Weston Code of Ordinances.
Appoint a local rental agent
You must designate a Vacation Rental Agent who is responsible for property maintenance and guest conduct and who can respond to complaints. Include this contact in your registration. Requirements for the agent and other operating standards appear in Chapter 81, including §81.01, in the Weston Code.
Renewals and business tax receipt
After your Certificate of Use is issued, obtain a City Business Tax Receipt to operate. Registrations and Certificates of Use expire annually on September 30 and must be renewed on time. Failure to renew can require a new application. Renewal timelines and procedures are outlined in Chapter 81, including §81.08, in the Weston Code.
Penalties and suspensions
Weston enforces its rules through inspections and a Special Magistrate process. Qualifying violations can lead to fines and progressive suspensions of your Certificate of Use. A second violation within 48 months can trigger a 30‑day suspension, and a third can trigger a 12‑month suspension, with additional violations adding further 12‑month suspensions. Operating during a suspension can lead to daily fines and other remedies. See enforcement details in §81.08 in the Weston Code.
State DBPR licensing
City registration is not the same as the state license. If you rent the entire unit and your activity meets the Chapter 509 criteria, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation requires a vacation rental license as either a condominium or dwelling. Review the licensing guide and apply through the DBPR portal on MyFloridaLicense.
Sales tax and Broward bed tax
Short‑term rental income is generally subject to Florida sales tax on rentals of six months or less. Register and file with the Florida Department of Revenue using the forms and guidance on the DOR Forms and Publications page.
Broward County also imposes a Tourist Development Tax of 6 percent on rentals of six months or less. You must register and remit according to County procedures unless a platform remits on your behalf. Rate, registration, and payment guidance are on Broward’s Tourist Development Taxes page. Always confirm whether your booking platform collects and remits taxes for your property.
HOA and insurance checkpoints
Even if Weston and the State allow your rental, your condominium or homeowners’ association may restrict or prohibit short‑term rentals through governing documents. Review your community’s rules and any amendments before you list. A helpful overview of how associations regulate vacation rentals is available from this Florida condo and HOA law resource: Vacation rentals and community associations.
Standard homeowner insurance policies often exclude short‑term rental activity unless you add the right endorsements. Talk with your insurer and lender to ensure your coverage and loan terms fit your intended use.
What could change statewide
The Legislature considered statewide vacation‑rental registration reforms in 2023–2024, but the governor vetoed the measure on June 27, 2024. That veto left the existing state framework and local ordinances in place for now. You can read a summary of the veto and context in this legal update: Florida governor vetoes short‑term rental reform bill. State policy can evolve, so check for updates periodically while relying on current rules in §509.032 and Weston’s Chapter 81.
Quick Weston checklist
- Confirm that your property type and zoning allow vacation rentals in Weston, especially if it is in a multi‑family or condo setting.
- Review HOA or condo governing documents for rental limits and approval steps.
- If your activity qualifies, apply for a DBPR vacation rental license.
- Apply with Weston for registration and a Certificate of Use, name your local Vacation Rental Agent, and schedule Fire Rescue inspections.
- Install required life‑safety items and prepare the posted evacuation map and pool safety measures if relevant.
- After approval, obtain your City Business Tax Receipt and record the September 30 renewal deadline.
- Register with the Florida DOR for sales tax and with Broward County for the Tourist Development Tax; verify if your platform remits any taxes for you.
- Keep accurate booking and tax records in case of audit.
Ready to plan your strategy?
If you’re weighing whether a short‑term rental makes sense for your Weston property, you deserve clear, local guidance. From assessing HOA rules to understanding how leasing fits your long‑term goals, we can help you make a confident plan. Reach out to Phyllis M Scarberry, P A for a straightforward conversation about your options.
FAQs
Do I need a City of Weston registration before listing a short‑term rental?
- Yes. Weston requires registration and a Certificate of Use before advertising or renting a qualifying vacation rental, as outlined on the City’s Vacation Rental Registration page.
What inspections are required for Weston vacation rentals?
- You must pass Fire Rescue and life‑safety inspections and comply with Chapter 81 standards, including alarms, fire extinguishers, evacuation maps, and pool safety where applicable, per the Weston Code.
Do I also need a Florida DBPR license to rent short term?
- If you rent the entire unit and your activity meets Chapter 509 criteria, the state requires a vacation rental license through DBPR; see the DBPR licensing guide.
What taxes apply to my Weston vacation rental income?
- Florida sales tax generally applies to rentals of six months or less, and Broward County adds a 6 percent Tourist Development Tax; see the Florida DOR and Broward’s Tourist Development Taxes pages.
What are the penalties for violations in Weston?
- Weston can issue fines and suspend your Certificate of Use for repeat violations within 48 months, including 30‑day and 12‑month suspensions; details appear in §81.08 of the Weston Code.