The new ordinance introduces an annual registration per dwelling and an inspection framework for short-term vacation rentals in the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County, Florida, has approved a specific regulation for short-term vacation rentals that will affect homes located in the unincorporated areas of the county.
The Board of County Commissioners adopted the ordinance on September 2, 2026. The rule will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The official summary following the vote confirms an annual registration fee of $200 per dwelling for each short-term vacation rental included in the scope of the ordinance.
What Changes for Owners and Managers
The main change is the creation of a specific registration that must be renewed annually. For a manager with multiple units, the new cost must be budgeted per dwelling, not per portfolio.
The ordinance also allows Code Enforcement to determine when an inspection is warranted. If there is a scheduled inspection and the owner or responsible party does not allow access, an additional charge will apply.
The amount of that charge for not allowing access has yet to be determined by the Board. It is advisable not to treat any previous figure as definitive until the county formally sets it.
Which Homes Are Affected
The official documentation places the scope of the regulation in the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County. Therefore, before budgeting or starting procedures, it is advisable to check the exact jurisdiction of each address.
The Business Impact Estimate prepared prior to approval estimated that approximately 3,000 short-term vacation rentals could be subject to the regulation.
What to Do Before January 1, 2027
- Check if the dwelling is located in an unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.
- Include $200 annually per dwelling in the compliance budget.
- Follow the publication of the specific registration application and renewal procedure.
- Prepare operational documentation and a protocol to handle possible scheduled inspections.
- Review the final amount of the charge for not allowing access when the Board establishes it.
Sources
Hillsborough County · Business Impact Estimate.
WUSF · Coverage of the approval.