As of Jan. 1, 2025, operating vacation rental without required certificate to constitute violation of City Code
City of Sarasota staff members are encouraging all owners of vacation rentals within the Sarasota city limits to register those properties by Oct. 31, to avoid late fees.
“The deadline for vacation rental registration is Dec. 31,” a news release points out. “As of Jan. 1, 2025, operating a vacation rental without a certificate when one is required will constitute a violation of City Code,” the release adds.
The registration requirement applies to single-, two-, three-, and four-family dwelling units “operating as vacation rentals within Residential Single and Multi-Family Zoning Districts,” the release explains. Owner-occupied vacation rentals, condominiums, cooperatives, or properties rented for 30 days or more are exempt from registration, the release notes.
On Feb. 5, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 24-5506, which expanded the vacation rental registration requirement from the barrier islands to the mainland, the release continues. As of July 29, the release adds, approximately 140 properties were registered on the barrier islands, with 650 additional properties expected to be registered on the mainland.
Applications may be submitted via the online portal or in-person on the third floor of the building standing at 1575 Second St. in downtown Sarasota, the release says. “If you are unsure if a vacation rental certificate of registration is required,” the release continues, email VacationRentals@SarasotaFL.gov or call 941-263-6623.
Further, the release notes, “Owners of vacation rental properties are encouraged to review the information on the City of Sarasota’s vacation rental webpage and to contact city staff for guidance throughout the application process.”