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Fort Lauderdale vacation rental registration: how to get approved
Fort Lauderdale runs one of the most detailed vacation rental programs in South Florida. You get licensed with the state and Broward County first, then register with the city and pass an inspection.
Last updated October 2026
Step one: state and county licenses come first
Fort Lauderdale will not accept a city application until the property is licensed with the state and Broward County. That means:
- A Florida DBPR vacation rental license
- A Florida Department of Revenue sales tax registration (if your booking sites collect and remit state taxes for you, the city accepts a notarized letter listing every site you advertise on instead)
- A Broward County tourist development tax registration
Owner-occupied homesteaded properties renting only part of the home can submit a notarized letter in place of the DBPR license.
Step two: apply with the city
Applications are filed online through the city's LauderBuild portal. Be ready to provide:
- Proof of ownership, plus proof of your connection to the entity if an LLC or corporation owns the property
- Copies of your DBPR license and Broward County tourist tax registration
- A notarized letter of authorization if someone other than the owner applies
- Your rental agreement, which must include the information the city's vacation rental ordinance requires
If anything is missing, the city tells you by email. Once your application is processed, you receive a vacation rental account number and an invoice. The city creates your Fort Lauderdale business tax account after the application is approved.
Step three: pay and pass inspection
After you pay both the registration fee and the city business tax, the property is scheduled for inspection against the city's vacation rental checklist. Once it passes, the city issues a Certificate of Compliance.
Don't let it stall. The city closes applications that sit in a pending status, such as unpaid, awaiting inspection or failed inspection, for more than 30 days after it notifies you.
Fees and timing
Registration costs $880 for up to four units under one folio, and that includes the first inspection. Renewal season runs August through September, when the city says processing can take about 10 to 12 business days. Registrations that aren't renewed are closed six months after the certificate expires.
Rules to know before you host
- Noise detection. Each vacation rental must have a noise-level detection device that alerts the owner or responsible party and guests, with data kept for 180 days and available to the city on request.
- Serious penalties. Operating during a suspension can bring fines of up to $5,000 per day for repeat violations, and up to $15,000 per day if a special magistrate finds the violation irreparable.
- HOA and condo rules still apply on top of city registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register my Fort Lauderdale vacation rental with the city?
Yes. Every vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale must register with the city's Vacation Rental Program and receive a Certificate of Compliance after inspection.
How much does Fort Lauderdale vacation rental registration cost?
As of October 2026, registration is $880 for up to four units under one folio, including the first inspection. The city business tax is billed separately.
What do I need before applying to the city?
Your Florida DBPR vacation rental license, Florida sales tax registration (or a notarized letter if your booking sites remit state taxes for you), and Broward County tourist development tax registration.
Do I need a noise monitor?
Yes. Fort Lauderdale requires a noise-level detection device at each vacation rental.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Fees and rules are current as of October 2026 based on city sources and can change. Confirm with the city before applying.