--- title: "Florida Guest Register and Occupancy Rules for Rentals" description: "What Florida's guest register law (§509.101) requires, the other Chapter 509 duties a vacation rental carries, and how local occupancy limits are set." url: https://floridahosts.com/resources/florida-guest-register-and-occupancy-rules/ --- ![Wicker chairs on a sunny terrace overlooking the open sea — a short-term rental guest’s view](/images/airbnb-guest-experience.webp) Hosting & Operations # Florida Guest Register and Occupancy Rules for Rentals What Florida's guest register law (§509.101) requires, the other Chapter 509 duties a vacation rental carries, and how local occupancy limits are set. 10,000+ guest reviews since 2016 · [Call (321) 321-2348](tel:+13213212348) Free rental projection — about a minute Free, no obligation. Prefer to talk? Call [(321) 321-2348](tel:+13213212348). By the Florida Hosts team · October 13, 2026 · Hosting & Operations Every Florida vacation rental must keep a guest register. [Section 509.101(2)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.101.html), Florida Statutes, requires each operator of a transient establishment to record who occupied each rental unit, the dates, and the rates charged, and to show that register to the state on request. Occupancy limits come from two places: a statewide fire safety rule and, in many cities, a local formula. ## What does Florida’s guest register law require? [Section 509.101(2)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.101.html) sets four rules. The register shows the dates rental units were occupied and the rates charged. It is kept in chronological order. It is available for inspection by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants at any time. And it may be electronic, which means a booking system’s reservation export can serve as the register if it holds those fields. There is no stated retention period, but the statute says operators need not make available registers more than two years old. Keeping two full years on hand covers what the division can ask for. The duty falls on the operator. [Section 509.013(2)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.013.html) defines that as the owner, licensee, proprietor, lessee, manager or appointed agent. Under DBPR [Rule 61C-1.002](https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=61C-1.002), a management company holding a group or collective license is responsible for violations while a home is listed under it. ## What other Chapter 509 duties apply to a vacation rental? The guest register is one of several duties in Chapter 509 and DBPR’s rules: Duty What it says Source House rules An operator may set reasonable rules; they are a special contract with each guest, must be printed in English and posted in a prominent place [§509.101(1)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.101.html) Inspections Vacation rentals are not on the routine inspection schedule but must be made available to the division on request [§509.032(2)(a)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.032.html) License display DBPR’s guide says current licenses or copies must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises [DBPR vacation rental guide](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/) Refusing guests An operator may refuse service, but not based on race, creed, color, sex, pregnancy, physical disability or national origin [§509.092](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.092.html) No hourly rates No hourly rate for an accommodation; an hourly late checkout fee is allowed [§509.098](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.098.html) Locks Each bedroom or apartment needs an approved locking device on doors to the outside, adjoining rooms or hallways [§509.211(1)](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.211.html) Guest property Liability for guests’ property is limited, at $500 or $1,000 depending on how the property was handled [§509.111](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.111.html) Human trafficking training Annual awareness training for employees who clean rental units, within 60 days of hire for new staff [§509.096](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.096.html) On ejection, [section 509.141](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599%2F0509%2FSections%2F0509.141.html) lets an operator remove a guest who is intoxicated or brawling, disturbs other guests, or fails to pay or check out by the time specified in writing. A request to leave for failing to check out or pay must be in writing by email, text message or printed paper. A guest who stays after notice commits a second-degree misdemeanor, and the operator may call law enforcement. If the guest paid in advance, the unused portion must be tendered. ## What fire safety rules apply inside the home? The State Fire Marshal’s [Rule 69A-43.018](https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=69A-43.018) covers one- and two-family dwellings licensed as public lodging. It requires smoke detectors powered by the house electrical system plus one in each sleeping room, a primary exit and a secondary means of escape, battery-powered emergency lighting for the primary exit for at least one hour, and portable fire extinguishers meeting NFPA 10. A floor diagram showing exits must be posted in a conspicuous location, and guests must receive a fire safety pamphlet describing evacuation and how to report a fire. Three- and four-family dwellings follow the Life Safety Code’s hotel chapters instead. ## How are occupancy limits set in Florida? The statewide baseline is in the same rule. [Rule 69A-43.018(5)](https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=69A-43.018) computes the maximum occupancy load for one- and two-family dwellings licensed as public lodging at 150 square feet of gross floor area per person. Many cities and counties add their own formula. These come from the local codes cited on our city pages: Formula Where Source One person per 150 sq ft of gross floor area Walton County ([Santa Rosa Beach](/santa-rosa-beach/)), [Fernandina Beach](/fernandina-beach/) [Walton Ord. 2023-03](https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39890/Walton-County-FL-Short-Term-Vacation-Rental-Certification-Program-and-Neighborhood-Compatibility-Ordinance-); [Fernandina Beach §26-101](https://library.municode.com/fl/fernandina_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH26BU_ARTVREREDWPE_S26-101PERE) One person per 200 sq ft of air-conditioned space [Fort Pierce](/fort-pierce/) [Code Ch. 22, Art. X](https://library.municode.com/fl/fort_pierce/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH22BUBURE_ARTXSHTEVARERE) Two per bedroom [Miami Beach](/miami-beach/), [Fort Lauderdale](/fort-lauderdale/) (per sleeping room) [Miami Beach §102-386(e)](https://library.municode.com/fl/miami_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPAGEOR_CH102TA_ARTVLOBUTA_S102-386PROWRERELEPETRREOCSHRMREPR); [Fort Lauderdale Ch. 15, Art. X](https://library.municode.com/fl/fort_lauderdale/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH15BUTAREMIBURE_ARTXVARE) Two per bedroom plus two, capped at 10 or 12 by district [Indian Rocks Beach](/indian-rocks-beach/) [Code §18-216](https://library.municode.com/fl/indian_rocks_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPAGEOR_CH18BU_ARTVVARERE_DIV3STREVARE_S18-216MAOCBASICALI) Two per bedroom plus two, capped at 12 [Jacksonville Beach](/jacksonville-beach/) [LDC §34-731](https://library.municode.com/fl/jacksonville_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH34LADECO_ARTVIISIDEST_DIV2SUST_S34-731SHRMVARE) Lesser of two per bedroom plus two, or eight [Cocoa Beach](/cocoa-beach/) [Code Ch. 26.5](https://library.municode.com/fl/cocoa_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH26.5VARE) Lesser of two per bedroom plus four, or 24 [Destin](/destin/), [Fort Walton Beach](/fort-walton-beach/) (R-1, R1E, R2) [Destin Ch. 13, Art. VI](https://library.municode.com/fl/destin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH13LIPEMIBURE_ARTVIRESHRMRESIMI); [Fort Walton Beach Ch. 8.13](https://library.municode.com/fl/fort_walton_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH8LIBURE_8.13RESHRMVARE) Greater of six, or two per bedroom [Holmes Beach](/holmes-beach/) [Code §4-9](https://library.municode.com/fl/holmes_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH4REVAREUN_S4-9MAOC) Two per sleeping room plus up to four children under 13 [Clermont](/clermont/) [Code §§125-586 to 125-590](https://library.municode.com/fl/clermont/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADECO_CH125ZO_ARTVSUDIRE_DIV3SHRMVAREPR) Where a local cap and the state rule differ, plan to the lower number. Bradenton Beach writes that into its code: occupancy may not exceed the certificate of occupancy or the DBPR license, whichever is less ([§59-6](https://library.municode.com/fl/bradenton_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH59TRPULO_S59-6STCOOP)). ## Do local codes add their own guest records? Several do, on top of the state register: - [Miami Beach §102-386(k)(5)](https://library.municode.com/fl/miami_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPAGEOR_CH102TA_ARTVLOBUTA_S102-386PROWRERELEPETRREOCSHRMREPR) requires a register with the names and dates of stay of all guests, including invitees, open to city inspection. - Walton County requires the responsible party to keep every rental agreement for one year after the stay, with set contents including maximum occupancy, the noise ordinance, trash days, an evacuation statement and parking ([Ordinance 2023-03](https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39890/Walton-County-FL-Short-Term-Vacation-Rental-Certification-Program-and-Neighborhood-Compatibility-Ordinance-)). - [Clermont](https://library.municode.com/fl/clermont/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADECO_CH125ZO_ARTVSUDIRE_DIV3SHRMVAREPR) requires a guest log kept for three years. - [Key West §122-1371](https://library.municode.com/fl/key_west/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADERE_CH122ZO_ARTVSUDIRE_DIV7TRLIACREDW_S122-1371TRLIACREDWRE) and [Venice LDC §6.4](https://library.municode.com/fl/venice/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADERE_CH87LADECO_S6SPCO_6.4REDWFOSE86-151) require a tenant and vehicle register. - [Indian Rocks Beach §18-215](https://library.municode.com/fl/indian_rocks_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPAGEOR_CH18BU_ARTVVARERE) requires the manager to keep a record of each complaint and the response for at least two years. One reservation record can satisfy most of these if it captures guest names, number of guests, dates, rate, vehicles and any complaint. Our [advertising rules guide](/resources/florida-vacation-rental-advertising-rules/) covers the matching rule that a listing’s occupancy must match the local certificate. ## How Florida Hosts helps We offer licensing and registration help with the DBPR license, local registration and tax accounts, the paperwork behind every register and occupancy rule above. Our team answers guests 24/7, and our own cleaning and maintenance staff across Florida look after each home between stays. Short-term management is 18–25% of booking revenue, quoted in writing; see [our services](/services/) or ask for a [free rental projection](/rental-projection/) within one business day. This guide is general information and not legal or tax advice; confirm current rules with DBPR, your city or county, or a professional. FH Written by the Florida Hosts team We're a vacation rental management company working across Florida. We manage 350+ homes, have earned 10,000+ guest reviews, and bring 10 years of hands-on hosting experience to every guide we publish. [More about Florida Hosts →](/about/) Questions about your specific property? Talk to a real person on our team — straight answers, no scripts. [Call (321) 321-2348](tel:+13213212348) [Get a free projection](/rental-projection/) Free projection · about a minute ## What could your property earn? Tell us about it and we'll build a free, comps-based projection — a real person, not an algorithm, back to you within one business day. Free, no obligation. Prefer to talk? [Call (321) 321-2348](tel:+13213212348) Common Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions Does a Florida vacation rental have to keep a guest register? Yes. Section 509.101(2), Florida Statutes, makes it the duty of each operator of a transient establishment to keep a register of guests showing the dates each rental unit was occupied and the rates charged. It must be in chronological order, available to DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants at any time, and may be kept electronically. How long do I have to keep the guest register? The statute sets no retention period, but it says operators need not make available registers that are more than two years old. Some cities ask for more: Clermont's vacation rental rules call for a guest log kept for three years. What is the maximum occupancy for a Florida vacation rental? Florida's fire safety rule for one- and two-family dwellings licensed as public lodging, Rule 69A-43.018, computes the maximum occupancy load at 150 square feet of gross floor area per person. Many cities add their own cap, such as two per bedroom plus two in Indian Rocks Beach, with a ceiling of 10 or 12 depending on the zoning district. Can I ask a guest to leave a Florida vacation rental? Section 509.141 lets an operator remove a guest for listed reasons, including disturbing conduct and failing to check out or pay by the time specified in writing. For a failure to check out or pay, the notice must be in writing by email, text message or printed paper, and a guest who stays after notice commits a second-degree misdemeanor. Can a Florida vacation rental charge by the hour? No. Section 509.098 bars a public lodging establishment from offering an hourly rate for an accommodation, though an hourly late checkout fee is allowed. Looking for more owner guides? [← Back to all resources](/resources/) [See our pricing](/pricing/) [Get my free projection](/rental-projection/) Related guides ## Keep reading [Hosting & Operations ### Florida Vacation Rental Advertising Rules: What Listings Need What Florida law says about vacation rental listings, why there is no statewide license-number rule, and which local codes require numbers in every ad. Read the guide →](/resources/florida-vacation-rental-advertising-rules/) [Hosting & Operations ### Florida Vacation Rental Cleaning and Sanitation Rules What Florida's lodging statute, DBPR rules 61C-1 and 61C-3 and DBPR's vacation rental guide require for linens, dishes, kitchens and pests between guests. Read the guide →](/resources/vacation-rental-cleaning-and-sanitation-florida/) [Taxes ### Do Airbnb and Vrbo Collect Florida Rental Taxes? (2026) Which Florida taxes Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit, county by county, from their own help pages, and which taxes and filings stay with the owner. Read the guide →](/resources/airbnb-vrbo-tax-collection-florida/) ## See what your home could earn Get a free, no-obligation rental projection from people who actually manage homes in your neighborhood. [Get my free projection](/rental-projection/) [or call (321) 321-2348](tel:+13213212348) Free · comps-based · delivered within one business day.