Short-Term Rental Rules On Anna Maria Island

Buying a beach home on Anna Maria Island and hoping to offset costs with short-term rental income? You’re not alone. The tricky part is that rental rules change by city, permit requirements stack up, and taxes apply at multiple levels. This guide breaks it down in plain language so you know what to check, how to stay compliant, and how to vet properties before you tour. Let’s dive in.

Understand island STR structure

Anna Maria Island sits within Manatee County, Florida, and includes three separate cities: City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Each city sets its own short-term rental rules. Do not assume policies are the same from one end of the island to the other.

You’ll manage compliance on three layers:

• Municipal rules: zoning, permits or registrations, minimum stay rules, occupancy and parking limits, noise standards, and possible inspections.
• State and county taxes: Florida sales and use tax, plus Manatee County’s tourist development (bed) tax for short stays.
• Private restrictions: HOA and condo documents may be stricter than city rules and can ban or limit short-term rentals.

What changes by city

Rules are city-specific and can change, so always confirm with the city’s municipal code or clerk’s office before you buy.

Zoning and where STRs are allowed

Some zones in each city allow short-term or transient lodging, while others limit it or require longer stays. Check whether a parcel is in a zone that permits transient use and whether owner-occupancy is required. Caps, moratoria, or grandfathered status can apply.

Minimum stays and occupancy

Minimum stays can vary from nightly to weekly and beyond. Cities also set how many guests a property can host and how occupancy is measured. It may be tied to bedroom count, square footage, or persons per bedroom. Verify current standards for the exact address.

Registration, permits, and inspections

Many properties must register as short-term rentals and renew each year. Expect to provide owner and local contact details, floor plans, and safety information. Some cities require inspections for life safety, occupancy, and code compliance. Keep permit numbers handy and display them if the city requires it on your listings.

Parking, noise, and advertising

Cities commonly require a set number of off-street parking spaces, monitor street parking, and restrict trailers and boats. Noise and nuisance rules typically include quiet hours and 24/7 complaint response. Some cities require you to display a registration or permit number on every online listing and prohibit advertising a unit that does not conform.

Enforcement and grandfathering

Violations usually go through municipal code enforcement. Penalties can include fines, injunctions, and permit suspension or revocation. If a seller claims the property is “grandfathered,” ask for documentation that proves continuous, legal use under prior rules.

Permits, taxes, and filings

Here are the touchpoints most owners will encounter:

• Municipal STR permit or registration: Confirm if the property is registered, what the renewal schedule is, and whether inspections apply.
• Local business tax receipt: Some cities or the county require a business tax receipt for operating a rental.
• Florida sales and use tax: Register and collect state sales tax on transient stays, then file and remit. You can start with the Florida Department of Revenue for current rules and registration.
• Manatee County tourist development (bed) tax: Short-term rentals typically owe a county bed tax. Review registration and filing details through the Manatee County official site.
• Safety and code compliance: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms where required, egress, posted occupancy and rules, and fire extinguishers are common. Expect inspections in some cities.
• Local contact/agent requirement: Many municipalities require a local, 24/7 contact to respond to complaints.
• Advertising compliance: If your city requires it, display the approved registration or permit number on every public listing.
• Insurance and lender consent: Obtain proper short-term rental coverage and confirm your loan allows transient rentals.

Buyer due-diligence checklist

Before you tour or write an offer, verify these items for each candidate property:

1. Confirm the city jurisdiction: City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach. Rules are different.
2. Pull the current municipal code and STR ordinance: Note allowed zones, minimum stays, registration steps, and any caps or moratoria.
3. Ask the seller for proof of STR registration and renewal receipts, business tax receipts, and inspection certificates.
4. Verify tax accounts: Collect the Florida sales tax account number and county bed-tax registration, plus the last 12 months of filings.
5. Request code enforcement records: Check for open violations, prior complaints, or pending cases.
6. Review HOA or condo documents: Confirm minimum lease terms and any short-term rental restrictions.
7. Confirm insurance and financing: Get quotes for STR coverage and review loan documents for occupancy and use clauses.
8. Validate parking and occupancy: Compare required spaces to what the property provides and confirm guest limits match city rules.
9. Evaluate property management: Identify a manager who will handle compliance, guest communication, tax filings, and bookkeeping.
10. Check local contact rules: Confirm whether a designated on-island contact is required and who will serve in that role.
11. Review active listings: Make sure the marketing matches the rules, including minimum stay language and permit numbers.
12. Engage a local real estate attorney as needed: Use counsel for complex grandfathering or recent ordinance changes.

Pro tips for out-of-state owners

• Create a compliance binder: Permits, inspection certificates, insurance, business tax receipts, and tax account info in one place.
• Set a monthly compliance calendar: Remittance dates for state and county taxes, city renewal dates, and any inspection reminders.
• Standardize guest communication: Post house rules, occupancy limits, quiet hours, and parking instructions inside the home and in pre-arrival emails.
• Use a local contact: Choose someone who can respond to calls 24/7 and document resolutions for any complaints.

Sample path to guest-ready

1. Confirm city zoning and STR eligibility for the address.
2. Apply for the city STR registration and any business tax receipt.
3. Register for Florida state sales tax and the county bed tax.
4. Schedule any required inspections and install safety equipment.
5. Set up property management workflows, housekeeping, and 24/7 contact coverage.
6. Prepare compliant listings with required permit numbers and accurate minimum stay language.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Advertising before approval: Do not list the property until you have the city’s required registration or permit.
• Ignoring HOA rules: Association restrictions can be stricter than city codes and can block STR use entirely.
• Overstating occupancy: Exceeding posted limits risks fines and permit issues.
• Parking shortages: Failing to meet off-street parking requirements can trigger violations and complaints.

How Jessica helps

You want lifestyle and income without headaches. With deep, island-first expertise and a direct pathway to professional vacation-rental management, Jessica helps you move from offer to guest-ready with clarity. She will:

• Verify city jurisdiction, rules, and property eligibility early in your search.
• Request permits, tax registrations, and code histories from sellers.
• Coordinate introductions to local management for turnkey operations and compliance support.
• Align your acquisition plan with realistic rental practices, safety standards, and inspection needs.

Ready to explore properties that fit your goals and the rules? Connect with Jessica Batten to start your island search.

FAQs

Are short-term rentals allowed across the whole island?

• Not universally. Each city on Anna Maria Island sets its own rules by zone and property type. Always check the municipal code for the specific parcel.

What is the minimum stay requirement on Anna Maria Island?

• Minimum stays are set by each city and vary. Confirm the current standard in the property’s city before you advertise or accept bookings.

What taxes apply to my vacation rental?

• Expect Florida sales tax and a Manatee County tourist development tax for short stays. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue and check the Manatee County site for county tax procedures.

Can I manage an Anna Maria Island STR from out of state?

• Yes, but many cities require a designated local agent or contact available 24/7. You must still handle registrations, taxes, and compliance.

What happens if I violate STR rules?

• Cities often use code enforcement. Penalties can include fines, injunctions, and suspension or revocation of permits, with higher penalties for repeat violations.

Do HOA or condo rules override city rules?

• Private restrictions can be stricter than city codes and can prohibit or limit STRs even when the city allows them. Always review the recorded documents early.