This guide covers short-term rental rules for the City of Clermont, Florida. Nearby markets often confused with Clermont include:
- Groveland: Separate city with its own STR rules, often sharing zip codes and school zones with Clermont.
- Minneola: Adjacent city to the north, with distinct zoning and permitting for STRs.
- Winter Garden: Orange County city east of Clermont, different county and regulatory regime.
- Four Corners: Unincorporated area spanning multiple counties, frequently mistaken for Clermont due to overlapping addresses and STR clusters.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Clermont, FL for non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units, subject to city permitting, inspection, and state licensing. No city cap or moratorium is in effect as of 2026.
- Legality Status: 4/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 4/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 4/5
TL;DR
Clermont, FL defines STRs as non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family or duplex units rented for short terms. A city permit ($375), annual renewal, and state DBPR license are required. The total lodging tax is 10% (6% state, 4% county). No city cap or moratorium exists, but only certain property types are eligible. The biggest gotcha: Many “Clermont” addresses are outside city limits and follow different rules—verify jurisdiction before purchase.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units within city limits City of Clermont |
| Registration Required | Yes, city permit and state DBPR license City of Clermont |
| Permit Cost | $375 per unit City of Clermont |
| Annual Renewal | Required by September 30 each year City of Clermont |
| State DBPR License | Yes, $50 application + $10 HEP + annual license fee DBPR |
| State Sales Tax | 6% Airbnb Help Center |
| County Tourist Development Tax | 4% (Lake County) Airbnb Help Center |
| Local Accommodations Tax | Not codified — no separate city lodging tax Airbnb Help Center |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 10% (6% state + 4% county) Airbnb Help Center |
| Permit Cap | Not codified — no city-level cap City of Clermont |
| Transferability | Not codified — no city rule on permit transfer City of Clermont |
| Inspection Requirement | Yes, Life Safety inspection required City of Clermont |
| Occupancy Cap | Not codified — no city rule identified Clermont Municode |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — no city rule identified Clermont Municode |
| Minimum Night Stay | Not codified — no city rule identified Clermont Municode |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — CC&Rs may restrict STRs Glasstone Real Estate |
| Primary Regulator | City of Clermont Development Services; DBPR for state license City of Clermont |
| Enforcement Penalties | Complaint-driven; fines, permit loss, legal action possible Glasstone Real Estate |
| Last Updated | May 22, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Underwriters should model compliance costs at 10.3% of gross revenue, with median Clermont, FL STRs earning $28,122 at an average daily rate of $180 and 56% occupancy. The binding constraint is the city’s requirement for a $375 permit, annual renewal, and mandatory Life Safety inspection, plus state DBPR licensing and a 10% lodging tax stack. No city-level cap or moratorium exists, but only non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units are eligible. Always verify city limits, as many “Clermont” addresses fall outside city jurisdiction and follow different rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Clermont, FL?
A short-term rental is a non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family or duplex unit rented for periods less than six months within city limits City of Clermont.
Are STRs legal in Clermont, FL?
Yes, STRs are legal if they meet city requirements and obtain the necessary permits and licenses City of Clermont.
Does a Clermont mailing address guarantee city jurisdiction?
No. Many “Clermont” addresses are in unincorporated Lake County or other cities. Always verify with the Lake County Property Appraiser City of Clermont FAQ.
Licensing
Is a city permit required for STRs in Clermont?
Yes, a city permit is required for each STR unit City of Clermont.
What is the permit fee?
The permit fee is $375 per unit City of Clermont.
Is a state license required?
Yes, a Florida DBPR vacation rental license is required DBPR.
How often must permits be renewed?
Permits must be renewed annually by September 30 City of Clermont.
Are there limits on the number of STR permits?
No city-level cap is codified City of Clermont.
Taxes
What taxes apply to STRs in Clermont?
A 6% Florida state sales tax and a 4% Lake County Tourist Development Tax apply Airbnb Help Center.
Does the city charge an additional lodging tax?
No, there is no separate city lodging tax Airbnb Help Center.
Do I need to register for state tax?
Yes, hosts must register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a Sales Tax ID Flagler County Tax Collector.
Does Airbnb collect and remit taxes?
Yes, Airbnb collects and remits both the state and county lodging taxes for Clermont Airbnb Help Center.
Operations
What property types are eligible for STR permits?
Only non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units are eligible City of Clermont.
Is a Life Safety inspection required?
Yes, a Life Safety inspection is mandatory before operation City of Clermont.
Are there occupancy or parking limits?
No separate city rules on occupancy or parking are codified Clermont Municode.
Can HOAs prohibit STRs?
Yes, HOA or condo CC&Rs may restrict or prohibit STRs Glasstone Real Estate.
Enforcement
How is STR enforcement handled?
Enforcement is typically complaint-driven, with possible fines, permit loss, or legal action Glasstone Real Estate.
What are the penalties for operating without a permit?
Florida law allows fines starting at $1,000 per day for first offenses, escalating for repeat violations Home24Seven.
Has there been a recent crackdown or moratorium?
No moratorium or recent crackdown is codified as of 2026; always confirm with the city Glasstone Real Estate.
Permit Process
Clermont requires a vacation rental application, a $375 fee, and a building permit for a Life Safety inspection before operation. Applicants must provide proof of ownership, a Florida DBPR license, and a Department of Revenue certificate. Permits must be renewed annually by September 30. There is no city-level cap on the number of STR permits, and transferability is not separately codified City of Clermont.
Zoning
STRs are only permitted for non-owner-occupied, whole-house single-family and duplex units within city limits. Zoning approval and a building permit are required before starting any STR project. The city does not codify occupancy caps, parking requirements, or minimum night stays. Always verify property eligibility and zoning before acquisition City of Clermont.
Taxes and Remittance
Clermont STRs are subject to a 6% Florida state sales tax and a 4% Lake County Tourist Development Tax, totaling 10%. There is no separate city lodging tax. Hosts must register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a Sales Tax ID. Airbnb collects and remits both taxes for bookings in Clermont Airbnb Help Center.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Enforcement is primarily complaint-driven, with penalties including fines, permit loss, or legal action. Florida law allows fines starting at $1,000 per day for unlicensed operation. No recent city-level crackdowns or new enforcement methods are codified, but investors should confirm the current enforcement posture directly with the city Glasstone Real Estate.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
Florida Senate Bill 280, which would have expanded state preemption and created a statewide registry, was vetoed in June 2024. Clermont remains under the previous local/state regulatory framework as of 2026. No recent city ordinance amendments or new enforcement methods are codified Avantio.
Comparable Markets
- Groveland, FL — Consider if you want a nearby market with separate city rules and less address confusion.
- Minneola, FL — Consider for adjacent zoning and different STR eligibility.
- Winter Garden, FL — Consider for Orange County rules and proximity to Clermont.
- Four Corners, FL — Consider for unincorporated, multi-county STR clusters.
Sources
- City of Clermont, FL – Vacation Rental Information: https://www.clermontfl.gov/380/Vacation-Rental-Information
- City of Clermont, FL – FAQ: How can I tell if I am in the City limits?: https://clermontfl.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=77
- Zoning Division | Clermont, FL: https://www.clermontfl.gov/178/Zoning-Division
- Code of Ordinances | Clermont, FL – Municode Library: https://library.municode.com/fl/clermont
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/
- Airbnb Help Center: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2301
- Flagler County Tax Collector (Lake County context): https://www.flaglertax.gov/tourist-development-tax/
- Glasstone Real Estate – Clermont Short-Term Rental Guide: https://glasstone.co/blog/where-short-term-rentals-work-in-clermont
- Home24Seven: https://home24seven.com/vacation-rental-regulations-florida-homeowners/
- Avantio Blog: https://www.avantio.com/blog/florida-vacation-rental-laws/
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Clermont, Lake County, Florida.
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