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Vacation Rental License in Kissimmee, FL: Complete 2026 Guide

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Kissimmee is one of the most STR-friendly markets in Florida — and one of the highest-earning. Proximity to Disney World means year-round demand and premium nightly rates. But Osceola County and the City of Kissimmee both have licensing requirements you need to meet before your first guest checks in.

Here is the complete 2026 guide to getting your vacation rental license in Kissimmee, FL. Want it done for you? Our team handles the full process.

What Is a Short-Term Rental in Kissimmee?

In Kissimmee and Osceola County, a short-term rental is defined as a dwelling unit rented for non-permanent use — specifically for periods not exceeding 30 days for the same individual within a 12-month period. Florida state law further defines STRs as any property rented more than 3 times per year for stays under 6 months.

Kissimmee is unique among Florida cities in that it is generally STR-permissive — the county does not restrict the number of properties an investor can own or limit LLC ownership structures.

Required Licenses

  • Florida DBPR License — State-level license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Required for any property rented more than 3 times per year for under 6 months.
  • Short-Term Rental Business Tax Receipt (BTR) — Required from the City of Kissimmee or Osceola County depending on property location.
  • Conditional Use Permit (CUP) — May be required depending on your property's zoning designation. Check with the City of Kissimmee Planning Division.
  • Osceola County Tourist Development Tax Registration — Required to collect and remit the county tourist tax on all bookings.

Step-by-Step: Getting Licensed in Kissimmee

  1. Verify your zoning — Confirm whether your property requires a Conditional Use Permit based on its zoning classification.
  2. Apply for your DBPR license at myfloridalicense.com. Select Vacation Rental (Single Family) or Vacation Rental (Condo).
  3. Pass your DBPR property inspection — Covers fire safety, smoke detectors, egress, and habitability standards.
  4. Obtain your Business Tax Receipt from the City of Kissimmee or Osceola County.
  5. Apply for a Conditional Use Permit if required — Submit to the City of Kissimmee Planning Division.
  6. Register for Osceola County Tourist Development Tax — Through the county tax collector's office.
  7. Post required notices — Emergency contacts, occupancy limits, and house rules visible inside the property.

Tax Obligations

  • Osceola County Tourist Development Tax: 6% on all rentals under 6 months
  • Florida State Sales Tax: 6%
  • Discretionary Sales Surtax: 1.5% (Osceola County)

Airbnb and VRBO handle remittance of these taxes in Osceola County for most listings. You must still register your own TDT account with the county.

Safety Requirements

All Kissimmee vacation rentals must comply with Florida Building Codes. Inspectors verify:

  • Working smoke detectors in every sleeping area
  • Carbon monoxide detectors where gas appliances are present
  • Fire extinguisher on each level
  • Pool barrier fencing with self-latching gates (if pool present)
  • Compliant egress from all bedrooms
  • No exposed wiring or electrical hazards

Why Kissimmee Is One of Florida's Best STR Markets

No cap on the number of STRs an investor can own. No restriction on LLC ownership structures. Year-round demand driven by Disney World, Universal Studios, and major convention events. Average annual occupancy rates consistently above 70% for well-positioned properties. For investors building a portfolio, Kissimmee is one of the most operator-friendly markets in the country.

Realistic Timeline

Getting fully licensed in Kissimmee typically takes 3 to 5 weeks — faster than most Florida cities due to the county's relatively streamlined processes. DBPR inspection scheduling is usually the main delay.

Get Your Kissimmee STR License Done For You

Whether you are licensing a single property or building a portfolio near Disney, our team handles the entire Kissimmee licensing process — DBPR application, BTR, CUP coordination if needed, and TDT registration.

Contact us today and we'll get your Kissimmee vacation rental fully licensed and ready to earn.