Whether you’re a homeowner looking to turn your property into a profitable short-term rental or an investor exploring the Bradenton market, understanding Manatee County’s guidelines is crucial.
At Park Place Properties, we handle license registration and tax remittance for you, for a truly hands off property management experince.
From the City of Bradenton’s vacation rental ordinances to the Tourist Development Tax (TDT), here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to comply with local laws and run a successful Airbnb or vacation rental business in Manatee County.
To legally rent your property short-term in manatee county, you must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the City of Bradenton.
Definition of Short-Term Rental: More than three rentals per year for periods of less than 30 days.
Balancing Neighborhood Needs:
The city aims to allow short-term rentals while protecting neighborhood integrity and residents’ quality of life. Ensuring safety standards, noise control, and proper trash disposal are key parts of compliance.
For more details, refer to the official Vacation Rental Registration Guidance Brochure from the City of Bradenton.
Manatee County imposes a total 13% tax on rentals of six months or less. This percentage comprises:
6% Tourist Development Tax remitted to the Manatee County Tax Collector.
7% Sales and Use Tax remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR).
Effective January 1, 2025: The Manatee County portion of the tourist development tax increases by 1%, so double-check official resources for the updated total rate.
No Agreements with Third-Party Platforms:
Unlike some other counties, Manatee County does not have a direct tax remittance agreement with platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway, or VRBO. You, as the property owner or manager, are responsible for collecting and remitting the 6% portion of the tax directly to the county.
What’s Taxable?
Any non-refundable fees (e.g., cleaning, resort, pet fees) are considered taxable as part of the rental amount.
For the full overview, visit the Manatee County Tax Collector’s TDT page and the official Tourist Development Tax FAQ.
To operate a short-term rental legally, you must register at multiple levels:
Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office
Complete the Manatee County Tourist Tax Application.
If you have questions, call 941-741-4809 or email touristtax@taxcollector.com.
Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)
Obtain a Sales Tax Certificate Number by registering your business.
Local office: 941-343-0201 or visit 100 Paramount Drive, Ste. 200, Sarasota, FL 34232.
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Contact them at 850-487-1395 or email dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com for your state-level lodging license.
Local Municipalities
City of Bradenton: 941-932-9425
Town of Longboat Key: 941-316-1999
Anna Maria Island: 941-708-6130 ext. 110
Each municipality may require a Local Business Tax Receipt or Certificate of Registration.
Longboat Key spans both Manatee County and Sarasota County. If your property is on the Sarasota County side, you must follow Sarasota County regulations for short-term rentals, including their local tax collection requirements and potential additional permits. Always confirm your county jurisdiction by checking property tax records or consulting the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999.
Monthly or Quarterly Filings:
Tourist tax payments and returns are due by the 1st of the month and are late after the 20th of that month.
Even if you had zero rentals during a reporting period, you must file a “zero return” on time to avoid penalties.
Penalties & Interest:
10% or a minimum of $50 is charged if you file late (whichever is greater).
Interest accrues daily based on state-set rates.
Late payments also lose any collection allowance.
Collection Allowance:
If you e-file and pay on time, you can deduct 2.5% of the tax collected (up to $30 per month).
Following these regulations not only keeps your property legally operational but also fosters trust with neighbors and the local government. Here’s a quick compliance checklist:
Obtain and renew your Certificate of Registration with the City of Bradenton (if within city limits).
File taxes correctly with both the Manatee County Tax Collector and the Florida DOR.
Register with the DBPR and secure any required local business tax receipts.
Maintain updated records and submit timely tax returns—even for zero-rental months.
Adhere to any HOA requirements if your property is within a homeowners association.
Navigating Bradenton’s short-term rental laws and Manatee County’s tourist tax requirements might initially seem overwhelming. However, by following the City of Bradenton’s ordinances, securing the proper registrations, and diligently managing your monthly or quarterly tax filings, you can operate a thriving vacation rental that benefits both you and the local community.
For more detailed information, consult the official resources:
By staying informed and prepared, you’ll ensure a smooth and profitable rental experience in beautiful Manatee County. Good luck—and happy hosting!
