Short‑term rentals have become a defining feature of Davenport’s real estate market, especially in resort communities like Solterra Resort, where vacation demand, investor interest, and rental income potential continue to rise. But as the market matures, so does regulation.
If you own or are considering buying a vacation rental in Solterra, 2026 is not the year to “wing it.”
Local enforcement is tightening. HOA oversight is increasing. And Florida’s short‑term rental laws are becoming more structured, more visible, and more enforceable than ever before.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Davenport, FL, Airbnb laws in 2026, including city, county, state, and HOA regulations, plus how to stay compliant while maximizing rental income.
Understanding Short‑Term Rental Laws in Davenport, Florida
In Davenport and throughout Polk County, a short‑term rental (STR) is defined as any residential property rented for less than 30 days at a time, or more than three times per year for short stays.
That definition includes:
• Single‑family homes
• Townhomes
• Condos
• Resort properties like Solterra
Timeshares are generally excluded.
What makes Davenport unique is that STRs are governed by four overlapping authorities:
- City of Davenport
- Polk County
- State of Florida
- Solterra Resort HOA & CDD
Each layer has its own rules, fees, and enforcement standards, and compliance with all four is required to operate legally.
Davenport Short‑Term Rental Laws (2026 Update)
Licensing & Registration
To legally operate an Airbnb or vacation rental in Davenport, property owners must obtain:
• A City of Davenport Vacation Rental License
• Annual renewal of the license
• Proof of state and county tax registration
• A completed safety inspection
• Written notification to the HOA
The current application fee is $136.17, with an annual renewal of $36.70.
Processing typically takes 30–45 days, and applications must be approved before listing a property.
Zoning & Occupancy Rules
Most Solterra properties are zoned for short‑term rental use, but verification is required.
Occupancy is regulated under Florida Senate Bill 280:
• Two guests per bedroom
• Plus two additional guests in common areas
• Or one person per 50 square feet (whichever is greater)
Parking must meet city requirements, with one off‑street space per bedroom and no street obstruction.
Local Taxes & Business Licensing
All Davenport STR operators must also obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and renew it annually.
Additionally, owners must collect and remit:
• 5% Polk County Tourist Development Tax
• 6% Florida Sales Tax
• 1% County Discretionary Surtax
Total tax rate: 12% of gross rental revenue
While platforms like Airbnb may automatically collect some taxes, ultimate responsibility always falls on the property owner.
Polk County STR Rules You Must Follow
Polk County enforces its own short‑term rental requirements, in addition to city laws.
Owners must:
• Obtain a Class B Local Business Tax Receipt
• Register with the Polk County Tax Collector
• Maintain compliance with zoning and occupancy standards
• Remit tourist development taxes monthly
Violations can result in fines up to $15,000, particularly for repeated offenses or illegal events.
Florida State STR Requirements
At the state level, Florida requires all short‑term rentals to hold a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Required Licenses:
• Vacation Rental – Dwelling
• Vacation Rental – Condo (if applicable)
Licensing is required if a property is rented more than three times per year for stays under 30 days.
Safety Requirements:
• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Pool safety barriers (if applicable)
• Balcony inspections (where required)
Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or forced delisting.
Solterra Resort HOA & CDD Rules (Where Most Owners Get Tripped Up)
This is where many owners unknowingly violate the rules.
Solterra is governed by both an HOA and a Community Development District (CDD), each with authority over rental operations.
HOA Rules:
• Written notice required before operating as an STR
• HOA approval for exterior modifications
• Compliance with occupancy and behavior standards
• HOA fees must be current
CDD Rules:
• Amenity access is controlled and monitored
• Guests must be registered
• Strict guest limits at pools and clubhouse
• Violations can result in amenity suspension
In 2026, Solterra is expected to implement enhanced digital monitoring of rental listings and guest registration systems.
Enforcement Is Increasing, And It’s Coordinated
One of the biggest changes owners are seeing in 2026 is cross‑agency enforcement.
• The City of Davenport monitors listings
• Polk County handles zoning and nuisance complaints
• HOAs enforce community rules
• CDDs regulate amenities
• Violations are shared across agencies
Penalties can include:
• $500–$15,000 fines
• License revocation
• HOA penalties
• Loss of amenity access
• Forced delisting
Appeals are possible but costly and time‑consuming.
How Smart Owners Stay Compliant (and Profitable)
Successful Solterra hosts in 2026 are doing three things well:
1. They Treat STRs Like Businesses
They maintain proper licensing, track taxes, schedule inspections, and document everything.
2. They Optimize Revenue Strategically
Using:
• Dynamic pricing
• Professional photography
• Multi‑channel listings
• Seasonal minimum stays
3. They Delegate Operations
Most high‑performing owners work with professional property managers to handle:
• Guest communication
• Cleaning & inspections
• Pricing optimization
• HOA compliance
• Tax reporting
This not only reduces risk but also increases profitability.
Why Many Solterra Owners Choose Professional STR Property Management
Managing a short‑term rental in Davenport is no longer passive.
Between licensing, taxes, guest experience, and HOA compliance, many owners choose full‑service management for peace of mind.
Professional property management offers:
• Compliance oversight
• 24/7 guest support
• Higher occupancy rates
• Better reviews
• Reduced legal risk
• Optimized revenue
In communities like Solterra, where enforcement is strict, professional management often pays for itself.
What Solterra Owners Should Do Next
If you own or plan to own a short‑term rental in Solterra Resort, 2026 is the year to get serious about compliance and strategy.
✔ Understand Davenport STR laws
✔ Follow Polk County tax rules
✔ Register properly with DBPR
✔ Comply with HOA & CDD policies
✔ Protect yourself with insurance
✔ Consider professional vacation property management
Done right, short‑term rentals in Solterra remain highly profitable.
Done wrong, they can quickly become expensive liabilities.
Why Hire a Property Manager in 2026?
With licensing hurdles, inspections, HOA rules, and guest support. It’s no wonder many Solterra owners are turning to professional Airbnb property managers.
A good manager will:
- Handle every layer of compliance
- Keep your licenses and taxes up to date
- Maximize occupancy with smart dynamic pricing
- Protect your home with vetted guests and property monitoring
- Ensure you earn more with less stress
Stay Ahead in Davenport’s Evolving STR Market
2026 is a turning point for Airbnb and short-term rentals in Davenport, FL. Regulations are here to stay, and enforcement is only going to tighten. But with the right strategy, systems, and partners, your Solterra vacation rental can remain profitable, protected, and professionally run.
If you’re overwhelmed by forms, fees, or fines. Don’t go it alone.
👉 Contact FunStay Florida today for a compliance review, income strategy, or full-service Airbnb management.
