Property Management vs. Self Manage?

Owners renting for other owners can be quite successful, and a broker's license isn't required. But, a helpful tip from the tax lady :wave: - make sure both parties are in agreement as to who is supposed to remit the sales/bed tax to the state and to the county. Hint - it is supposed to be whoever collects the funds from the guests.

You'd be amazed at the people who don't realize their property manager is sending THEM the taxes, thinking they are remitting it...:shock:

IIRC short terms rentals do not require any special license. Long term rentals do however require a Real Estate license unless it's owner to tenant directly.

That's what I thought, but I believe there are other technicalities that apply from DPBR, or possibly other entities. I know of at least a couple of people who have gotten burned as a result of licensed competitors lighting the torch and were forced to get a license or operate under somone else's.

That's what I thought, but I believe there are other technicalities that apply from DPBR, or possibly other entities. I know of at least a couple of people who have gotten burned as a result of licensed competitors lighting the torch and were forced to get a license or operate under somone else's.

No broker's license needed, but every rental accommodation in the State of Florida is supposed to have a hotel license from DBPR. :cool:

No broker's license needed, but every rental accommodation in the State of Florida is supposed to have a hotel license from DBPR. :cool:

Just to clarify, this is what the DBPR has to say in regard to public lodging establishments:

Does Not Need DBPR License


Condominium rented as transient housing by a Condominium Association as defined in Chapter 718.103, F.S. if the Condominium Association does not own the unit.

DOES Need DBPR License

Condominium or timeshare building with 5 or more units owned or operated by a single entity and advertised or rented for nontransient occupancy.

No broker's license needed, but every rental accommodation in the State of Florida is supposed to have a hotel license from DBPR. :cool:

And a fire extinguisher 🙂

We only ever had a hotel license from DBPR and that was to cover all possibilities of rental situations.

Just to clarify, this is what the DBPR has to say in regard to public lodging establishments:

Does Not Need DBPR License


Condominium rented as transient housing by a Condominium Association as defined in Chapter 718.103, F.S. if the Condominium Association does not own the unit.

DOES Need DBPR License

Condominium or timeshare building with 5 or more units owned or operated by a single entity and advertised or rented for nontransient occupancy.

OK, that's totally confusing. So the nontransient units require inspection and licensing but the transient units do not? :idontno:

DBPR told me/us that every rental accommodation in this state had to have the certificate posted, or at least in the unit, somewhere...granted, that was 13 years ago. Perhaps they've had cutbacks. :roll:

OK, that's totally confusing. So the nontransient units require inspection and licensing but the transient units do not? :idontno:

DBPR told me/us that every rental accommodation in this state had to have the certificate posted, or at least in the unit, somewhere...granted, that was 13 years ago. Perhaps they've had cutbacks. :roll:

Maybe SWGB will step in and explain in everyday English. He has a good grasp of things like this. But the way I read it, I (for example) can rent my condo to a vacationer who stays a week. I do not personally need a license to do this. I'd say most of us fit the bill in that respect.

Here's more on what the DBPR says on the subject:

PUBLIC LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS

A public lodging establishment is any unit, group of units, dwelling, building or group of buildings within a single complex of buildings which is rented to guests or advertised as rented to guests as a transient or non-transient establishment.
A transient establishment is a public lodging establishment rented for less than 30 days or one month for transient occupancy with the intent that the guest's stay will be temporary. Examples of transient public lodging are hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, roominghouses, vacation condominiums, vacation houses, and apartments.
A non-transient establishment is a public lodging establishment rented for at least 30 days or one month for nontransient occupancy with the intent that the residence will be the guest's sole residence. Examples of non-transient public lodging establishments are apartments or roominghouses with more than four units.
These items are offered as examples of lodging that need a DBPR license and lodging that does not need a DBPR license. The list is not all inclusive. If you have specific questions, please contact the department at 850.487.1395 or review the rules for the business type at www.myfloridalicense.com. You should also check with your county or city to learn whether or not a local business tax receipt is required. Please visit our Unlicensed Activity page to learn more about how you can help us combat Unlicensed Activity.

Shallowsnole, I'm pretty sure the license in each unit is no longer an issue. I do remember that we had an additional license for one complex when we rented it and ran the COA. Oddly I don't think there's any kind of inspection process or anything else. We simply got the new license every year and posted it. Never saw an inspector of any kind. That said I'm sure it does give the general public a way of complaining to the DBPR, but I've never seen or heard of a complaint through them.

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Hi-

I am new to this forum. We are looking to buy a house in the area and renting it out. However, we live out of town.

We are debating whether to use a property management company to oversee the daily/weekly maintenance. I can see the reason to use one but they all charge alot!

I was curious if anyone manages their property themselves? Is this possible if you live out of the area? Do you hire a good cleaning service and leave the keys in a lockbox? What about last minute emergency repairs? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you for your time!