Short-Term Rental Rules in Bradenton, FL
Can you operate a short-term rental here?
Yes, with City registration
Allowed with a Certificate of Registration under Ordinance 3093 (Chapter 22, Article III).
3 of the 14 rules below could not be confirmed from the official code text in our last pass and are marked as needing verification. We would rather tell you that than fill the gap with a guess.
The rules, one by one
| Requirement | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum stay | No City minimumThe ordinance applies to units rented more than three times a year for periods under 30 days, mirroring the state definition. State law prevents the City from regulating duration further.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| City registration required | YesA Certificate of Registration is required per property. Registration opened 1 August 2022 and the deadline for existing operators was extended to 31 December 2023.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| State licence required | YesA Florida DBPR licence, a Florida DOR sales tax certificate, a Manatee County tourist tax account and a City Local Business Tax Receipt are all prerequisites to City registration.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| Application fee | $250Initial Certificate of Registration application fee.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| Renewal fee | $150 per yearRenewal of the Certificate of Registration is required annually.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| Inspection required | YesAn inspection on filing verifies minimum safety requirements, posting requirements and applicable building, fire and property maintenance codes.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| Occupancy limit | Set per property under Sec. 22-65Maximum overnight occupancy is certified per property in the registration. Agreements fully executed on or before 9 February 2022 are exempt. Confirm the exact formula against Sec. 22-65.Needs verification | City of Bradenton |
| Parking | Off-street parking sketch requiredApplicants submit a site sketch identifying specific off-street parking areas; changing the number or location of spaces requires an amended certificate.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| Local responsible party | YesA Designation of Responsible Party form under Sec. 22-63 must be signed by both the owner and the responsible party.Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
| Advertising rules | Needs verificationIn-unit posting is required under Sec. 22-61. Whether the certificate number must appear in online listings needs confirming against the full ordinance text.Needs verification | City of Bradenton |
| Taxes | 13% total — 7% state sales tax plus 6% county tourist taxThe Manatee County tourist tax rose from 5% to 6% on 1 January 2025. The Tax Collector states it has no agreement with Airbnb, Vrbo or Evolve, so owners must collect and remit the county portion themselves.Verified from official source | Manatee County Tax Collector |
| Unincorporated Manatee County | No adopted short-term rental ordinance as of September 2026A draft ordinance was under active County Commission discussion. Confirm the current status with the County before relying on today's light-touch position.Needs verification | Manatee County Tax Collector |
| Who regulates this | City of BradentonPlus Manatee County Tax Collector (tourist tax), Florida DBPR (state licence) and Florida DOR (sales tax).Verified from official source | City of Bradenton |
What to do next
- Confirm the property's zoning and any HOA or condominium restrictions — these are often stricter than the city rules.
- Apply for the Florida DBPR vacation rental licence.
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax.
- Open a tourist development tax account with the county tax collector.
- Complete the city registration or business tax receipt and pass any required inspection.
- Post the required information inside the unit and name your local responsible party.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm every requirement with the authorities listed before you take bookings.
Official sources
- Vacation Rentals
City of Bradenton · retrieved September 10, 2026 · Registration requirement and contacts
- Vacation Rental Registration Guidance Brochure
City of Bradenton · retrieved September 10, 2026 · Definitions, prerequisites, ordinance history
- Vacation Rental Ordinance 3093
City of Bradenton · retrieved September 10, 2026 · Fees, inspection, occupancy, parking, responsible party
- Tourist Development Tax
Manatee County Tax Collector · retrieved September 10, 2026 · County tourist tax rate and platform remittance
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