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Second-home owner rental tax checklist

Last checked Oct 26, 2026 from official sources. Not tax advice.

Before the first guest

• State sales/lodging tax registration (or confirm the platform covers it).
• County lodging tax account where the county self-collects.
• City or county STR permit or certificate (Walton's costs $500 a day if you skip it).
• State license where required (Florida DBPR vacation rental license, $230 new single unit).
• HOA rental rules.

Every month or quarter

• Return for every county and city tax, including $0 periods.
• Keep confirmations and earnings exports.

Every year

• Permit renewals (Destin by Mar 1, Vail by Feb 28, Key West by Sep 30, Summit County CO in September).
• Insurance and inspections.
• Year-end records for your CPA (1099-K if issued).

Check my county

Questions owners ask

What is the most commonly missed item?

The county lodging tax in places where Airbnb collects only the state tax, and zero returns in empty months.

Do I need a permit if I only rent a few weeks a year?

Often yes. Many permits apply to any rental under 30 days. Florida's DBPR license applies if you rent more than three times a year for under 30 days.

How it works

1. Free checkTell us the address. We list every lodging tax, permit and deadline, and which ones Airbnb or Vrbo already pay.
2. Authorize onceSign one payment authorization for your own bank account and the county’s agent form. How it stays secure.
3. We file and payEvery return, including $0 months, filed and paid from your account to the county, with each confirmation in your file.