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Taxes›Florida›Lake County›Tavares

Tavares
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Tavares, Florida. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

Source disagreement: | ⚠ Conflicting third-party info; verify zoning treatment and any grandfathered ordinance with Code Enforcement (352-742-6487)

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What you need to do in Tavares

Sources disagree
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in Tavares

    Possible B&B-only zoning treatment (would need pre-2011 status to limit duration) - unverified.

  2. To do
    Get the Tavares short-term rental license or registration

    The record does not state the fee or term. The licensing office lists both.

  3. To do
    Register for your Florida sales tax account

    Sales tax and any discretionary sales surtax on transient rentals are always reported and paid to the Florida Department of Revenue (Form DR-15), so you need a Department sales tax account. Confirm registration and any county tourist tax account before renting.

    State source

  4. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 4% Lake County occupancy tax for you

    That is per the record. On direct bookings, you collect and remit it yourself.

  5. To do
    File monthly returns for direct bookings

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.

Source disagreement: | ⚠ Conflicting third-party info; verify zoning treatment and any grandfathered ordinance with Code Enforcement (352-742-6487) Confirm the disputed steps with the authority. Source

Get a reminder before each monthly Tavares return is due

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What to know.

Possible B&B-only zoning treatment (would need pre-2011 status to limit duration) - unverified. The published guide for Tavares lists 4% county occupancy tax. The state table lists a 6% Florida state sales tax in addition. County discretionary sales surtax and local transient rental taxes may apply in addition. State registration applies even when a platform collects the tax: Florida sales tax account. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

County tax
4%
State tax
6%
Total for a direct booking
10%
License
Required
Local filing
Platform collects
Source link unavailableSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Lake County: Recorded exemptions

Applies to the rental or lease of living, sleeping, or housekeeping accommodations for a term of six months or less; the local tax is in addition to the 6% state sales tax and any applicable discretionary sales surtax (FL DOR DR-15TDT, R. 10/26).

Lake County: Recorded remittance instructions

Lake County Tax Collector; file/pay via TouristExpress https://lake.county-taxes.com/tourist; touristtax@laketax.com 352-343-9602

Lake County: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

Lake County: County tax applicability

The county tax is shown separately from municipal tax.

Source for these notes: lake.county-taxes.com: tourist

Platform tax collection guidance for Tavares

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbPlatform collectsPlatform collects
VrboPlatform collectsPlatform collects
Booking.comPlatform collectsPlatform collects
DirectYou collect and remitYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply for the required license or registration with the licensing office before you list.

  • Collection of the 4% county tax

    Platforms collect this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    File monthly returns for direct bookings. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.

  • Florida sales tax account

    Sales tax and any discretionary sales surtax on transient rentals are always reported and paid to the Florida Department of Revenue (Form DR-15), so you need a Department sales tax account. Confirm registration and any county tourist tax account before renting.

  • Check the state tax requirements

    Use the linked state tax instructions to register and file.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Lake County occupancy tax4%
Source
Source linked
Florida state sales tax6%
Source
Source linked
Florida sales tax accountState requirement
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source link unavailable
No link
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Tavares STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Tavares occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Tavares?

A license or registration is required.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

File monthly returns for direct bookings. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.