Are home insurance costs still going up in Florida?

It depends on your insurer and your house. Every Florida insurer files its rates with the state, and some filings go up while others go down. Your own renewal also moves with your roof age, wind features, and claims. The way to know is to read your renewal and shop the same coverage.

Can I do short-term rentals in Tampa?

It depends on the zoning. In a 2022 case, a court upheld a code violation against a two-night rental of a South Tampa home zoned RS-60, reading the code to allow only weekly or longer rentals there. Other zones may differ. Check the parcel's zoning with Tampa Planning and Zoning, plus any HOA or condo rules, before you buy.

Can I homestead a condo in Florida?

Yes, if you own the unit and it is your permanent residence on January 1. The same March 1 deadline applies.

Can a Florida city ban Airbnb rentals?

Generally, a new local rule can't ban them. Section 509.032(7)(b), Florida Statutes, says local laws may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate how long or how often they're rented. But that limit doesn't apply to rules adopted on or before June 1, 2011. Cities can still require registration, inspections, and occupancy and parking limits.

Can my condo or HOA ban short-term rentals in Florida?

Often, yes. A condo or HOA can be stricter than the city. Its declaration can set minimum lease terms, limit how often you lease, and require approval. Florida law says some newer amendments that restrict rentals only apply to owners who vote for them or who buy after the amendment. Read the documents before you buy.

Answered by Jonathan Loescher, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS# 2621894 · A.I. Certified Agent™ · Tampa Bay / Pinellas · Realtor #SL3546365 · Updated 2026-11-04 · 38 words

Can I port homestead from another Florida county?

Short Answer

You port the Save Our Homes assessment difference, not the $25,000 exemption itself. The new county grants a fresh homestead, then DR-501T moves up to $500,000 of the cap. File both by March 1 in the new county.

Jonathan's Advice

My Take

Are home insurance costs still going up in Florida?: It depends on your insurer and your house. Every Florida insurer files its rates with the state, and some filings go up while others go down. Your own renewal also moves with your roof age, wind features, and claims. The way to know is to read your renewal and shop the same coverage.
Can I do short-term rentals in Tampa?: It depends on the zoning. In a 2022 case, a court upheld a code violation against a two-night rental of a South Tampa home zoned RS-60, reading the code to allow only weekly or longer rentals there. Other zones may differ. Check the parcel's zoning with Tampa Planning and Zoning, plus any HOA or condo rules, before you buy.
Can I homestead a condo in Florida?: Yes, if you own the unit and it is your permanent residence on January 1. The same March 1 deadline applies.
Can a Florida city ban Airbnb rentals?: Generally, a new local rule can't ban them. Section 509.032(7)(b), Florida Statutes, says local laws may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate how long or how often they're rented. But that limit doesn't apply to rules adopted on or before June 1, 2011. Cities can still require registration, inspections, and occupancy and parking limits.
Can my condo or HOA ban short-term rentals in Florida?: Often, yes. A condo or HOA can be stricter than the city. Its declaration can set minimum lease terms, limit how often you lease, and require approval. Florida law says some newer amendments that restrict rentals only apply to owners who vote for them or who buy after the amendment. Read the documents before you buy.

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