Does unincorporated Hillsborough County require short-term rental registration?
Short Answer
Starting January 1, 2027, according to the county. Hillsborough says its commissioners adopted Ordinance 26-40 on September 2, 2026, adding short-term rental registration for unincorporated Hillsborough only. That covers places like Riverview and Apollo Beach, not Tampa or Temple Terrace. I couldn't confirm all the details in the ordinance text, so check with the county.
Does unincorporated Hillsborough County require short-term rental registration?
Yes, starting January 1, 2027, according to Hillsborough County. The county says the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 26-40 on September 2, 2026. It applies only to unincorporated Hillsborough.
The county's announcement describes a yearly registration fee per unit. It also says owners must allow an inspection when Code Enforcement decides one is needed. The Board plans to review the ordinance 90 days after it takes effect.
I couldn't confirm all these details in the ordinance text as of November 3, 2026. Check with the county.
What this looks like on the ground
Unincorporated Hillsborough includes Riverview, Apollo Beach, Brandon, and other areas outside city limits. Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City have their own rules.
Step by step
- Confirm the parcel is unincorporated on the property appraiser site.
- Check the county's registration page for the current process.
- Get the DBPR vacation rental license.
- Register for state sales tax and county tourist tax.
- Read the HOA documents.
Unincorporated Hillsborough vs cities
| Area | Who sets the rules |
|---|---|
| Riverview, Apollo Beach, Brandon | Hillsborough County |
| Tampa | City of Tampa |
| Temple Terrace | City of Temple Terrace |
| Plant City | City of Plant City |
What you control and what you don't
You control registering on time. You don't control the ordinance or later changes.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Tampa rules apply in Riverview.
- Waiting until 2027 to plan for registration.
Who the ordinance covers
Ordinance 26-40 applies only to unincorporated Hillsborough County. It doesn't apply inside Tampa, Temple Terrace, or Plant City. Communities like Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Lutz, Valrico, and Town 'n' Country are generally unincorporated, but boundaries can be irregular. Check the parcel on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser site.
Getting ready before January 1, 2027
- Read the ordinance text when the county posts it, not just the press release.
- Confirm your DBPR vacation rental license is active.
- Confirm your state sales tax and county tourist tax registrations.
- Gather proof of ownership and a local contact.
- Do a safety walk-through, since the county may inspect.
- Watch for the county's registration portal and instructions.
What an inspection might cover
The county's announcement says owners must allow an inspection when Code Enforcement decides one is needed. Short-term rental inspections in Florida commonly look at smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, exits, occupancy, and parking. Wait for the county's checklist before you assume what's required.
Buying a rental in unincorporated Hillsborough now
If you're under contract in late 2026, ask the seller:
- Is the property licensed with DBPR?
- Is it registered for state and county taxes?
- Has it had any code complaints?
- Do HOA or CDD rules limit rentals?
Then check the parcel's jurisdiction yourself. The seller's state DBPR license and state sales tax registration don't transfer to you. Florida law says so. Plan to set up the county tourist tax account and the county registration in your own name too, and confirm the county's change-of-owner process before closing.
The 90-day review
The Board plans to review the ordinance 90 days after it takes effect. That review could change fees, inspections, or other terms in spring 2027. Plan for some uncertainty and check again before you register.
HOAs and CDDs
Many unincorporated Hillsborough neighborhoods are newer planned communities with HOAs, and some have CDDs. HOA documents can restrict short stays no matter what the county allows. Read them early.
Questions to ask the county
- Is this parcel covered by Ordinance 26-40?
- When does registration open?
- What does an inspection include?
- What's the penalty for not registering?
Neighbors, complaints, and a local contact
Many Florida rental ordinances require a contact who can respond to complaints quickly. Even before the rules are final, it helps to have one. Give neighbors a number to call. Post house rules about parking, trash days, quiet hours, and pool use. Most code complaints start with a neighbor who couldn't reach anyone.
Insurance for a registered rental
A standard homeowners policy may exclude short-term rental use. Ask your agent about a policy written for vacation rentals, including liability coverage for guests. Some counties and associations ask for proof of insurance. Have it ready when you register.
How this fits with state law
Florida's preemption says local governments can't ban vacation rentals or regulate how long or how often they're rented, unless the rule dates to June 1, 2011 or earlier. Registration and safety rules are a different kind of regulation. Counties around Florida have adopted registration programs within that limit. If anyone challenges the ordinance, the outcome could change parts of it. That's one more reason to check the current rules before you register and again before you buy.
Records to keep from day one
Keep your registration confirmation, inspection results, DBPR license, tax certificates, insurance policy, and a log of guest complaints and how you handled them. If the county asks questions later or the rules change at review, you'll have what you need. Store them where a manager can reach them too.
What to do next
Read the Tampa Bay short-term rental rules guide. Book a consult if you're buying a rental in Hillsborough.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules depend on the parcel and can change, so confirm with the city or county and a Florida attorney before you buy.