City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Ocala, FL
How Ocala regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here are subject to registration, a lodging tax, or a small number of operating rules.
- No STR-specific ordinance, permit or registration in the city code
- City local business tax covers public lodging (rooms or spaces) and unlisted service businesses
- Florida law limits local STR duration and frequency rules (Fla. Stat. 509.032(7)(b))
- Tourist development tax is levied by Marion County, not the city
Based on: Ocala Code Sec. 62-81 (Local Business Tax schedule; Code 1985 Sec. 11-35; Ord. No. 2553, 9-19-95; Ord. No. 5836
Summary of the rule
Public lodging: apartments, motels, hotels and rooming houses, boardinghouses (state license required), office rentals and mobile home parks: 1 to 10 rooms or spaces .....50.00
Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Ocala · system last checked Oct 24, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.