What do you need for a Hollywood, FL vacation rental license?

Hollywood takes vacation rental license applications online only. For a whole home that isn't owner-occupied, the City's checklist asks for your DBPR license, Broward County and City of Hollywood business tax receipts, a Department of Revenue certificate and tourist tax account, interior and exterior sketches, a notarized owner certification and proof of liability insurance.

Researched by Pierce Gainey, Code & Key

Last verified October 3, 2026.

Sources re-checked every week. Last check October 8, 2026: no rule changes.

The Hollywood FL vacation rental license checklist

From the City's application checklist for a whole home that is not owner-occupied. The City form applies the Vacation Rental License rules in Hollywood Code Chapter 119.

1. Florida DBPR license. A copy of the current license as a transient public lodging establishment. The DBPR license typically expires in December; send the City a copy of the renewal. City application checklist
2. Broward County business tax receipt. A copy of the current local business tax receipt. City application checklist
3. City of Hollywood business tax receipt. A copy of the current local business tax receipt from the City's Treasury Division. City application checklist
4. Department of Revenue certificate. In the owner's name, listing the property address, or a certificate of property management if someone else manages it. Not needed if the property is advertised only on Airbnb or Vrbo. City application checklist
5. Broward tourist development tax account. Evidence of a current account with the Broward County Tax Collector. Not needed if the property is advertised only on Airbnb or Vrbo. City application checklist
6. Interior sketch. Drawn to scale by floor (hand drawn is fine), showing every bedroom, bathroom, exit, hallway and stairway, the noise device, smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguishers and exit signs. City application checklist
7. Exterior sketch. The noise device, every structure, pool, spa, hot tub and fence, and the number and location of all on-site parking spaces. City application checklist
8. Designated manager letter, if you aren't the owner. From the owner, naming a local representative who can be reached by phone 24/7 and can be at the property within 1 hour. City application checklist
9. Notarized owner certification. The City's form, completed, notarized and uploaded with the online application. City application checklist; Vacation Rental License page
10. Certificate of liability insurance. Coverage for injury or harm to occupants and other invitees, kept in effect whenever the home is used as a vacation rental. City application checklist
11. Distance to places where children gather. Whether the home is within 1,000 feet of a school, designated school bus stop, daycare, park, playground or similar facility. Hollywood Police can verify it at (954) 967-4636. City application checklist
12. Every listing number. List each website where the home is advertised. The DBPR license number and the City license number must appear on all advertising. City application checklist

What the license inspection checks

From the City's inspection checklist.

1. Postings. The informational posting on the wall near the front door, a notice that unreasonably loud noise is prohibited in the backyard or pool area, and in multi-story homes an evacuation map at least 8.5 by 11 inches near or on the front door. City inspection checklist; Code §119.35
2. Occupancy. A maximum of 2 occupants per bedroom. A bedroom has at least 70 square feet of conditioned space, a built-in closet and an emergency escape opening, and was legally built as a bedroom. City inspection checklist
3. Life safety. Exit signs on all exits, a working phone that can call 911 in the main-level common area, interconnected smoke and CO alarms that are hard-wired or 10-year sealed battery, and a wall-mounted 2A:10B:C extinguisher on each level. City inspection checklist
4. Noise detection device. A device with a phone app that alerts the owner or representative and the guests, with its data kept 180 days and available to the City. City inspection checklist; Vacation Rental License page

Licenses expire September 30 each year, and renewal includes an inspection every year. Neighbors can report problems 24/7 at 954-231-2375, and registered contacts get 30 minutes to resolve most issues.

Sources

• City of Hollywood Vacation Rental License page
• City of Hollywood vacation rental license application checklist
• City of Hollywood vacation rental license inspection checklist

General information, not legal advice and not an official City form. Rules change: confirm current requirements with the City of Hollywood before relying on it.