Boynton Beach's New Short-Term Rental Rules

On October 1, 2023, Boynton Beach, Florida, enacted new regulations for short-term rentals. These measures aim to balance economic growth with maintaining the tranquility of residential areas. This guide will help property owners, tenants, and community members understand and comply with the new rules.

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Read about vacation rental rules in Florida:

Why Boynton Beach is Ideal for Airbnb Investment

Boynton Beach is an attractive spot for Airbnb investment due to several key reasons:

Strategic Location

Situated between Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach offers convenient access to major cities and attractions. This prime location makes it an excellent base for tourists exploring South Florida. With easy access to I-95, visitors can quickly travel to nearby cities, enhancing their vacation experience. Additionally, the proximity to Palm Beach International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ensures that travelers can reach Boynton Beach with ease, making it a highly convenient destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Stunning Beaches

Boynton Beach is renowned for its beautiful beaches that draw visitors year-round. The pristine coastline offers soft, sandy shores and clear, blue waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Additionally, various water activities, such as snorkeling, boating, and fishing, make it a popular destination for beach enthusiasts. The Boynton Harbor Marina is a hub for maritime activities, providing opportunities for charter fishing, scuba diving, and leisurely boat tours, making it a key attraction for tourists.

Vibrant Community

The city hosts a lively community with numerous cultural events, dining options, and shopping venues. Local farmers’ markets, art shows, and festivals add to the city’s appeal, providing guests with an enriching local experience. Downtown Boynton Beach features a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and diverse restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both residents and visitors. The community’s active calendar of events ensures that there is always something interesting happening, making it a dynamic place to stay.

Growing Tourism

Tourism in Boynton Beach has been on the rise, driven by its scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and warm climate. This increasing tourism trend ensures a steady flow of potential guests for Airbnb hosts. The city’s commitment to enhancing its tourist infrastructure, including the development of new parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions, has contributed to its growing popularity. As more visitors discover Boynton Beach, the demand for short-term rental accommodations continues to increase, offering lucrative opportunities for Airbnb investors.

Robust Real Estate Market

Boynton Beach’s real estate market is strong, offering a variety of properties ideal for short-term rentals. From beachfront condos to charming single-family homes, there are numerous options for investors to choose from. The average home value in Boynton Beach is $426,237, reflecting a 3.0% increase over the past year. This upward trend indicates a stable and appreciating market, making it an attractive investment destination. Investing in this market can yield significant returns, especially given the city’s growing popularity. The real estate market’s stability, coupled with increasing property values, makes Boynton Beach an appealing option for those looking to capitalize on the booming short-term rental market.

Supportive Regulations

Despite the new regulations, Boynton Beach remains supportive of short-term rentals, providing clear guidelines to balance economic benefits and community well-being. These efforts make the city a viable option for investors. The city’s regulatory framework is designed to ensure that short-term rentals operate smoothly and sustainably, minimizing potential disruptions to residential neighborhoods while promoting economic growth. By maintaining open communication with property owners and offering resources to navigate the regulatory landscape, Boynton Beach demonstrates its commitment to fostering a thriving short-term rental market.

In summary, Boynton Beach’s strategic location, stunning beaches, vibrant community, growing tourism, robust real estate market, and supportive regulations collectively make it an ideal destination for Airbnb investment. These factors ensure that property owners can enjoy profitable returns while contributing to the city’s dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.

Boynton Beach's New Short-Term Rental Rules: A Comprehensive Guide

New Requirements for Short-Term Rentals in Boynton Beach

Compulsory Registration and Licensing

To ensure that short term rentals comply with the local laws and provide a record of all such rental properties within Boynton Beach, the new laws have made it compulsory for owners who rent out their properties three or more times in a year and for less than thirty days to register them as short-term rentals.

Before operators can apply for a short-term rental permit with the city, they must first get a vacation rental permit from Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) in Florida. The two-tiered licensing is meant to ensure that all rentals meet both state and local standards.

Steps to Obtain a Short-Term Rental License:

Obtain a Vacation Rental License from DBPR of Florida.
Register with City of Boynton Beach via SagesGov portal:

Visit sagesgov.com/boyntonbeach-fl.
Create new account and select “Residential Rental.”
Fill out application indicating “Short-term rental” and indicate an individual responsible locally if you are more than an hour away from the property you want to rent out.
Submit application; wait 3-5 business days for payment instructions.
Make sure you schedule property inspection before 10 days expire after making payment.

Compliance Documentation: Include the Certificate of Use (CoU) and Business Tax Receipt (BTR) in the rental listing.

Check out more on Sec. 13-94. Application for standard residential rental and short-term rental approval and renewal.

Compliance with Health and Safety Standards

Boynton Beach’s new short-term rental regulations prioritize guest safety. The city has established comprehensive health and safety standards that all rental properties must meet, designed to protect guests and ensure the integrity of the rental property.

Regular Inspections:

Properties must undergo regular inspections by city officials to ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety codes. These inspections cover structural integrity, fire safety measures, and general upkeep, helping to identify and rectify potential hazards to ensure properties remain safe for occupancy.

Safety Equipment:

All short-term rental properties must be equipped with essential safety equipment, including:

Smoke Detectors: Properly installed and functioning smoke detectors in all key areas to provide early warning in case of fire.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Required to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which can arise from faulty heating systems or appliances.
Fire Extinguishers: Each floor must have a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher (rated 2A:10B) installed in an accessible and visible location, regularly inspected, and maintained according to NFPA 10 standards.

Sanitation Standards:

Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation is critical for guest health and satisfaction. The regulations mandate that all rental properties adhere to strict sanitation standards, including:

Regular Cleaning: Properties must be thoroughly cleaned between guest stays, including sanitizing all surfaces, linens, and commonly touched items.
Waste Management: Proper waste disposal systems must be in place to handle garbage and recyclables. Property owners are responsible for providing adequate trash receptacles and ensuring timely waste removal.

Occupancy Limits and Noise Control

To preserve the residential character of neighborhoods, Boynton Beach has established clear occupancy limits and noise regulations to minimize disturbances for local residents while accommodating short-term rental guests.

Occupancy Limits:

The new rules set strict limits on the number of occupants allowed in a rental property:

Overnight Occupancy: The maximum number of overnight occupants is limited to two persons per sleeping room plus two additional persons, with a cap of ten persons per unit. This ensures properties are not overcrowded and guests have adequate space and amenities.
Gatherings: The number of individuals allowed to gather at a short-term rental property cannot exceed one and one-half times the maximum occupancy. However, gatherings must not exceed fifteen persons, regardless of the number of bedrooms.

Noise Regulations:

To maintain neighborhood tranquility, Boynton Beach enforces strict noise regulations:

Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM, during which noise levels must be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
Noise Monitoring: Property owners are encouraged to install noise monitoring devices to ensure compliance with noise regulations, helping detect and address noise issues promptly.

Zoning and Land Use Restrictions

The new regulations also address zoning and land use to ensure short-term rentals are appropriately located within Boynton Beach. These restrictions help maintain the character of residential areas and prevent the negative impacts of clustering short-term rentals in specific neighborhoods.

Permitted Zones:

Short-term rentals are permitted only in designated zoning districts. This zoning approach ensures rental properties are situated in areas suitable for transient occupancy, minimizing conflicts with long-term residents.

Proximity Limits:

To prevent the concentration of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, Boynton Beach has implemented proximity limits, restricting how close short-term rental properties can be to one another to preserve the residential feel of the community.

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Tax Responsibilities of Boynton Beach Airbnb Hosts

Boynton Beach short-term rental operators must navigate a comprehensive tax landscape. While Airbnb handles state-administered taxes, hosts are responsible for local tax obligations, ensuring all applicable taxes are properly collected and remitted to support local services and infrastructure.

State of Florida Taxes:

Florida Transient Rental Tax: This 6% tax applies to the listing price, including any cleaning fees, for reservations of 182 nights or less. For more details, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: This local tax ranges from 0.5% to 1.5% of the listing price, including any cleaning fees, for reservations of 182 nights or less. The rate varies by county. In Palm Beach County, the rate is 1%.

Palm Beach County Tourist Development Tax (TDT):

The Tourist Development Tax (TDT) is crucial for supporting Palm Beach County’s tourism industry. Hosts must collect a 6% TDT from guests for short-term rentals of six months or less. This tax is in addition to state sales tax.

Setting Up a TDT Account:

To comply with TDT requirements, hosts must establish a TDT account via the Tourist Development Tax portal. The steps include:

Determine Property Management: Decide if the property will be self-managed or managed by an agent.
Create a Login: Set up a login using a valid email address for all correspondence and reminders.
Establish TDT Account: Verify your login and set up your TDT Business Account, adding rental properties using their Property Control Numbers (PCNs).
Obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Complete a Business Tax Receipt Application for each rental unit, either online, by mail, or in person at the designated office.

Monthly TDT Filing and Remittance:

Hosts must file a TDT return and remit payments by the 20th of each month. Even during periods with no rental activity, a zero return must be filed to avoid penalties.

Exemptions:

Certain rentals are exempt from TDT, including:

Continuous residence agreements longer than six months.
Federal employees on official travel.
Governmental units and their employees on official business.
Military personnel on active duty.
Full-time students enrolled in postsecondary education.
Foreign diplomats, subject to specific conditions.

For detailed information, consult Rule 12A-1.061, F.A.C., and the Florida Department of Revenue.

Assistance and Additional Information:

For help with TDT account setup, filing, or other questions, hosts can contact the TDT client service specialist at (561) 355-3547 or visit the Tourist Development Tax portal.

Enforcement and Penalties

Boynton Beach has established a robust enforcement framework to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Violations can result in:

Fines: Financial penalties for non-compliance.
License Revocation: Repeat offenders may lose their short-term rental licenses.
Legal Action: Severe cases may lead to legal proceedings.

Property owners must adhere to these rules to avoid penalties and ensure their rental operations remain lawful.

Permit Renewal Process

Short-term rental licenses are valid until September 30 each year and must be renewed before October 1. Renewal involves passing a new inspection and submitting an updated application. Compliance with all standards is required for renewal approval.

Community Impact and Feedback

The implementation of these regulations has sparked mixed reactions within the community. Many residents appreciate the measures to reduce noise and preserve neighborhood tranquility, while some property owners are concerned about the regulatory burden and potential impact on rental income.

Boynton Beach is committed to engaging with the community through public meetings and feedback sessions, allowing stakeholders to voice their opinions and suggest improvements. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for refining the regulations to best serve the community’s needs.

Important Resources and Contacts

For additional information and assistance, property owners can refer to the following resources:

For specific queries or further assistance, contact the Codes Department at [email protected] or call (561) 742-6350.

Conclusion

Boynton Beach’s new short-term rental regulations represent a significant effort to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with the need to maintain the quality of life for residents. By enforcing strict registration, health and safety standards, zoning restrictions, and occupancy limits, the city aims to create a sustainable short-term rental market that benefits all stakeholders.

As these regulations come into effect, property owners and residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the city’s efforts to refine and improve these rules. Compliance with these regulations will ensure that Boynton Beach remains a desirable place to live and visit, fostering a harmonious relationship between residents and the short-term rental community.

Boynton Beach’s New Short-Term Rental Rules: A Comprehensive Guide