Thinking about turning your Cooper City property into a short‑term rental? The rules are clear, and if you follow them, you can host with confidence. You want simple steps, real requirements, and no surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the city, state, and county expect, plus the fees, inspections, and timelines to plan for. Let’s dive in.
Vacation rental definition in Cooper City
Cooper City treats a vacation rental as a dwelling rented more than three times in a year for periods under 30 days, or any home held out to the public for short stays. Timeshares are excluded. This definition comes from the city’s vacation rental ordinance. You can review the city’s rules in the ordinance text for the full context and terms. See the ordinance language and requirements.
Permit required before you list
It is unlawful to operate a vacation rental in Cooper City without a city Vacation Rental Permit. Even listing your home online is treated as evidence that the property is available as a short‑term rental, which triggers the permitting requirement. Start your application on the city’s short‑term rental portal and confirm the latest fees and forms. Visit Cooper City’s short‑term rental page.
What your application includes
Your permit application typically requires:
- Proof of ownership and contact information.
- A designated Responsible Party with a 24/7 phone number.
- Proof of liability insurance for rental use.
- Proof of tax registrations for Florida transient rental tax and Broward County Tourist Development Tax, and proof of a DBPR license if state law requires it.
- A copy of your rental agreement and acknowledgements for parking and trash.
- Notarized certifications as listed on the city form.
Find the specifics in the city ordinance and application materials. Review the ordinance for application items.
Fees and renewal dates
Cooper City publishes the fee schedule on its portal. As listed, plan for an initial registration fee of $750, a pre‑inspection fee of $260, a Certificate of Occupancy or change‑of‑use fee of $139, and an annual renewal fee of $350 if you renew by September 30. Permits expire each year on September 30. Always confirm current amounts on the city portal before you apply. Check the city’s fee and renewal details.
Safety and property standards
You must meet life and safety standards before the city issues the permit. Key items include:
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and a fire extinguisher.
- Pool safety measures as required by Florida law, if applicable.
- Off‑street parking and proper trash handling per city rules.
- A noise‑level detection device installed, with data retained for 180 days and provided to the city on request.
- Advertising that matches your permit details, including maximum occupancy.
These requirements are outlined in the city ordinance. See the safety and equipment standards.
Inspections and occupancy certificate
Cooper City conducts an initial inspection before issuing your certificate of compliance or certificate of occupancy/change of use. You must pass inspection prior to hosting. The city also uses re‑inspections for ongoing compliance. The portal includes preparation resources and contact information. Start with the city’s short‑term rental portal.
State and county rules that still apply
Florida law classifies vacation rentals under Chapter 509, and many properties require a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Cooper City asks for proof of that license when state law requires it. Check DBPR’s licensing guidance and the state’s vacation rental classifications.
In 2024, a statewide bill that would have standardized vacation rental regulation was vetoed by the Governor, so Cooper City’s local ordinance remains in effect. Read the veto announcement.
Taxes are separate obligations. Short‑term rentals generally collect Florida’s transient rental tax and Broward County’s Tourist Development Tax, and a discretionary sales surtax may also apply. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue and Broward County to collect and remit properly, and confirm your exact rates and filing timelines. Learn more about the state transient rental tax statute and Broward’s Tourist Development Tax.
Step‑by‑step checklist
Use this quick checklist to stay on track:
Before you list
- Confirm the property is inside Cooper City limits and subject to the city program. Use the city portal.
- Review any HOA or condo rules and get written confirmation that short‑term rentals are allowed.
- Obtain a DBPR license if your property meets the state’s transient lodging criteria.
- Register for Florida transient rental tax and Broward County Tourist Development Tax.
Application and onsite setup
- Prepare application materials: ownership proof, 24/7 Responsible Party, insurance, tax registrations, DBPR license if required, rental agreement, and notarized forms.
- Install required safety gear and the noise‑level detection device and set up data retention for 180 days.
- Schedule and pass the city’s initial inspection.
Fees, renewals, business setup
- Budget for city fees and the annual renewal by September 30.
- Obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt if required by the city. Check the city portal for guidance.
Ongoing operations
- Ensure the Responsible Party answers and responds to complaints at all times.
- Keep advertising accurate, including maximum occupancy.
- Maintain safety devices, parking, and trash compliance.
HOA and condo restrictions
Association rules can limit or prohibit short‑term rentals. If you own a condo, Florida law provides that certain rental restriction amendments generally bind new owners and those who consented, with possible grandfathering for existing owners who did not consent. Always obtain written confirmation of current rules before you proceed. Review the statute on condo amendments for context. See Florida Statute 718.110.
Enforcement and risks
Permits are property specific and are not transferable. The city can deny, suspend, or revoke a permit for code or ordinance violations, and fees are not refunded if a permit is suspended or revoked. Cooper City accepts complaints online and through a 24/7 hotline, and the Responsible Party must respond as required. Tax authorities can assess back taxes, penalties, and interest if you fail to register or remit correctly. You can find enforcement details in the city ordinance and on the portal. Review the ordinance enforcement provisions.
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FAQs
What is a “vacation rental” in Cooper City?
- The city defines it as a dwelling rented more than three times in a year for periods under 30 days, or otherwise held out for short stays, excluding timeshares. See the ordinance.
Do I need a permit before advertising my home?
- Yes. Listing a property online is treated as evidence it is a short‑term rental and requires a city permit. Start on the city portal.
What taxes apply to Cooper City short‑term rentals?
- You generally must collect Florida’s transient rental tax and Broward’s Tourist Development Tax, and a discretionary surtax may apply. See state tax law and Broward tax guidance.
Does Florida state law override Cooper City’s rules in 2024?
- No. A 2024 statewide bill was vetoed, so Cooper City’s local ordinance still governs. Read the veto notice.
What equipment must be in the home?
- You need smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire extinguisher, any required pool safety, and a noise‑level detection device with 180‑day data retention. See the ordinance standards.
How do HOA or condo rules affect short‑term rentals?
- Association documents may restrict or prohibit rentals; condos have specific amendment rules with potential grandfathering. Always get written confirmation. Review Florida Statute 718.110.
