Villa

Question

Is it still the case that certain legal documents eg tax paid etc must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the villa

Answer

In Florida, vacation rental regulations vary by county and city, but there are certain requirements for legally operating a villa or short-term rental that owners must comply with. One common requirement is the display of certain legal and tax documents within the property.

Typical Documents That May Need to Be Displayed

Business Tax Receipt / Local License: Many municipalities require the property to display a current business tax receipt or vacation rental license, usually near the front entrance or in a common area.
Occupancy / Transient Rental Tax Information: Some counties (like Orange, Osceola, and Lake in Central Florida) require that local transient rental taxes be clearly stated, often with instructions for reporting or emergency contact info.
Emergency Information & Safety Notices: While not always legally required, it is common practice to display emergency exit instructions, fire extinguisher locations, and contact numbers for property management.
Proof of Compliance with Building & Fire Codes: Some counties may require documentation that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire safety measures are in place.

Practical Notes

The requirement to display documents in a “conspicuous place” is generally still enforced, particularly for business tax receipts and local rental licenses.
Failure to display required documents can result in fines or penalties, and in some cases, temporary suspension of the rental license until compliance is achieved.
For guests, the documents usually provide reassurance that the rental is legally compliant and that taxes have been properly paid.

Recommendation: If you are renting a villa in Central Florida, check with the local county tax collector or the city’s vacation rental office to confirm exactly which documents are required to be displayed. Most professional rental managers keep them in the entryway or near the kitchen where they are easily visible to guests.

In summary, yes, it is still generally the case that certain legal documents—especially related to tax and licensing—must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the villa, and ensuring this is in place helps both compliance and guest confidence.