RV Backyard Rental in Tampa? Legal?

Question

Hey everyone, quick question for the group.

I own about 40 rental properties and a good chunk of them are short-term rentals here in the Tampa area. A few of my properties have a lot of extra space in the backyard (almost like they were made for an ADU setup), and I’ve been considering buying a brand new RV and renting it out short-term on the same lot.

I’m thinking about testing this idea on a property I have in Ybor City, and possibly another one I own in Seffner.

Has anyone here done RV short-term rentals in Tampa, specifically around Ybor, or Hillsborough County in general?

I’m mainly trying to figure out:

Is it even allowed?

Any zoning or code issues I should watch out for?

Does the city treat it like an ADU setup or more like “camping” rules?

Any issues with permits, utilities hookups, insurance, septic, etc.?

If you’ve done something similar, I’d love to hear what worked, what didn’t, and if you’d do it again.

John Underwood · Answer

You should really talk to your local county zoning and code enforcement officials to know if its allowed.

Just because someone else says they are doing it doesn't mean its necessarily legal.

Jorge Vazquez · Answer

GUYS, thank you for the feedback! I will call zoning and keep you guys updated!

Andrew Steffens · Answer

My sister just moved to Tampa from Houston and rented an RV on Furnished Finder for a month while she transitions. I do not know about the legality but I would certainly go, preferably in person to either Hillsborough of CoT zoning and speak with someone. I find that on the phone when you ask tougher questions they tend to try to tell you whatever they can to get you off the phone. I am not sure if my sisters set up was legal but for reference it was in Baycrest so CoT. Good luck!

Jules Aton · Answer

Regardless of zoning like what kind of guest would you be expecting wants to stay in a RV and what would be the response of guests in your houses? This probably depends on the type of STRs you have but I would not be happy at all to rent a place and find there is a RV in the yard. I always picture Ybor City as kind of high end?

Patricia Steiner · Answer

No...all the answers about checking local ordinances are solid but the answer is no. Good idea; not going to happen. The city of St. Petersburg is allowing property owners with cetain size backyard lots to add ancillary structures for rental purposes - especially for Section 8 tenants - and the City of Tampa has been trying to get this going as well. But we're talking brick and mortar here, targeted zoning areas, permitting, and all the fun that goes with all of that. Good idea...in theory. Fun, huh?

Mike Grudzien · Answer

I agree with Doug and John. You need to get specific, referable city and county information on any and all governing rules, regulations and ordinances. When I say "referable", that means if some official calls you out; you can refer to the presiding regulation that you are in compliance with.

It will go a lot better than telling an official: "well, this guy on BiggerPockets said..."

Doug Smith · Answer

Hey Jorge, I know we're always having zoning questions both in Tampa proper and unincorporated Hillsborough County. Its a great question that I look forward to hearing the answer for, but I think we in the peanut gallery are not going to give you the right answer. I know Tampa can be harsh with zoning. I would call both tomorrow. We have to do it all the time with stuff...just never a back-yard STR RV. Let us know what you find out.

RV Backyard Rental in Tampa? Legal?

RV Backyard Rental in Tampa? Legal?

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