The Bradenton area and Anna Maria Island (AMI) in Manatee County, Florida, offer a unique combination of Old Florida beach charm, Gulf Coast beauty, and proximity to the Sarasota/Tampa metro area. Anna Maria Island in particular has become a highly sought-after STR destination known for its cottage-style properties, turquoise Gulf waters, and laid-back atmosphere. However, Anna Maria Island has some of the most restrictive STR regulations in Florida, making this a market where regulatory due diligence is absolutely critical.
⚠️ Important: Anna Maria Island includes three separate municipalities — the City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach — each with their own STR regulations. The city of Bradenton (on the mainland) is a separate jurisdiction. These regulations differ significantly and have been actively tightened in recent years. Always contact the specific municipality where your property is located to verify current regulations before investing.
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Permit & Licensing Requirements
Florida State Requirements (DBPR)
Vacation Rental License: Florida DBPR license required for all vacation rental properties statewide.
Apply at myfloridalicense.com
Annual inspections and renewal
This is mandatory — no exceptions.
City of Anna Maria
Vacation Rental Registration: The City of Anna Maria requires registration of all vacation rental properties.
Strict Limitations: The city has some of the tightest STR restrictions on the island, including minimum stay requirements and operational standards.
Contact: City of Anna Maria at (941) 708-6130
Holmes Beach
Vacation Rental Registration/Permit: Holmes Beach (the largest municipality on AMI by population) has implemented specific STR permitting and registration requirements.
This jurisdiction has been particularly active in regulating STRs.
Contact: City of Holmes Beach at (941) 708-5800
Bradenton Beach
Vacation Rental Regulations: Bradenton Beach has its own STR regulatory framework.
Contact: City of Bradenton Beach at (941) 778-1005
City of Bradenton (Mainland)
Business Tax Receipt: Required for rental operations within the city.
Regulations differ from the island municipalities — generally less restrictive.
Contact: City of Bradenton at (941) 932-9400
Manatee County (Unincorporated)
Tourist Development Tax Registration: Register with the Manatee County Tax Collector.
Contact: Manatee County Tax Collector at (941) 741-4800
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Zoning Restrictions
Anna Maria Island — The Critical Details
This is where AMI differs dramatically from other Florida beach markets. The three island municipalities have taken aggressive approaches to STR zoning:
City of Anna Maria
Has implemented minimum stay requirements that effectively limit short-term rentals. Minimum stays of one week (7 days) or even one month (30 days) may apply depending on the zoning district.
Some residential zones may prohibit vacation rentals of fewer than 30 days, which effectively eliminates traditional STR use.
Zoning enforcement is active.
Holmes Beach
Has been one of the most actively regulated STR markets in Florida.
Minimum stay requirements have been a central part of the regulatory approach. Requirements of 7 days, 14 days, or 30 days minimum may apply depending on the zone.
The city has used zoning to distinguish between traditional vacation rental zones and residential neighborhoods.
Grandfathering: Properties that had established STR use before restrictive ordinances were adopted may have grandfathered rights. However, these rights may be limited and can be lost if the use is discontinued.
Bradenton Beach
Also has minimum stay and zoning provisions affecting STRs.
Verify specific requirements — they differ from the other two island municipalities.
Florida Preemption Issues
The AMI municipalities’ restrictive STR regulations have been a source of legal tension with Florida’s 2011 preemption law (which constrains local governments from banning STRs). There has been litigation and regulatory back-and-forth. The legal landscape may continue to evolve.
Mainland Bradenton
Less restrictive than the island. STRs in the City of Bradenton and unincorporated Manatee County face a more standard Florida regulatory environment.
Owner-Occupancy
Some AMI zoning provisions may distinguish between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rental properties. Verify with the specific municipality.
HOA/Condo Considerations
As with all Florida markets, HOA and condo association rules may add restrictions beyond municipal regulations.
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Tax Obligations
Florida State Sales Tax
Rate: 6% on transient rentals of 6 months or fewer
Manatee County Tourist Development Tax
Rate: Manatee County’s TDT has been approximately 5%. Verify current rate.
Combined Tax Rate
Approximately 11% (6% state + 5% TDT). Additional discretionary surtaxes may apply.
Platform Collection
Major platforms collect and remit Florida state sales tax and county TDT. Verify with your platform.
How to Register
Florida Department of Revenue: floridarevenue.com
Manatee County Tax Collector: (941) 741-4800
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Operational Rules
Minimum Stay — The Defining Regulation
This is the single most important operational rule on Anna Maria Island. Unlike most Florida beach markets where nightly rentals are permitted:
Minimum stays of 7, 14, or even 30 days may apply depending on which AMI municipality and which zoning district your property is in.
This fundamentally changes the investment model compared to nightly-rental markets. Longer minimum stays mean fewer turnovers but also potentially lower total revenue compared to nightly rentals.
Verify minimum stay requirements for your specific property before purchasing.
Noise Ordinances
All three island municipalities enforce noise ordinances. Given the small-island residential character, enforcement is active.
Quiet hours apply (typically 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
Parking
Parking is extremely limited on Anna Maria Island. Off-street parking is required, and the number of spaces may be tied to your allowable occupancy.
Street parking is restricted in many areas.
This is a genuine operational challenge on the island.
Maximum Occupancy
Occupancy limits are strictly enforced, based on bedroom count, property size, and parking.
The island municipalities have lower tolerance for overcrowding than many beach markets.
Safety Requirements (DBPR + Local)
All standard Florida DBPR requirements (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, pool safety, sanitation)
Pool barrier compliance — required by Florida law
Posted DBPR license number
Posted emergency and evacuation information
Local municipalities may have additional requirements
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Recent Changes & Trends
Tightening Restrictions: AMI municipalities have been progressively tightening STR restrictions over the past decade. The trend has been toward longer minimum stays and more limited STR use in residential zones.
Legal Challenges: The restrictions have faced legal challenges under Florida’s preemption law. The outcomes of these legal battles affect what municipalities can and can’t do. Stay informed about pending litigation.
Florida Legislative Activity: State legislators have debated STR regulation bills that could either strengthen or weaken local regulatory authority. Any change to Florida’s preemption framework would significantly affect AMI.
Hurricane Ian Impact (2022): Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to areas of the Florida Gulf Coast, including parts of Manatee County. Recovery and rebuilding may affect property availability and regulations.
Property Values: Despite (or partly because of) strict regulations, AMI property values remain high. Limited STR supply on the island drives premium rental rates for permitted properties.
What investors should watch:
AMI municipal ordinance changes (minimum stay requirements, zoning amendments)
Florida state legislation affecting local STR authority
Legal challenges to AMI’s STR restrictions
Insurance market changes
Post-hurricane building code updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to rent my property short-term on Anna Maria Island?
Yes — both a Florida DBPR vacation rental license AND registration/permitting from the specific AMI municipality (City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach). Each municipality has its own requirements, including minimum stay rules that may significantly affect your business model.
What taxes do I need to pay on short-term rental income in Bradenton/AMI?
Florida state sales tax (6%) plus Manatee County TDT (~5%), for approximately 11% combined. Platforms typically collect both.
Are there any restrictions on where I can operate an STR on Anna Maria Island?
Yes — significant restrictions. The three AMI municipalities have some of the most restrictive STR regulations in Florida, including minimum stay requirements (7-30 days depending on zone), zoning-based limitations, and active enforcement. Some residential zones may effectively prohibit traditional STR use. This is the most important thing to verify before purchasing on AMI.
Is Anna Maria Island still a good STR investment given the restrictions?
AMI's restrictions create a supply-constrained market, which supports premium rental rates for compliant properties. Longer-minimum-stay properties can still generate strong returns — the economics are different from nightly-rental markets but can be very attractive. However, you must understand exactly what you can and can't do with a specific property before purchasing.
How do I verify current STR regulations on Anna Maria Island?
City of Anna Maria: (941) 708-6130
Holmes Beach: (941) 708-5800
Bradenton Beach: (941) 778-1005
Manatee County Tax Collector: (941) 741-4800
Florida DBPR: myfloridalicense.com
Call the specific municipality for your property. Each one has different rules, and they change.
What about mainland Bradenton for STR investing?
Mainland Bradenton and unincorporated Manatee County have a more standard Florida regulatory environment — less restrictive than the island. This may be an attractive alternative for investors who want to be in the area without AMI's strict minimum stay rules.
Who can help me find and purchase a short-term rental in Bradenton/Anna Maria Island?
The Short Term Shop is the largest short-term rental-specialized brokerage in the United States, with agents specializing in the Bradenton and Anna Maria Island market. Visit theshorttermshop.com to connect with an agent who understands the complex regulatory landscape of this area.
Bottom Line for Investors
Bradenton/Anna Maria Island is a premium Gulf Coast market with strong demand and beautiful properties — but AMI’s STR regulations are among the most restrictive in Florida. Minimum stay requirements fundamentally change the investment model compared to nightly-rental markets. Investors who understand the rules and buy compliant properties can benefit from the supply-constrained, high-rate environment. Those who don’t do their homework may find they can’t operate as planned. Mainland Bradenton/Manatee County offers a less restricted alternative.
Remember: AMI regulations are complex, vary by municipality, and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the specific municipality and DBPR before making any investment decisions.
Considering Bradenton or Anna Maria Island? The Short Term Shop has agents who know this nuanced market and can help you navigate the regulations.