Short answer: If you rent a Florida home or condo to guests on Airbnb, VRBO or similar platforms, you generally need a policy written for short-term rental use. Standard homeowners and condo policies often restrict or exclude business or rental activity, and platform host protection programs are not a substitute for your own property and liability insurance. A proper short-term rental policy covers the building, your furnishings, liability to guests, and lost rental income after a covered loss. Florida also licenses most transient rentals through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Nymble Insurance, a licensed Florida independent agency, quotes single homes, condos and multi-unit rentals. Call (813) 291-3484.
Why your homeowners policy may not be enough
Homeowners and condo unit owner policies are built for people who live in the home or rent it long-term. Many contain business-activity exclusions, limits on rental to others, or conditions that apply when the home is unoccupied between guests. If a guest is hurt or a pipe bursts mid-stay, the carrier will look at how the home was being used. If short-term rental use wasn't disclosed, the claim can be in question.
Booking platforms offer host protection programs, but those come with their own terms, limits and exclusions, and they don't replace a policy you control. Treat them as a backstop, not your coverage.
What a Florida short-term rental policy should include
- Dwelling. Replacement cost for the building (or, for a condo, the interior items the master policy leaves to the owner).
- Contents. Furniture, linens, kitchenware and electronics you provide to guests.
- Loss of rental income. Bookings you lose while the home is repaired after a covered loss.
- Liability to guests. Slips, pool and dock injuries, and other premises claims. Many owners add an umbrella on top.
- Theft and damage by guests. Check how the policy treats guest theft and intentional damage.
- Wind and hurricane. A hurricane deductible applies, and lost bookings during the season matter.
- Flood. Excluded from property policies. Buy a separate flood policy, especially for coastal rentals.
Renting on Airbnb or VRBO? We are a licensed Florida independent agency, so we compare multiple carriers for you instead of selling one.
Start my quote → or call (813) 291-3484Licensing, local rules and condo bylaws
Florida classifies transient rentals as public lodging establishments, and most vacation rentals need a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Counties and cities may add registration, taxes and safety rules. Condo and HOA documents may limit or ban short rental terms. Insurance carriers often ask about licensing and association rules, so have them ready. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your requirements with DBPR and your local government.
Single rental, multiple units or a whole building
| Your setup | What we typically quote |
|---|---|
| One home or condo you rent part-time and use yourself | A personal policy that permits short-term rental, or a rental dwelling policy |
| One or more homes rented full-time | A dwelling policy written for short-term rental, per property |
| Multi-unit building or several units under one owner | A commercial property and general liability package |
What to send for a quote
- Property address(es), year built, roof age and updates
- How many nights a year it rents, and how many you use it personally
- Platforms used and your DBPR license number, if licensed
- Pool, dock, hot tub or other amenities
- Current declarations pages
Start a quote or call (813) 291-3484.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover Airbnb rentals in Florida?
Often not fully. Many homeowners and condo policies restrict or exclude short-term rental activity. You need coverage written for that use.
Is Airbnb's host protection enough insurance?
No. Platform programs have their own limits and exclusions and don't replace a property and liability policy you control.
Do I need a license to run a vacation rental in Florida?
Most transient vacation rentals are licensed by Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Local rules may also apply.
Does short-term rental insurance cover lost bookings?
Loss of rental income coverage can pay for bookings lost while the property is repaired after a covered loss.
Can Nymble insure multiple rental units?
Yes. We quote single homes and condos, and multi-unit rentals on commercial packages.
Sources
- Florida DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants: Vacation rental licensing
- Section 509.242, Florida Statutes (public lodging establishments; classifications)
- Section 718.111, Florida Statutes (condominium association insurance)
- Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services
General information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording controls. Last reviewed 2026-11-03.