Short-Term Rental Rules at Solara: What Buyers Should Know

Thinking about buying in Solara Resort and renting short term to offset costs or generate income? You’re not alone. Many buyers choose Solara for its resort setup and proximity to Orlando’s attractions, but short-term rental rules can make or break your numbers. In this guide, you’ll learn how STR rules typically work at Solara-style HOAs, what to verify before you buy, and how those rules affect your revenue and personal use. Let’s dive in.

How Solara STR rules work

Short-term rental permissions in Florida are shaped by three layers: state, local, and association. Florida sets statewide tax and business basics, while Orange County and nearby municipalities may add local registrations or safety requirements. At Solara, the HOA or master association usually sets the operational rules that matter most to your day-to-day hosting.

Association documents can be more restrictive than local law. That means even if local rules allow STRs, your specific building or phase at Solara could impose added requirements. Your goal is to confirm what applies to the exact unit you’re buying and build your pro forma around those rules.

Common rental rules at Solara

Rules vary by building and phase. These are common in resort HOAs and should be verified for your unit.

STR eligibility and registration

• Owners who plan to rent short term often must register with the HOA or on-site office.
• Expect to provide your contact info, manager details, and proof of insurance before guests arrive.

Booking length and owner use

• Minimum stay requirements are common. Some resorts use seasonal minimums.
• Owner use is typically allowed, though some communities limit owner-occupied days or require advance notice.

Management and marketing channels

• Some HOAs require an approved manager for check-in, key control, parking, and housekeeping.
• Listing on major platforms may require registration with the association. Blanket bans are less common in purpose-built resorts.

Occupancy, parking, and amenities

• Overnight occupancy usually ties to bedrooms, square footage, and fire code.
• Parking rules and passes are often enforced, with fines for violations.
• Guest access to pools and club facilities may require wristbands, registration, or per-guest fees.

Health, safety, and nuisance

• Quiet hours, trash protocols, smoking and pet rules are standard and enforced with fines if needed.
• Some associations require guests to acknowledge rules or place a card on file for damages.

Insurance and liability

• Proof of liability coverage specific to STR use is often required.
• You may need to name the association as an additional insured in some cases.

Fees for renting owners

• In addition to HOA dues, there may be resort, booking, or amenity fees linked to STR activity.
• Some associations apply higher assessments for units operated as short-term rentals.

Enforcement and penalties

• Fines, temporary suspension of amenity access, and legal action are typical remedies for repeated violations.
• Associations may require association-approved lease language that binds guests to the rules.

How rules affect your numbers

Your revenue depends on what you can charge and how often you can book. Association rules influence both. Minimum stays, owner-use limits, and check-in requirements can change occupancy patterns and pricing. Factor these constraints into your projections instead of using generic averages.

Build a conservative pro forma that deducts:

• Management fees (full-service managers often range higher in resort settings)
• Turnover cleanings and mid-stay cleans
• HOA dues plus any resort or per-booking fees
• Utilities, maintenance, linens, supplies, and reserves for replacements
• STR-specific insurance
• Taxes you or your manager must collect and remit (state sales tax and local tourist taxes)
• Platform fees and credit card processing
• Potential fines if rules are violated

Documents to request before you buy

Ask the seller and association for documentation so you can validate rental permissions and fees for your exact unit:

• Recorded declaration/master deed and current CC&Rs
• Latest HOA rules and any separate rental policy
• HOA bylaws plus recent amendments or board resolutions affecting STRs
• Resale certificate or estoppel letter showing dues, assessments, and any pending rule changes
• Any HOA-required rental agreement template
• HOA meeting minutes from the last 12–24 months referencing rentals, fines, or policy changes
• Current management agreement between the association and any on-site resort manager
• The unit’s rental history and P&Ls, including ADR, occupancy, channel mix, and all fees paid
• List of required licenses and tax accounts with proof of current registration if the unit is operating
• Insurance requirements and sample certificate of insurance specs

Buyer checklist: confirm compliance

Use this quick path to verification.

Before your offer or during the inspection window

• Confirm STRs are allowed for your unit type in the CC&Rs and rules
• Identify any minimum stays, owner-use limits, or seasonal constraints
• Get the full fee schedule, including resort, amenity, parking, and per-rental fees
• Confirm manager requirements and platform restrictions, if any
• Ask for the association’s enforcement history related to rentals
• Verify tax obligations and registration steps with state and county offices
• Obtain an insurance quote that covers STR exposure
• If using a manager, review their agreement, fee schedule, channels, and Solara-specific performance

Post-contract, before closing

• Request an updated resale certificate/estoppel in your name
• Seek written confirmation from the HOA or management that you can rent under current rules

Seasonality and demand in Orlando

Orlando’s short-term rental demand is seasonal and event-driven. School holidays, major theme park peaks, and convention calendars can shift both occupancy and rates month to month. Plan for variability rather than a flat average and use neighborhood-level benchmarks from local managers or market data providers.

Calendar rules matter. If the association limits single-night stays or sets turnover days, you may miss short weekday bookings. Align your pricing and cleaning schedules with permitted minimums so you can capture demand waves without violating rules.

Avoid common pitfalls

Protect your investment by watching for these red flags:

• No written confirmation that your specific unit can be rented short term
• HOA minutes indicating pending policy shifts or pressure to restrict STRs
• Hidden or variable fees that only appear at booking or check-in
• Mandatory use of a single manager with high commissions or exclusivity
• Insurance gaps where a standard policy excludes STR activity
• Over-optimistic projections that ignore minimum stays, owner blocks, or seasonal swings
• Unclear responsibility for tax collection and remittance

Need bilingual guidance?

Want help reviewing Solara’s rental rules or interpreting HOA documents in English or Portuguese? Request bilingual guidance and we’ll review the association rules and provide a tailored checklist for the unit you’re considering.

Ready to explore properties or validate a unit’s rental path at Solara? Our bilingual team aligns acquisition, design, and property-management handoffs so you can move from search to hosting with confidence. Connect with the advisors at Pristine International Realty to get a clear, step-by-step plan.

FAQs

Are short-term rentals allowed at Solara Resort?

• Many resort communities permit STRs, but permission depends on the CC&Rs and current HOA policies for your specific phase and unit.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Orange County, Florida?

• Short-term rentals typically require state sales tax and local tourist development taxes to be collected and remitted by the owner or manager.

Do I have to use a specific property manager at Solara?

• Some resort HOAs require approved managers, while others allow any manager who follows association procedures; confirm in the rental policy.

Can I reserve dates for my personal use if I rent short term?

• Owner use is commonly allowed, but associations may limit the number of days or require advance calendar registration.

Are there extra HOA or resort fees for rental units at Solara?

• Many resort HOAs charge additional resort, booking, or amenity fees for STR activity, which should be included in your pro forma.