Davenport, Kissimmee & South Clermont:
What Vacation Home Owners Should Know About HOA Rules & Short-Term Rentals
If you own a vacation rental in Davenport, Kissimmee, South Clermont, or South Orlando, chances are you bought in this area specifically because it has long been friendly to short-term rentals. And for the most part, it still is.
However, one area many vacation homeowners don’t always fully understand, until later, is how HOA rules can impact short-term rental use over time, even in traditionally STR heavy markets like the Disney corridor.
This isn’t about panic or sudden changes. It’s about awareness.
HOA Rules Matter - Even in STR-Focused Areas
In Central Florida, short-term rentals are governed at multiple levels:
- State law
- County or city regulations
- And the HOA rules of the specific community
Even when a city or county allows short-term rentals, an HOA may still impose its own rental restrictions, as long as those rules are clearly written into the community’s governing documents (CC&Rs or bylaws).
Depending on the neighborhood, this can include:
- Minimum rental periods
- Limits on how often a home can be rented each year
- Registration or approval requirements
- Changes to how rentals are managed or enforced
Many communities in Davenport, Kissimmee, and South Clermont still actively support vacation rentals, but HOA authority is something every owner should understand.
A Local Example Owners Often Mention: Loma Linda (Davenport)
One community that often comes up in owner discussions is Loma Linda in Davenport.
Loma Linda was widely known years ago as a short-term rental-friendly neighborhood. Over time, the community transitioned to residential-only use, with existing owners at the time generally being grandfathered in, while new purchases were restricted from operating as short-term rentals.
This type of shift didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t unique to Central Florida, it reflects how community priorities and HOA governance can evolve over time.
The key takeaway isn’t fear, it’s understanding that:
- HOA rules can change
- New buyers are usually the most affected
- Grandfathering provisions often apply to existing owners
What This Means for Davenport, Kissimmee & South Clermont Owners
There are no widespread or sudden bans happening across Davenport, Kissimmee, South Clermont, or South Orlando STR communities.
What is happening is more nuanced:
- Newer communities tend to be more specific about rental rules
- Some established communities tighten definitions or enforcement
- Buyers purchasing today may be subject to updated HOA language
This is especially important if you plan to:
- Buy an additional vacation home
- Sell to another investor in the future
- Hold the property long-term
- Refinance or reposition your investment
City & County Rules Also Play a Role
Areas across South Orlando and surrounding counties continue refining how short-term rentals are defined, licensed, and regulated.
When local governments adjust regulations, HOAs often review their own rules to stay aligned. This usually shows up as:
- Clearer documentation requirements
- More defined rental terms
- Better enforcement consistency
This isn’t about discouraging vacation rentals, it’s about structure.
A Smart, Informed Owner’s Approach
Whether you own now or are considering buying in Davenport, Kissimmee, or South Clermont, a few simple habits go a long way:
- Review your HOA documents periodically
- Ask whether rental rules have been amended in recent years
- Confirm how short-term rentals are defined in your specific community
- Understand whether any grandfathering provisions exist
This knowledge protects your investment and keeps you in control.
📞 Contact Vacay & Co Real Estate
Vacay & Co Real Estate
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 321-333-1338
🌐 Website: www.vacayreflorida.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 321-333-1338
🌐 Website: www.vacayreflorida.com


