Lodging license transfer

Definition

Whether the state permission to let rooms survives the sale, which depends on where you are.

Why It Matters

Two states answer in opposite ways and both answers are worth knowing before a closing date is set. Florida says a public lodging license may not be transferred from one place or individual to another and that a new operator must hold one before operating at all, with operating without it a second-degree misdemeanor; its licensing net also spares any place renting four units or less unless the rooms are advertised as regularly rented to transients. Ohio allows the license to transfer on sale with the fire marshal's consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld, but only after an inspection, and its hotel definition starts above five sleeping rooms. Ask which regime applies before assuming the doors can open the morning after.