Airbnb Rental Laws and Regulations Destin, FL

What is a Short-Term (Airbnb) Rental (STR) in Destin, Florida?

In Destin, a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR) is defined as any rental of residential property, including single-family homes, duplexes, or condominiums, for a period of less than six months.

Can Investors Own More Than One Vacation Rental Property in Destin, Florida?

Yes, there is no limit to the number of vacation rental properties an investor can own in Destin, Florida.

Does Destin, Florida, Have Any Zoning Restrictions for Short-Term (Airbnb) Rentals?

Yes, Destin, Florida, has some zoning restrictions for short-term (Airbnb) rentals. Vacation rental properties must be located in residential areas and comply with all city and state regulations. Additionally, short-term rentals are not permitted in commercial or industrial areas.

Per Article 7 of the City of Destin Land Development Code, short-term rentals are only allowed in the following zones:

  • Bay Resort Mixed Use (BRMU)
  • Crystal Beach Resort (CBR)
  • Calhoun Mixed Use (CMU)
  • Gulf Resort Mixed Use (GRMU)
  • Holiday Isle Mixed Use (HIMU)
  • North Harbor Mixed Use (NHMU)
  • Residential, Office, Institutional General Development (ROI-GD)
  • Residential, Office, Institutional Tourist Development (ROI-TD)
  • South Harbor Mixed Use (SHMU)
  • Crystal Beach Neighborhood (CBN)
  • Low Density Residential– Holiday Isle (LDR-HI)
  • Medium Density Residential– Holiday Isle (MDR-HI)
  • High-Density Residential– Holiday Isle (HDR-HI)

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See this zoning map: https://selfservice.cityofdestin.com/EnerGov_prod/SelfService#/map

Can an Investor Own and Operate Their Airbnb Property as a Business Entity in Destin, Florida?

Yes, investors can own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity in Destin, Florida. However, they must comply with all local and state business regulations and obtain a business license.

Can Investors Register Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Duplexes, and Multi-Family Homes in Destin, Florida as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multi-family homes as vacation rentals in Destin, Florida, as long as they comply with all zoning and safety regulations.

What is Destin, Florida’s Requirement for Obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a vacation rental license in Destin, Florida, investors must submit an application, pay a fee, and provide evidence of compliance with all safety and zoning regulations. Additionally, they must obtain a certificate of use from the city and register with the state.

What are the Costs Associated with a Vacation Rental License in Destin, Florida?

The cost of obtaining a vacation rental license in Destin, Florida, varies depending on the property type and the number of units. As of February 2023, the application fee starts at $500.

Total Square Footage
Less than or equal to 2499 sq. ft.- $500
2500-4999 sq. ft– 600
Greater than or equal to 5000 sq. ft.- $700
Late Application Fee- After March 31- $100. After May 31- $500

Does Destin, Florida, Have Vacation Rental Occupancy Limits?

Yes, Destin, Florida, has occupancy limits for vacation rentals. Maximum occupancy limits apply from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.  The maximum allowable occupancy in an STR is two adults per bedroom plus an additional four persons per property. (For example, a three-bedroom house is allowed ten people for overnight occupancy).

Overall maximum overnight occupancy is capped at 24 persons per house, regardless of the number of bedrooms.

Does Destin, Florida, Require an Inspection for Investors to Obtain an STR License? What are the Physical and Structural Requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Yes, Destin, Florida, requires an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license. The inspection is conducted by the fire department and ensures that the property complies with all safety regulations, including the presence of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Additionally, vacation rentals must comply with all structural and building codes, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Does Destin, Florida, Have Any Responsible Agent Requirements?

Yes, Destin, Florida, requires that every vacation rental property have a responsible agent who lives within a 30-mile radius of the property. The existing City Code requires a local responsible party to be located close enough to the property to be present at the property within one hour if needed (i.e., in emergency circumstances). 

Does Destin, Florida, Have Specific Insurance Requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Destin, Florida, requires vacation rental owners to obtain liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The insurance policy must name the city of Destin as an additional insured.

What are the Duration and Renewal Terms of a Destin, Florida, Vacation Rental License?

Vacation rental licenses in Destin, Florida, are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The renewal process includes an inspection of the property to ensure that it complies with all safety and zoning regulations.

In Destin, Florida, Do Airbnb and VRBO Remit Taxes on the Host’s Behalf? Are There Any Taxes the Host Must Track and Pay Directly to Destin, Florida?

Yes, Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf to Destin, Florida. These taxes include a 4% Tourist Development Tax and a 0.5% County Local Option Tourist Tax. However, hosts are responsible for tracking and paying the 6% State Sales Tax directly to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Who Should I Contact if I Have Questions Regarding Destin, Florida Vacation Rentals?

If you have any questions regarding vacation rentals in Destin, Florida, you can contact the city’s Code Compliance Division at (850) 654-1119 or visit the City of Destin’s website for more information.

Are There Any New Laws and Regulations That the City is considering?

As of February 2023, there are no new laws or regulations regarding vacation rentals in Destin, Florida. However, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with any changes in city or state regulations and comply with all requirements to avoid penalties or fines.

In conclusion, before investing in a short-term rental property in Destin, Florida, it’s crucial to be aware of all the local regulations and requirements. By complying with all regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance, you can ensure your vacation rental is safe, legal, and profitable.

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