Destin, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Destin's short-term rentals are single-family residences rented out for one day to no more than six months. A contact person should live within 30 miles of the proposed rental property and can respond within one hour in case there will be an issue and must be available 24/7. Within seven days after registration, owners are required to post a clear sign on the property with their name and contact information. Signage size should be 18″x18″ and should indicate occupancy limits and parking information. A registration decal from the City is required to display in the upper left-hand corner of that sign. No guest may stay until the sign is posted.

Check Article 7 of the City of Destin Land Development Code and only invest in properties within these approved zones. View zoning map to determine your location.

As of January 22, 2019, The City of Destin adopted occupancy limits for short-term rentals. Maximum overnight occupancy shall be limited to the lesser occupancy of these options:

• Two persons for each bedroom, plus four additional persons. 
• A total of 24 persons per short-term rental property. If more than one building or dwelling is on one plated lot, the maximum occupancy shall be capped at 24 occupants per lot or structure, whichever is less.

You must list the approved maximum occupancy and parking on all online advertisements.

Business License Requirements

Obtain the Current, Valid, and Necessary Documents:

• A City of Destin Business Tax Receipt
• A Florida Rental Dwelling License
• A Florida Department of Revenue Resale Certificate
• A City of Destin Short Term Rental Affidavit of Bedrooms/Parking Spaces 
• A City of Destin Application for Short Term Rental
• A City of Destin Grandfather Certificate of Short Term Rental Occupancy. If Applicable.

To legally rent out, must obtain a Tax ID number prior to registration and then register your short-term rental. There are two ways: Visit the City of Destin website and use the online portal (Citizenserve) or Mail/walk in with a paper application.

A business registration fee typically comprises a $69 license fee, a $45 application fee, and a $57.50 fire inspection fee. These various fees can be prorated depending on the time of year you apply.

Building and Housing Standards

Stay in compliance with the Ordinance of the City of Destin, Florida. Section 6. Creation of Code of Ordinances Sec. 13-108. General Regulations/Standards. 

Tourist and Local Taxes

The tourist development tax is a 5% bed tax collected from the current taxing district representing an area of Okaloosa County.

Other Rules

The laws and regulations that govern the short-term rental market are constantly changing. As demand remains high, more and more cities and vacation destinations will continue to take steps to protect residential neighborhoods and guests alike. For now, check the City's ordinances and state laws before getting started and revisit them often as regulations can change at any time.