Pensacola Beach, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Pensacola Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rentals are not regulated in Escambia County or Pensacola Beach. Section 509.032(7) (b) of the Florida Statutes addresses the regulation of short-term vacation rentals. Under the current law, which was first passed by the legislature in June 2011, cities and counties may not prohibit or limit the frequency and duration of vacation rentals.Business License Requirements
Short-term rentals do not need to apply for a business license for the city of Pensacola Beach but may need to acquire a state of Florida business license.Building and Housing Standards
Escambia County might have rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Escambia County website for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.3
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Competition
2.6 -
Real Estate Cost
5.7 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
2.9 -
Rental Rates
7.4
Pensacola Beach, Florida Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 10,296
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- March-Early September
- County
- Escambia
- Airports
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Want to learn more about Pensacola Beach?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Pensacola Beach rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Pensacola Beach rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Pensacola Beach.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Pensacola Beach guests.
Interested in other Florida cities?
Check out the Florida short term rental regulations directory
What makes Pensacola Beach a great place to invest?
- Pensacola Beach - With its sugar-white sand and emerald green waters, Pensacola Beach is a breathtaking destination for beach lovers. The beach is known for its calm surf, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore - This protected area includes both Pensacola Beach and neighboring Navarre Beach, as well as miles of unspoiled barrier islands, nature trails, and wildlife habitats. Visitors can hike, bike, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
- Pensacola Beach Pier - This 1,471-foot-long pier offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, and is a popular spot for fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying sunsets. The pier also features a bait and tackle shop, snack bar, and observation deck.
- National Naval Aviation Museum - Located just a short drive from Pensacola Beach, this museum is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Visitors can see more than 150 restored aircraft, including historic warplanes, spacecraft, and experimental designs. The museum also features interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Fort Pickens - This historic fort was built in the 1830s to protect Pensacola Bay, and was used during the Civil War and other conflicts. Today, visitors can explore the fort's barracks, gun batteries, and museum, and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Pensacola Beach Eco Trail - This educational trail winds through the dunes and coastal forests of Pensacola Beach, offering visitors the chance to learn about the area's flora, fauna, and ecological importance. The trail is open year-round and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Pensacola Beach Boardwalk - This lively entertainment district features a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as live music and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, beachy cocktails, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Pensacola Beach Nearby Cities
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20 miles away
- Rating: 5.6
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21 miles away
- Rating: 5.9
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Pensacola Beach?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Pensacola Beach has decreased -4% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $348, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$504,020
-4% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$348
-3% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,298
2% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Pensacola Beach, Florida
Common terms for Pensacola Beach short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Pensacola Beach has a description approximately 1,779 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 4,331 listings in Pensacola Beach, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Pensacola Beach, Beach, Gulf, Balcony, Sky, Mexico, Spacious, Perfect, Comfortable, and Pool.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Pensacola Beach?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Pensacola Beach involve Jet Skiing, the Beach, Sailing, Boating, and Snorkeling. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Jet Skiing
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Beach
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Sailing
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Boating
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Snorkeling
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Surfing
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Swimming
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Zoo
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Adventure Activities
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Scuba Diving
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Cycling
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Museums
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Pensacola Beach, including Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola Beach Beaches, Pensacola Bay Center, Historic Pensacola Village, and Blue Wahoos Ballpark. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Pensacola Naval Air Station
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Pensacola Beach Beaches
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Pensacola Bay Center
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Historic Pensacola Village
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Fort Pickens
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Pensacola Beach Pier
Included on 57% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Portofino Boardwalk
Included on 57% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Seville Square
Included on 57% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Saenger Theatre
Included on 56% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Blue Wahoos Ballpark
Included on 42% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Pensacola Bayfront Stadium
Included on 42% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Gulf Breeze Parkway Beach
Included on 42% of listings
What’s the weather like in Pensacola Beach, Florida?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 77°, while the average low is about 61°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 54 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Pensacola Beach are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
47° Low 63° High
Spring
March through May
61° Low 76° High
Summer
June through August
75° Low 89° High
Fall
September through November
62° Low 79° High
Cities Near Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, Florida, is located in Escambia County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
