Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Carrabelle, FL?

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Carrabelle, Florida. The city operates under Franklin County zoning regulations, and STR operations fall under Florida state statutes governing transient public lodging establishments. Carrabelle, being located in Franklin County, follows the county's zoning framework which includes specific provisions for commercial lodging operations, including traditional hotels/motels and certain types of resort condominiums.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Carrabelle

Market Entry Strategy

1. Property Selection: Choose properties zoned appropriately for STR operations
2. Zoning Verification: Confirm zoning compliance using Franklin County's interactive zoning map
3. Licensing: Obtain required state and local licenses
4. Insurance: Secure comprehensive liability coverage
5. Local Registration: Register with appropriate authorities

Operational Setup

Based on established vacation rental operations in the area (similar to Southern Coast Vacation Properties serving Carrabelle), successful STR operations should include:

• Professional property management services
• Guest screening protocols
• 24/7 guest support availability
• Regular property maintenance schedules
• Compliance with local noise and occupancy regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Florida)

Florida State Statute 509.013 governs transient public lodging establishments, requiring:

• Public Lodging Establishment License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Compliance with Florida fire safety codes
• Adherence to health department regulations
• Proper tax registration for Florida state and local sales taxes

Local Requirements (Franklin County/Carrabelle)

Zoning Compliance:

• Property must be located in appropriate zoning district
• C-2 Commercial Business District allows hotels/motels (50 or fewer units)
• C-4 Mixed Use Residential District permits combined residential/commercial use
• Residential districts (R-1 through R-6) typically require special approval for STR operations

Development Standards:

• Maximum building height: 47 feet
• Impervious surface limits vary by district (25%-80%)
• Setback requirements: 25 feet from roads, 10 feet from other property lines, 50 feet from wetlands/water bodies

Documentation Requirements

• Property ownership documentation or lease agreements
• Zoning verification from Franklin County
• Business tax receipt from Franklin County Tax Collector
• Florida Department of Revenue tax registration
• Proof of liability insurance
• Emergency contact information posting requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Carrabelle)

No specific city-level STR ordinances were identified in the provided content. Carrabelle operates under Franklin County regulations.

County-Level Regulations (Franklin County)

Zoning Compliance:

• Commercial Business District (C-2): Permits hotels/motels with 50 or fewer units
• Commercial Recreational District (C-3): Allows motels/hotels to accommodate marina and fish camp customers
• Mixed Use Residential District (C-4): Permits combination of residence and business within single structure

Parking Requirements:

• Off-street parking must be on permeable surfaces or include stormwater holding ponds
• Commercial districts require compliance with zoning ordinance parking standards (pages 42-44)

Special Provisions for Resort Condominiums: Under C-2 district, Resort Condominium Units may operate as STRs if they meet specific criteria:

• Licensed as transient public lodging establishment
• Located south of U.S. Highway 98
• Approved prior to August 3, 2005, completed prior to November 15, 2007
• Condominium recorded by January 7, 2008

State-Level Regulations (Florida)

Tax Requirements:

• Florida state sales tax (6%)
• Local sales taxes vary by county
• All rental rates subject to state and local sales taxes

Safety and Health Standards:

• Compliance with Florida fire safety codes
• Health department regulations for food service if applicable
• Americans with Disabilities Act compliance for reasonable accommodation

Age Requirements (per Florida State Statute 509.141):

• Reservations made under false pretense are null and void
• Check-in will not be allowed for fraudulent reservations
• Guests must vacate immediately if policy violated

Contact Information for Local Authority

Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department

Physical Address: 248 US Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328 Phone: (850) 653-9783 Email: zoning@franklincountyflorida.gov Website: zoning.franklincountyflorida.gov Services: Zoning verification, permit applications, zoning compliance inquiries

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Phone: (850) 487-1395 Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR Services: Public lodging establishment licenses, complaints

Franklin County Tax Collector

Phone: (850) 653-9321 Website: www.franklincountytaxcollector.com Services: Business tax receipts, local tax registration

Source Pages

Zoning Regulations and District Information:

• Franklin County Zoning Classifications: zoning.franklincountyflorida.gov/pages/zoning-classifications
• Interactive Zoning Map: gis.arpc.org/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=959fb7cf8450449987d52f296b6dde0e
• Franklin County Zoning Documents: zoning.franklincountyflorida.gov/documents
• Zoning Code PDF: www.franklincountyflorida.com/documents/planning_building/zoningcode.pdf

Local Vacation Rental Operations:

• Southern Coast Vacation Properties (Carrabelle operations): www.southerncoastvacationproperties.com/carrabelle/
• Property Management Services: www.southerncoastvacationproperties.com/property-management/

Legal and Regulatory References:

• Airbnb Legal Framework (Joya Injury Law): joyainjurylaw.com/practice-area/airbnb-accident-lawyers-in-carrabelle/

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Market Context

Carrabelle operates within the Franklin County tourism market, serving areas like St. George Island, Cape San Blas, and the Apalachicola Bay region. Established property management companies already operate in this market, indicating viable STR opportunities.

Compliance Priority

Given the complex interplay between county zoning, state statutes, and local operations, investors should prioritize:

1. Zoning compliance verification before property acquisition
2. State licensing and registration processes
3. Local tax registration and compliance
4. Insurance coverage adequate for Florida requirements

Operational Requirements

Successful STR operations in Carrabelle typically include professional management, guest services, and compliance with both state safety regulations and local community standards.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available public information. Zoning regulations and STR requirements can change. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.