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

YES - Short-term vacation rentals are explicitly permitted in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Short-term vacation rentals are defined as privately owned dwelling units rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less, or which are advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests. These rentals are permitted in zoning districts where residential uses are permitted, including single-family, townhouses, and multi-family units.

Important Exception: An owner-occupied dwelling unit renting 50% or less of the unit is not subject to short-term vacation rental regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Jacksonville Beach

Step 1: Determine Property Eligibility

• Verify your property is in a zoning district where residential use is permitted
• Confirm the property type: single-family, townhouse, or multi-family dwelling
• Check deed restrictions and HOA/condo association rules, as these may impose additional limitations

Step 2: Apply for Required Certificates and Licenses

• Obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate from Jacksonville Beach
• Secure all state, county, and local business tax receipts
• Complete fire marshal inspection
• Register for tourist development tax

Step 3: Prepare for Operations

• Designate a Responsible Party who meets all requirements
• Ensure posting requirements are met at the property
• Implement occupancy and parking limits

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Jacksonville Beach Requirements

1. Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate

• Application form (notarized affidavit required)
• Completed Local Business Tax Form for short-term vacation rentals
• Fire Marshal inspection (required for initial applications and modifications)
• Applicable fees (checks only)

2. Documentation Checklist:

• Short-Term Vacation Rental Application Packet
• Completed Local Business Tax Form
• Property inspection from Fire Marshal
• Notarized affidavit
• Responsible Party information

State of Florida Requirements

1. Florida Department of Revenue Certificate

• Certificate of registration for sales tax
• Required for all short-term rental operations

2. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) License

• Vacation rental license
• Compliance with state safety standards
• Categories include condo license and dwelling license

County of Duval Requirements

1. Duval County Local Business Tax Receipt

• Annual fee: $79.20 per property
• Application required through Duval County Tax Collector

2. Duval County Tourist Tax Certificate Registration

• Required for rentals of 6 months or less
• Must be collected from guests and remitted to appropriate authorities

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Jacksonville Beach)

Location Requirements:

• Permitted in all zoning districts where residential use is a permitted or conditional use
• Must comply with Section 34-731 of the Land Development Code

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, not to exceed 12 occupants per unit
• Only individuals over 24 months counted toward occupancy

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum off-street parking: maximum occupancy divided by 4
• Maximum of 4 cars may be parked at any given short-term vacation rental property at one time

Responsible Party Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Available 24/7 at listed phone number
• Available to address issues at property within 2 hours
• Authorized to receive legal notice on behalf of owner
• Must monitor property weekly for compliance
• May be property owner or licensed agent

Posting Requirements:

• Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate must be posted facing outside in window closest to front door
• Single page document at back of or next to main entrance door or on refrigerator containing:
  • Responsible Party contact information
  • Maximum occupancy
  • Quiet hours (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM daily)
  • Maximum number of vehicles and parking location
  • Schedule of solid waste and recycling pickup
  • Sea turtle nesting season restrictions and lighting usage (as applicable)
  • Emergency numbers for local police and fire
  • Location of nearest hospital

County-Level Regulations (Duval County)

Business Tax Requirements:

• Annual local business tax receipt required
• Compliance with county safety measurements and guidelines
• Tourist development tax collection and remittance

State-Level Regulations (Florida)

Safety Standards:

• Compliance with Florida Fire Prevention Code
• Adherence to Florida Building Code
• Meeting Section 509.215, Florida Statutes requirements
• Compliance with Chapters 61C and 69A, Florida Administrative Code

Tax Obligations:

• State sales tax (6% rate)
• Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax (varies 0.5% to 1.5%)
• Local county tourist development taxes

Homestead Exemption Impact

• Short-term rental operations may affect homestead exemption eligibility
• Owner-occupied dwellings renting 50% or less are exempt from STR regulations
• Consultation with tax professional recommended regarding exemption implications

Fees and Costs

City of Jacksonville Beach Fees

• Initial Registration Certificate: $150
• Registration Certificate Transfer of Ownership: $150
• Registration Certificate Modification: $150

County Fees

• Local Business Tax Receipt: $79.20 annually

State Fees

• DBPR License fees vary (consult state website)
• Sales tax registration fees vary

Contact Information

City of Jacksonville Beach

Planning & Development Department

• Address: 11 North Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
• Phone: 904-247-6100
• Email: STVR@JAXBCHFL.NET
• Contact for: Short-term vacation rental certificates, application questions, compliance issues

Fire Marshal's Office

• Contact: For inspection scheduling and safety requirements
• Note: Inspections conducted by appointment only
• Failure to provide access at scheduled time results in $100 "no show" fee

Duval County

Tax Collector

• Website: taxcollector.jacksonville.gov
• Contact for: Local Business Tax Receipts
• Tourist Tax: TouristTax@coj.net

State of Florida

Department of Revenue

• Website: floridarevenue.com
• Contact for: Sales tax registration and remittance

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• Website: myfloridalicense.com
• Contact for: Vacation rental licenses

Application and Compliance Timeline

Annual Renewal Deadline: October 1st of each calendar year Inspection Requirements: Prior to initial issuance and modifications Response Time for Inquiries: 5-7 business days

Enforcement and Penalties

Code Violations: Report through online service request system No Show Fee: $100 for failed inspection appointments Incomplete Applications: Not accepted

Important Notes for Investors

1. Multi-Jurisdictional Compliance: Properties must comply with city, county, and state regulations simultaneously
2. Transfer Requirements: Certificate is non-transferable between owners; new ownership requires transfer certificate
3. Weekly Monitoring: Responsible Party must monitor property weekly for compliance
4. Legal Notice Authority: Responsible Party must be authorized to receive legal notices on behalf of owner
5. Documentation Availability: Responsible Party must be able to produce executed rental agreements for current occupants

Source Links

• Jacksonville Beach Short-Term Vacation Rentals: jacksonvillebeach.org/394/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals
• Application Packet: jacksonvillebeach.org/DocumentCenter/View/1437/Short-Term-Vacation-Rental-Certificate-Application-Packet
• Airbnb Jacksonville Guide: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3350
• Steadily Jacksonville STR Guide: www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-regulations-jacksonville

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on available sources. Regulations may change, and investors should consult with legal and tax professionals to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.