Starke, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Starke, Florida. However, there are no specific city-level short-term rental ordinances identified in the provided documentation. The regulatory framework operates under existing zoning classifications and general development regulations, with safety requirements established at the county level.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Starke?

Starke hosts earn a median $15,956/year with $121 ADR and 55% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $24,878+ per year.

See the full Starke market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Starke, FL

Step 1: Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, verify that your intended property location allows for short-term rental operations:

Review the Starke Land Development Code to determine zoning classifications
Identify applicable zoning districts: The code establishes residential districts (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1D, RM-1, RM-2) and multi-family residential districts (R-2A, R-2B)
Check for "Tourist home" or "Hotel/motel" provisions in your specific zoning district
Consider special exception requirements if your intended use is not explicitly permitted

Step 2: Development Approvals

Obtain site plan approval if required (see Article III, Division 2 of the Land Development Code)
Secure building permits for any construction or renovation work
Obtain certificate of occupancy before operation

Step 3: Safety and Health Compliance

Mandatory: Follow the Bradford County Safety Plan for Vacation Rental Operations approved May 27, 2020.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City-Level Requirements

Building Permit (if any construction/renovation is planned)
Certificate of Occupancy
Zoning Compliance Documentation
Site Plan Approval (for development projects)

County-Level Safety Requirements

All vacation rentals must comply with the Bradford County Safety Plan, which mandates:

Cleaning and sanitation protocols between guest stays
Public health safety measures including CDC guidance for shared amenities
Mobile communication and payment systems
Remote check-in/check-out procedures
Publicly displayed signage regarding cleaning practices and COVID-19 prevention

State-Level Requirements

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for:

State business licenses
Professional regulation compliance
Tax registration requirements

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Starke Regulations

No explicit short-term rental ordinances found in the provided Land Development Code. However, the following general provisions apply:

Zoning Districts with Potential STR Applicability

Residential Districts (R-1A through R-1D): Single-family residential
Multi-Family Residential (R-2A, R-2B): Multi-unit residential
Mobile Home Districts (RM-1, RM-2): Mobile home parks and subdivisions

Relevant Definitions from Starke Code

"Dwelling unit": A building or portion thereof with complete kitchen and bathroom facilities
"Tourist home": A building where lodging accommodations are offered to transients with daily charge
"Hotel (motel, motor lodge)": A building offering lodging with or without kitchen facilities

Development Standards

Off-street parking requirements (Article VI, Division 1)
Sign regulations (Article VI, Division 2)
Home occupation provisions may apply to owner-occupied STRs

Bradford County Requirements

Mandatory Safety Plan for Vacation Rentals (effective May 27, 2020):

Operational Requirements

Turnover Period: Adequate time between guest stays for cleaning and sanitation
Surface Disinfection: All frequently-touched surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between stays
Linens and Service Items: Must be washed between each rental
Supply Provision: Adequate soap and sanitation supplies for guest use
Shared Amenity Safety: CDC-compliant protocols for pools, gyms, and communal spaces
Digital Operations: Mobile platforms encouraged for guest communication and payments
Contact Minimization: Remote check-in/out procedures required
Public Notification: Cleaning practice notices must be publicly displayed
Guest Safety Signage: COVID-19 prevention reminders required

Compliance Monitoring

Plan displayed on Bradford County website
Regular review and updates by county authorities

State of Florida Regulations

The DBPR approved Bradford County's vacation rental safety plan on May 27, 2020, enabling operation during the COVID-19 recovery period. For additional state-level requirements, contact:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency
Phone: 850.413.0755
Fax: 850.921.4094

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Starke

Administrative Official (responsible for zoning interpretation)

Location: City Hall (address not specified in provided documents)
Contact through: Starke City Commission

Code Enforcement Board

Handles: Violations of city codes and ordinances
Powers: Assessment of fines and penalties

Bradford County

County Manager's Office

Address: 945 North Temple Avenue, P.O. Drawer B, Starke, Florida 32091
Phone: (904) 966-6327
Fax: (904) 368-3903
Email: boc c@bradfordcountyfl.gov
Website: www.bradfordcountyfl.gov

Board of County Commissioners

Chairman: Danny Riddick
Vice-Chairman: Ross Chandler
District Commissioners: Kenny Thompson, Chris Dougherty, Frank Durrance

State Level

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Secretary: Halsey Beshears
Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000
Phone: 850.413.0755
Fax: 850.921.4094
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com

Links to Source Pages

Bradford County Vacation Rental Safety Plan: www.fl-counties.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/Bradford%205.27.20%20Safey%20Plan%20for%20Vacation%20Rentals.pdf
City of Starke Land Development Code: www.cityofstarke.org/wp-content/uploads/Land-Development-Regulations.pdf
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Emergency Information: www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency
Bradford County Government Website: www.bradfordcountyfl.gov

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Regulatory Gaps

No specific STR ordinances: Unlike many jurisdictions, Starke lacks dedicated short-term rental regulations
Interpretation required: STR operators may need to seek zoning interpretations for their specific property and use case
Compliance uncertainty: Operators should work closely with city officials to ensure compliance

Operational Advantages

Safety framework established: County-level safety plan provides clear operational guidance
Flexibility in zoning: Residential properties may be suitable for STR use depending on zoning classification
Supportive county government: County has demonstrated willingness to enable vacation rental operations

Risk Factors

Regulatory changes: City or county may adopt specific STR ordinances in the future
Enforcement uncertainty: Lack of specific regulations may lead to inconsistent enforcement
Zoning conflicts: Properties may face zoning challenges if classified as commercial rather than residential use

This analysis is based solely on the provided documentation. Prospective STR operators should consult directly with city and county officials to verify current requirements and obtain specific guidance for their intended property and operation type.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Starke

Starke is a small, unhurried city that serves as the seat of Bradford County in north-central Florida, with a population of roughly 5,000 residents. Tucked into the rolling pine and hardwood country between Jacksonville and Gainesville, the town has a distinctly Old Florida feel, with quiet residential streets, a compact historic downtown, and a rhythm shaped by local agriculture and the nearby Camp Blanding military installation. It is best known as a gateway to several of north Florida's scenic outdoor destinations, including state parks, spring-fed lakes, and stretches of the Florida Trail. Starke sits about 45 miles southwest of Jacksonville and roughly 30 miles northeast of Gainesville, making it a natural stopover or base for travelers exploring the region.

Just east of Starke, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park covers more than 2,000 acres of sandhill scrub, lakes, and ravines centered on the unusually clear waters of Gold Head Branch. The park offers hiking and biking trails, campsites, cabins, and a lake for swimming, canoeing, and fishing, drawing visitors year-round. It lies about 15 miles from downtown Starke and makes an easy day trip or overnight detour for anyone staying in the area.

One of Starke's most photographed natural features is Kingsley Lake, a remarkably circular spring-fed lake a short drive northwest of the city. Often described as one of the clearest and roundest lakes in the United States, Kingsley draws boaters, anglers, and swimmers who come for its calm water and sandy shoreline. Public access points around the lake make it a popular weekend escape, and its distinctive shape has made it a familiar landmark to anyone passing through the region.

A few miles east of Starke, Camp Blanding serves as the primary training facility for the Florida National Guard and hosts a museum that chronicles the post's history from World War II through the present day. The on-site Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park is open to the public and offers a window into Florida's military history, along with occasional living-history events. The base's surrounding lands also include wildlife management areas that add to the recreational options around Starke.

Starke's appeal as a short-term-rental base comes from its central position within a varied cluster of natural attractions. Visitors can spend a morning hiking Gold Head Branch's ravines, an afternoon swimming or paddling on Kingsley Lake, and an evening browsing the small downtown, all without traveling more than half an hour. With its quiet character, affordable cost of living, and proximity to two of north Florida's largest cities, Starke offers a small-town base that connects guests to some of the region's distinctive landscapes.

Starke, Florida

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Starke, Florida