Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bay County, FL

Applies to short-term/vacation rentals in unincorporated Bay County for single-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings (high-rise condos and apartments are exempt). Rentals must maintain a Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate, adhere to occupancy limits set by the Fire Inspector, and display specific interior/exterior signage including 24-hour contact info and the certificate number in all advertising.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bay County. 1) Submit a vacation rental inspection/registration packet via the Community Fire Prevention Access Portal, including a notarized affidavit, fire self-inspection checklist, and proof of TDT and DBPR registration. 2) Pay fees and schedule a fire inspection through the portal to obtain the Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate. 3) Post all required signage and include the certificate number in all public advertising; registration must be renewed annually.

1) Submit a vacation rental inspection/registration packet via the Community Fire Prevention Access Portal, including a notarized affidavit, fire self-inspection checklist, and proof of TDT and DBPR registration. 2) Pay fees and schedule a fire inspection through the portal to obtain the Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate. 3) Post all required signage and include the certificate number in all public advertising; registration must be renewed annually.