Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fernandina Beach, FL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Fernandina Beach, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals ("resort rentals") require a City-issued Resort Rental Dwelling Permit (RRDP) and are limited to properties zoned R-3 (High Density Residential) or R-1/R-2 properties that maintain grandfathered status from before October 3, 2000 (no lapse >180 days). Operators must display the current RRDP number in all advertising, maintain a 24/7 local contact who can respond in person within 30 minutes, submit annual life/safety inspections, comply with parking (one off-street space per four guests), participate in city roll-out/roll-back trash service (unless exempt), and hold required State (DBPR) and County (tourist development/bed tax) registrations. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals ("resort rentals") require a City-issued Resort Rental Dwelling Permit (RRDP) and are limited to properties zoned R-3 (High Density Residential) or R-1/R-2 properties that maintain grandfathered status from before October 3, 2000 (no lapse >180 days). Operators must display the current RRDP number in all advertising, maintain a 24/7 local contact who can respond in person within 30 minutes, submit annual life/safety inspections, comply with parking (one off-street space per four guests), participate in city roll-out/roll-back trash service (unless exempt), and hold required State (DBPR) and County (tourist development/bed tax) registrations.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fernandina Beach. 1) Obtain prerequisite licenses: Florida DBPR public lodging license, Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax ID, Nassau County Tourist Development Tax registration, and a City Local Business Tax Receipt; 2) Submit the RRDP application packet (including inspection checklist, floor plan, and proof of prerequisites) to the Building Department; 3) Pay fees ($300 new, $200 renewal) upon issuance and complete annual renewals by September 30.

1) Obtain prerequisite licenses: Florida DBPR public lodging license, Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax ID, Nassau County Tourist Development Tax registration, and a City Local Business Tax Receipt; 2) Submit the RRDP application packet (including inspection checklist, floor plan, and proof of prerequisites) to the Building Department; 3) Pay fees ($300 new, $200 renewal) upon issuance and complete annual renewals by September 30.

Vrbo is permitted in Fernandina Beach, FL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Fernandina Beach are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

The most recent tracked change in Fernandina Beach is "Fernandina Beach STR Registration Program" (2023-06-01, status: passed). The City of Fernandina Beach requires all vacation rental operators to obtain a city business license, pass a safety inspection, designate a 24/7 local contact, and comply with occupancy and noise standards. Annual renewal is required. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

Operators in Fernandina Beach need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal), a City of Fernandina Beach business license (annual renewal with safety inspection and local contact), and Nassau County tourist development tax registration (5%). Properties in the historic district that undergo physical modifications need Historic District Board review. Unincorporated Nassau County properties (outside city limits) follow a separate county permit process.

No. Amelia Island extends beyond Fernandina Beach city limits. The Amelia Island Plantation and Omni Amelia Island Resort area on the southern end of the island is in unincorporated Nassau County, not the City of Fernandina Beach. Those properties follow Nassau County regulations rather than city ordinances. When operating or purchasing on Amelia Island, always confirm whether your address is within city limits or in the unincorporated county.

Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Nassau County tourist development tax (5%), for a combined rate of approximately 11–12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Nassau County taxes on behalf of hosts. Direct-booking operators must register with the Florida DOR and Nassau County Tax Collector independently.