Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Inlet Beach, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as units rented more than three times a year for periods of less than 30 days. Owners must designate a local responsible party capable of responding to issues, include their certificate number in all advertising, and submit a signed affidavit affirming compliance with life-safety standards and county code 1.13.16.

How to Obtain a Permit

First, obtain required state prerequisites including a DBPR license, Florida Department of Revenue registration, and Walton County TDT registration. Second, submit a complete application via the county's online portal (https://apply.mywcfl.rentals) including a signed affidavit affirming compliance with life-safety standards. Registration must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Inlet Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2022

Walton County STR Permit Program

County requires annual STR permit for all unincorporated South Walton properties including Inlet Beach; safety compliance and noise ordinance adherence required.

PassedMay 2023

Florida SB 280 Preemption Reaffirmed

Florida legislature reaffirmed SB 280 preemption; Walton County cannot ban STRs or impose primary-residence requirements throughout unincorporated South Walton.

PassedJuly 2024

Walton County Tourist Development Tax Update

County updated STR tax compliance requirements; 5% Tourist Development Tax applies to all gross rental receipts. Platforms must share operator data with county for compliance verification.

Official Resources

Official Inlet Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

South Walton Vacation Rental AllianceLocal

Local organization representing STR operators along the 30A and South Walton corridor; monitors Walton County proceedings and advocates for the vacation rental industry.

Florida Vacation Rental Managers AssociationStatewide

Statewide professional association representing Florida vacation rental managers; led advocacy for SB 280 preemption protections.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Inlet Beach, FL?
Short-term rentals are defined as units rented more than three times a year for periods of less than 30 days. Owners must designate a local responsible party capable of responding to issues, include their certificate number in all advertising, and submit a signed affidavit affirming compliance with life-safety standards and county code 1.13.16.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Inlet Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Inlet Beach. First, obtain required state prerequisites including a DBPR license, Florida Department of Revenue registration, and Walton County TDT registration. Second, submit a complete application via the county's online portal (https://apply.mywcfl.rentals) including a signed affidavit affirming compliance with life-safety standards. Registration must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Inlet Beach?
First, obtain required state prerequisites including a DBPR license, Florida Department of Revenue registration, and Walton County TDT registration. Second, submit a complete application via the county's online portal (https://apply.mywcfl.rentals) including a signed affidavit affirming compliance with life-safety standards. Registration must be renewed annually.
What does Walton County require for an Inlet Beach STR?
An annual Walton County STR permit with safety compliance and noise ordinance adherence. Tourist Development Tax registration (5% of gross rental receipts) is also required. Most Inlet Beach properties are in unincorporated Walton County — verify your property's jurisdiction.
Can Walton County ban STRs along 30A?
No. Florida's SB 280 preemption prevents Walton County from banning STRs or imposing primary-residence requirements throughout unincorporated South Walton, including Inlet Beach and the broader 30A corridor.
What taxes apply to Inlet Beach STRs?
Florida state sales tax (6%) and Walton County Tourist Development Tax (5%) on all gross rental receipts. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue. Major platforms typically collect and remit these taxes automatically for platform-facilitated bookings.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Inlet Beach, FL?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction