Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jefferson County, FL

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are limited to single-family detached dwellings on lots of at least one acre. A local contact must be provided (proposed to be within 30 minutes), and the rental period is defined as less than 30 days. Bed and Breakfasts are limited to 8 rooms and require the owner to reside on-site.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain Board of Adjustment approval for the STR use. 2. Submit a Development Application and Site Plan to the Planning Department to receive a Development Permit. 3. Apply for and obtain a Building Permit from the Building Department, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code.

Official Resources

Official Jefferson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Jefferson County, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Jefferson County, FL, but with restrictions. STRs are limited to single-family detached dwellings on lots of at least one acre. A local contact must be provided (proposed to be within 30 minutes), and the rental period is defined as less than 30 days. Bed and Breakfasts are limited to 8 rooms and require the owner to reside on-site. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Jefferson County, FL?
STRs are limited to single-family detached dwellings on lots of at least one acre. A local contact must be provided (proposed to be within 30 minutes), and the rental period is defined as less than 30 days. Bed and Breakfasts are limited to 8 rooms and require the owner to reside on-site.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County. 1. Obtain Board of Adjustment approval for the STR use. 2. Submit a Development Application and Site Plan to the Planning Department to receive a Development Permit. 3. Apply for and obtain a Building Permit from the Building Department, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jefferson County?
1. Obtain Board of Adjustment approval for the STR use. 2. Submit a Development Application and Site Plan to the Planning Department to receive a Development Permit. 3. Apply for and obtain a Building Permit from the Building Department, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code.
Is Vrbo legal in Jefferson County, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in Jefferson County, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Jefferson County?
Short-term rental hosts in Jefferson County 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Jefferson County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Jefferson County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction