Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Merritt Island, FL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Merritt Island, FL, but with restrictions. Vacation/short-term (transient) rentals are permitted only where allowed by Brevard County zoning (e.g., specific classifications for vacation rentals or resort dwellings). Rentals of six months or less are subject to a 5% County Tourist Development Tax, and owners must maintain records for three years for potential audits. 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.

Vacation/short-term (transient) rentals are permitted only where allowed by Brevard County zoning (e.g., specific classifications for vacation rentals or resort dwellings). Rentals of six months or less are subject to a 5% County Tourist Development Tax, and owners must maintain records for three years for potential audits.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Merritt Island. 1) Apply for and receive a Brevard County tourist development tax account from the Tax Collector's office before offering the property for rent. 2) Obtain a Zoning Use Permit Approval for Business Tax Receipts from the Planning & Zoning department (base fee $25). 3) Register and remit the 5% tourist development tax for all rentals of six months or less and maintain records for three years.

1) Apply for and receive a Brevard County tourist development tax account from the Tax Collector's office before offering the property for rent. 2) Obtain a Zoning Use Permit Approval for Business Tax Receipts from the Planning & Zoning department (base fee $25). 3) Register and remit the 5% tourist development tax for all rentals of six months or less and maintain records for three years.

Vrbo is permitted in Merritt Island, 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 Merritt Island 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Merritt Island. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.