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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Miramar Beach, FL

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

Which rules apply

Regulation layers for Miramar Beach

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in Miramar Beach (unincorporated Walton County) are defined as units rented for less than 30 days. They are permitted in residential zoning districts but must meet county standards for compatibility, occupancy, parking, and life-safety; advertising must include the county Certificate and TDT registration numbers.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete prerequisites including DBPR licensure and TDT registration, then submit the Walton County STR application online at https://apply.mywcfl.rentals with required affidavits. 2) Pay the $300 annual registration fee and provide all required documentation. 3) Ensure compliance with life-safety standards and renew the certificate annually.

Regulatory Updates — Miramar Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Walton County Vacation Rental Ordinance Applies

As an unincorporated Walton County community, Miramar Beach operators must comply with the county's vacation rental ordinance, including obtaining a county business tax receipt, Florida DBPR vacation rental license, and registering for tourist development tax collection.

PassedJanuary 2023

Sandestin Resort STR Management Rules

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort — which occupies much of coastal Miramar Beach — has its own property owners' association rules governing short-term rentals, including mandatory use of approved rental management companies for many villa and home types. Operators in Sandestin must comply with both county regulations and resort rules.

PassedJuly 2024

Parking and Access Enforcement Near Beachfront

Walton County increased enforcement of beach access and parking regulations in the Miramar Beach corridor during peak summer season, with particular attention to overcrowding at public beach access points serving high-density vacation rental areas.

Official Resources

Official Miramar Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group active in Walton County regulatory proceedings, providing compliance resources for Emerald Coast corridor operators.

Walton County Tourism Development CouncilLocal

County body overseeing tourist development tax funds and promoting the South Walton/30A corridor as a destination. Engages with vacation rental operators on tax compliance.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National association with many member companies operating vacation rental portfolios along Florida's Emerald Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Miramar Beach, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Miramar Beach, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in Miramar Beach (unincorporated Walton County) are defined as units rented for less than 30 days. They are permitted in residential zoning districts but must meet county standards for compatibility, occupancy, parking, and life-safety; advertising must include the county Certificate and TDT registration numbers. 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 Miramar Beach, FL?
Short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in Miramar Beach (unincorporated Walton County) are defined as units rented for less than 30 days. They are permitted in residential zoning districts but must meet county standards for compatibility, occupancy, parking, and life-safety; advertising must include the county Certificate and TDT registration numbers.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Miramar Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Miramar Beach. 1) Complete prerequisites including DBPR licensure and TDT registration, then submit the Walton County STR application online at https://apply.mywcfl.rentals with required affidavits. 2) Pay the $300 annual registration fee and provide all required documentation. 3) Ensure compliance with life-safety standards and renew the certificate annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Miramar Beach?
1) Complete prerequisites including DBPR licensure and TDT registration, then submit the Walton County STR application online at https://apply.mywcfl.rentals with required affidavits. 2) Pay the $300 annual registration fee and provide all required documentation. 3) Ensure compliance with life-safety standards and renew the certificate annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Miramar Beach, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in Miramar 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Miramar Beach?
Short-term rental hosts in Miramar 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Miramar Beach?
The most recent tracked change in Miramar Beach is "Walton County Vacation Rental Ordinance Applies" (2023-07-01, status: passed). As an unincorporated Walton County community, Miramar Beach operators must comply with the county's vacation rental ordinance, including obtaining a county business tax receipt, Florida DBPR vacation rental license, and registering for tourist development tax collection. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Does Miramar Beach have its own city government and vacation rental rules?
No. Miramar Beach is an unincorporated community with no city government. Land use, permitting, and code enforcement are handled by Walton County. Operators follow Walton County ordinances and deal with county offices. The primary permit requirements are a Walton County business tax receipt, a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, and registration for Walton County tourist development tax collection.
What are the rules for vacation rentals inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort?
Sandestin is a gated resort community that occupies much of coastal Miramar Beach. It has its own property owners' association (SPOA) with specific short-term rental rules that supplement — and in some cases are stricter than — Walton County requirements. Many Sandestin villa and home categories require owners to use the Sandestin-affiliated rental management program. Owners should review their specific community's governing documents before listing independently.
What taxes must Miramar Beach vacation rental operators collect?
Operators must collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Walton County tourist development tax (5%), for a combined rate of approximately 11–12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Walton County taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Direct booking operators must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Walton County Tax Collector independently.

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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