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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Palm Coast, FL

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted in all residential zoning districts. Occupancy is limited to two transient occupants per sleeping room/habitable space (max 10 per unit); parking is restricted to on-site driveways (no street/swale parking); and a responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond within 2 hours.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the online registration via the City’s portal and upload required documents including a sample lease, designation of a responsible party, and state/county tax registrations. 2. Pay the application fee as established by resolution. 3. Await city review and issuance of a Short Term Vacation Rental registration, which is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Palm Coast

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

Driveway-Only Parking Rule Enforcement Increased

Palm Coast stepped up enforcement of its requirement that all STR guest vehicles park on-site driveways, issuing fines to operators whose guests repeatedly parked on streets or swales.

PassedMay 2024

10-Person Occupancy Cap Clarified for Large Homes

Palm Coast clarified that the 10-person maximum applies across the property regardless of the number of sleeping rooms, resolving operator questions about large homes where the per-room formula would otherwise produce a higher count.

PassedJanuary 2024

Annual STR Permit Renewal System Updated

Palm Coast updated its STR permit renewal system with an online portal and automated renewal reminders, reducing lapses in permitted status among active operators.

Official Resources

Official Palm Coast STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group monitoring Palm Coast STR ordinances and SB 280 compliance in the Flagler County coastal market.

Florida RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association advocating for property owner rights under SB 280 and tracking Palm Coast STR regulatory developments.

Flagler County Tourist Development CouncilLocal

Local tourism organization for Flagler County, monitoring STR accommodation supply in Palm Coast and its contribution to the area's coastal visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Palm Coast, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Palm Coast, FL, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted in all residential zoning districts. Occupancy is limited to two transient occupants per sleeping room/habitable space (max 10 per unit); parking is restricted to on-site driveways (no street/swale parking); and a responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond within 2 hours. 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 Palm Coast, FL?
STRs are permitted in all residential zoning districts. Occupancy is limited to two transient occupants per sleeping room/habitable space (max 10 per unit); parking is restricted to on-site driveways (no street/swale parking); and a responsible party must be available 24/7 to respond within 2 hours.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Palm Coast?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Palm Coast. 1. Complete the online registration via the City’s portal and upload required documents including a sample lease, designation of a responsible party, and state/county tax registrations. 2. Pay the application fee as established by resolution. 3. Await city review and issuance of a Short Term Vacation Rental registration, which is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Palm Coast?
1. Complete the online registration via the City’s portal and upload required documents including a sample lease, designation of a responsible party, and state/county tax registrations. 2. Pay the application fee as established by resolution. 3. Await city review and issuance of a Short Term Vacation Rental registration, which is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Palm Coast, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in Palm Coast, 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 Palm Coast?
Short-term rental hosts in Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast?
The most recent tracked change in Palm Coast is "Driveway-Only Parking Rule Enforcement Increased" (2024-09-01, status: passed). Palm Coast stepped up enforcement of its requirement that all STR guest vehicles park on-site driveways, issuing fines to operators whose guests repeatedly parked on streets or swales. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I operate an STR in any Palm Coast residential neighborhood?
Yes. Palm Coast permits STRs in all residential zoning districts citywide — there are no zone-based exclusions. Any property that meets the permit, occupancy, and parking requirements can be licensed as an STR regardless of neighborhood.
Where can my guests park in Palm Coast?
Only on your property's driveway. Street parking and swale parking are prohibited for STR guests. Before listing your property, confirm it has enough driveway capacity to accommodate the number of guests you intend to host — insufficient parking is a common compliance issue.
What is the maximum number of guests allowed in my Palm Coast STR?
A maximum of 10 transient occupants are permitted per unit, based on 2 per sleeping room. The 10-person cap applies even if your home has enough bedrooms that the formula would allow more. Plan your listings and house rules to stay within this limit.
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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