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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pensacola, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term/vacation rentals (transient accommodations rented for periods of six months or less) are subject to Escambia County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) registration and monthly TDT filing. Property types include single-family homes, condos, apartments, and other sleeping accommodations. State requirements from the Florida Division of Hotels & Restaurants (DBPR) for Vacation Rental licensing and related fees also apply.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register for Escambia County Tourist Development Tax by emailing the completed TDT Property Registration Form to tdt@escambiaclerk.com to create an account, then file monthly returns via the Excise Online system. 2) Obtain a Florida Vacation Rental/Dwelling license through the Florida DBPR online portal (myfloridalicense.com), paying the required application and license fees and complying with state sanitation and safety requirements.

Regulatory Updates — Pensacola

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2024

STR Registration Program Tightened

The City of Pensacola strengthened its STR registration program, adding requirements for liability insurance proof, a 24/7 local contact designation, and a safety inspection. Annual renewal now includes a re-inspection requirement for properties that received complaints in the prior year.

Under ReviewMay 2025

Zoning Review for Residential STR Activity

Pensacola city staff are reviewing whether additional zoning-based limitations should apply to short-term rentals in residential districts following community meetings at which residents raised concerns about STR density and nuisance activity.

PassedAugust 2024

Florida DBPR Licensing Enforcement Coordinated

Escambia County tax collectors and the Florida DBPR coordinated an outreach campaign to identify vacation rental operators in the greater Pensacola area who are operating without a valid state vacation rental license or are not registered for tourist development tax collection.

Official Resources

Official Pensacola STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group defending SB 280 preemption rights and providing compliance resources for Pensacola and Northwest Florida Panhandle operators.

Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations including STR ordinance changes affecting the Pensacola tourism and hospitality sector.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and professional standards for vacation rental managers in Panhandle Florida markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pensacola, FL?
Short-term/vacation rentals (transient accommodations rented for periods of six months or less) are subject to Escambia County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) registration and monthly TDT filing. Property types include single-family homes, condos, apartments, and other sleeping accommodations. State requirements from the Florida Division of Hotels & Restaurants (DBPR) for Vacation Rental licensing and related fees also apply.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Pensacola?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pensacola. 1) Register for Escambia County Tourist Development Tax by emailing the completed TDT Property Registration Form to tdt@escambiaclerk.com to create an account, then file monthly returns via the Excise Online system. 2) Obtain a Florida Vacation Rental/Dwelling license through the Florida DBPR online portal (myfloridalicense.com), paying the required application and license fees and complying with state sanitation and safety requirements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Pensacola?
1) Register for Escambia County Tourist Development Tax by emailing the completed TDT Property Registration Form to tdt@escambiaclerk.com to create an account, then file monthly returns via the Excise Online system. 2) Obtain a Florida Vacation Rental/Dwelling license through the Florida DBPR online portal (myfloridalicense.com), paying the required application and license fees and complying with state sanitation and safety requirements.
Is Pensacola Beach the same jurisdiction as Pensacola for STR regulations?
No. Pensacola Beach is located on Santa Rosa Island in Santa Rosa County — it is a separate jurisdiction from the City of Pensacola (Escambia County). Pensacola Beach is governed by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for some purposes and by the Santa Rosa Island Authority for others. Operators in Pensacola Beach must comply with Santa Rosa County regulations rather than City of Pensacola ordinances. Always confirm your property's jurisdiction before applying for permits.
What permits are required for a City of Pensacola vacation rental?
Operators in the City of Pensacola need a city STR registration (annual renewal with safety inspection, liability insurance, and 24/7 local contact), a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal), and registration with the Escambia County Tax Collector for the 5% tourist development tax. All license numbers must be displayed in online listings. Properties in unincorporated Escambia County follow a separate county permit process.
What taxes apply to Pensacola short-term rental income?
Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Escambia County tourist development tax (5%), for a combined rate of approximately 11–12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Escambia County taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Operators booking directly must register independently with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Escambia County Tax Collector.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction