Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Saint Johns County, FL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Saint Johns County, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term vacation rentals in St. Johns County (unincorporated areas) are allowed as an accessory use in residential zoning but are subject to registration and specific use/occupancy standards. Key constraints include exemptions for properties west of the Intracoastal Waterway and certain owner‑occupied or HOA‑managed units; maximum occupancy of two transient occupants per sleeping room (maximum 10, excluding children 12 and under); minimum off-street parking (1 space per 3 transient occupants); required life/safety equipment, required on-site postings (owner/manager 24‑hour contact, occupancy, vehicles, evacuation route, nearest hospital, turtle regulations), and compliance with tax and DBPR requirements. 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.

Short-term vacation rentals in St. Johns County (unincorporated areas) are allowed as an accessory use in residential zoning but are subject to registration and specific use/occupancy standards. Key constraints include exemptions for properties west of the Intracoastal Waterway and certain owner‑occupied or HOA‑managed units; maximum occupancy of two transient occupants per sleeping room (maximum 10, excluding children 12 and under); minimum off-street parking (1 space per 3 transient occupants); required life/safety equipment, required on-site postings (owner/manager 24‑hour contact, occupancy, vehicles, evacuation route, nearest hospital, turtle regulations), and compliance with tax and DBPR requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Saint Johns County. 1) Complete and submit the Short Term Vacation Rental Registration application for each dwelling/unit via the County’s registration portal (link provided on county STR page). 2) Provide required documents: executed affidavit, Local Business Tax Receipt, DBPR transient public lodging license (if applicable), Florida sales and use tax certificate or third‑party tax collection statement, a sample rental/lease agreement showing maximum occupancy, vehicle limits, and 24‑hour contact information, and pay the stated registration fee. 3) Register each unit separately and renew every 12 months; comply with posted life/safety and solid waste requirements.

1) Complete and submit the Short Term Vacation Rental Registration application for each dwelling/unit via the County’s registration portal (link provided on county STR page). 2) Provide required documents: executed affidavit, Local Business Tax Receipt, DBPR transient public lodging license (if applicable), Florida sales and use tax certificate or third‑party tax collection statement, a sample rental/lease agreement showing maximum occupancy, vehicle limits, and 24‑hour contact information, and pay the stated registration fee. 3) Register each unit separately and renew every 12 months; comply with posted life/safety and solid waste requirements.

Vrbo is permitted in Saint Johns 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Saint Johns 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.

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