Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Saint Johns County, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

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.

How to Obtain a Permit

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.

Official Resources

Official Saint Johns County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Saint Johns County, FL?
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.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Saint Johns County?
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.
How do I get a short-term rental permit 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.

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