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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Augustine, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted by zone: RS-1/RS-2 require 1-week minimum stays, HP-1 requires monthly minimums, and other zones allow nightly stays. Occupancy is capped at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 children (max 12 total), and one stabilized on-site parking space is required per bedroom.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an initial registration application and pay the tiered fee (Base $303.03 + $79.30/bedroom). 2. Schedule and pass a Life Safety Inspection performed by the St. Augustine Fire Department. 3. Renew registration annually by October 1st to avoid late fees.

Regulatory Updates — St. Augustine

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMarch 2024

Historic District STR Restrictions Tightened

St. Augustine adopted amendments to its historic preservation ordinance that impose additional restrictions on short-term rental activity in the Lincolnville and Historic District neighborhoods. The amendments create design and use standards that limit STR conversions of historically significant structures.

PassedAugust 2023

STR Registration and Inspection Program

The city requires all vacation rental operators to register annually, pass a safety inspection, pay a registration fee, and designate a 24/7 local contact person. The registration program is cross-referenced with Florida DBPR licensing records to identify non-compliant operators.

Under ReviewNovember 2025

City Commission Reviews STR Density Caps

The St. Augustine City Commission is reviewing whether to impose per-block or per-neighborhood density caps on STR licenses, which would limit the percentage of homes on any given street that could be licensed for short-term rental use.

Official Resources

Official St. Augustine STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group defending SB 280 preemption rights against historic-district-based restrictions and providing compliance resources for St. Augustine operators.

St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization tracking tourism and hospitality regulations. Maintains dialogue between city government and the vacation rental industry on balancing historic preservation with visitor accommodation.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and professional standards for vacation rental managers operating in historic tourism destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Augustine, FL?
STRs are restricted by zone: RS-1/RS-2 require 1-week minimum stays, HP-1 requires monthly minimums, and other zones allow nightly stays. Occupancy is capped at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 children (max 12 total), and one stabilized on-site parking space is required per bedroom.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. Augustine?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Augustine. 1. Submit an initial registration application and pay the tiered fee (Base $303.03 + $79.30/bedroom). 2. Schedule and pass a Life Safety Inspection performed by the St. Augustine Fire Department. 3. Renew registration annually by October 1st to avoid late fees.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. Augustine?
1. Submit an initial registration application and pay the tiered fee (Base $303.03 + $79.30/bedroom). 2. Schedule and pass a Life Safety Inspection performed by the St. Augustine Fire Department. 3. Renew registration annually by October 1st to avoid late fees.
Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Augustine's Historic District?
Yes, but with additional restrictions layered on top of standard Florida vacation rental requirements. Properties in the Historic District and Lincolnville must comply with the city's historic preservation ordinance in addition to the standard registration and DBPR licensing requirements. Some property types and structures in the historic core face additional design and use standards that can complicate STR conversions. Operators should consult with the city's planning department before listing historic-district properties.
What permits and licenses are required to operate a St. Augustine vacation rental?
Operators need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal with safety inspection), a City of St. Augustine vacation rental registration (annual renewal with local contact designation), and registration with the St. Johns County Tax Collector for tourist development tax collection. Properties in historic districts may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Architectural Review Board if any physical modifications are made to the structure.
What taxes apply to St. Augustine short-term rental income?
Operators must collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and St. Johns County tourist development tax (4%), for a combined rate of approximately 10–11%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and St. Johns County taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Operators using direct booking channels must register independently with the Florida Department of Revenue and St. Johns 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