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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. George Island, FL

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted in specific zoning districts (e.g., C2) as 'Resort Condominium Units' or hotels/motels, provided they are licensed as transient public lodging establishments under Florida Statute 509.013. Units must be rented at least three times per year for periods under 30 days; additional restrictions apply via the St. George Island overlay and 'Leave No Trace' ordinances.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm parcel zoning and St. George Island overlay compliance via Franklin County Planning & Zoning. 2) Obtain a 'transient public lodging establishment' license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) as required by county zoning code. 3) Ensure compliance with the St. George Island overlay and 'Leave No Trace' ordinances.

Official Resources

Official St. George Island STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in St. George Island, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in St. George Island, FL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in specific zoning districts (e.g., C2) as 'Resort Condominium Units' or hotels/motels, provided they are licensed as transient public lodging establishments under Florida Statute 509.013. Units must be rented at least three times per year for periods under 30 days; additional restrictions apply via the St. George Island overlay and 'Leave No Trace' ordinances. 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 St. George Island, FL?
Short-term rentals are permitted in specific zoning districts (e.g., C2) as 'Resort Condominium Units' or hotels/motels, provided they are licensed as transient public lodging establishments under Florida Statute 509.013. Units must be rented at least three times per year for periods under 30 days; additional restrictions apply via the St. George Island overlay and 'Leave No Trace' ordinances.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. George Island?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. George Island. 1) Confirm parcel zoning and St. George Island overlay compliance via Franklin County Planning & Zoning. 2) Obtain a 'transient public lodging establishment' license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) as required by county zoning code. 3) Ensure compliance with the St. George Island overlay and 'Leave No Trace' ordinances.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. George Island?
1) Confirm parcel zoning and St. George Island overlay compliance via Franklin County Planning & Zoning. 2) Obtain a 'transient public lodging establishment' license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) as required by county zoning code. 3) Ensure compliance with the St. George Island overlay and 'Leave No Trace' ordinances.
Is Vrbo legal in St. George Island, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in St. George Island, 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 St. George Island?
Short-term rental hosts in St. George Island 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 St. George Island?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for St. George Island. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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