Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Johns, FL

Short-term vacation rentals are permitted as an allowable accessory use in residential zoning subject to county standards and registration. Key constraints: maximum occupancy of two transient occupants per sleeping room or common area with a 10-occupant limit (children 12 & under excluded); minimum life/safety equipment (e.g., extinguisher); off-street parking requirements (1 space per 3 transient occupants) and no boats/RVs parked on street; required onsite posting of owner/manager 24-hour contact, occupancy and vehicle limits, evacuation route, and other local notices. Certain properties are exempt (e.g., portions west of the Intracoastal Waterway, owner-occupied homestead single-family residences, certain two-family and multifamily units subject to HOAs or onsite management).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Johns. 1) Register each dwelling/unit separately using the county’s online Short-Term Vacation Rental registration portal (Host Compliance) and complete the County registration application; 2) Provide required documents: executed affidavit, sample rental/lease agreement showing maximum occupancy and vehicle limits, name and 24-hour contact info for owner/manager and backup contact, Local Business Tax Receipt, copy of DBPR Transient Public Lodging license (if applicable), Florida Dept. of Revenue sales/use tax certificate or third-party tax collection statement, and pay the required registration fee; 3) Renew registration every 12 months (acknowledgement of County’s right to reasonable inspections is required; no specific mandatory pre-occupancy inspection is listed on the STR guidance page).

1) Register each dwelling/unit separately using the county’s online Short-Term Vacation Rental registration portal (Host Compliance) and complete the County registration application; 2) Provide required documents: executed affidavit, sample rental/lease agreement showing maximum occupancy and vehicle limits, name and 24-hour contact info for owner/manager and backup contact, Local Business Tax Receipt, copy of DBPR Transient Public Lodging license (if applicable), Florida Dept. of Revenue sales/use tax certificate or third-party tax collection statement, and pay the required registration fee; 3) Renew registration every 12 months (acknowledgement of County’s right to reasonable inspections is required; no specific mandatory pre-occupancy inspection is listed on the STR guidance page).