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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Friday Harbor, WA

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

Zoning & Conditions

The Town of Friday Harbor has a six-month moratorium on new permits (effective Dec 10, 2025). San Juan County enforces island-specific permit caps (e.g., 337 for San Juan Island) and requires annual Certificates of Compliance, inclusion of permit numbers in ads, and local rules of conduct.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain a vacation rental permit (currently subject to moratorium in Town and caps in County). 2. Submit an annual Certificate of Compliance via the Online Permit Center ($145 online / $160 paper). 3. Include the permit number in all advertisements.

Regulatory Updates — Friday Harbor

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedDecember 2025

Six-Month STR Permit Moratorium Enacted

Friday Harbor enacted a six-month moratorium on new STR permit applications effective December 10, 2025, pausing all new permit processing while the town reviews its STR policy framework and assesses housing impacts.

PassedOctober 2024

San Juan Island 337-Permit Cap Confirmed Near Capacity

San Juan County confirmed that the 337-permit cap for San Juan Island is at or near capacity, with a waitlist in effect for any permits that become available through existing operator exits.

PassedJune 2024

Annual Certificate of Compliance Required for All Active Permits

San Juan County required all active STR permit holders on San Juan Island to submit Annual Certificates of Compliance confirming ongoing compliance with permit conditions, using the process to identify and revoke dormant or non-compliant permits.

Official Resources

Official Friday Harbor STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Friday Harbor's moratorium and San Juan County's island cap system.

Washington RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring San Juan County STR permit restrictions and advocating for property owner rights in Washington's island communities.

San Juan Islands Visitors BureauLocal

Local tourism organization for the San Juan Islands, monitoring STR accommodation supply under the permit cap and moratorium and its impact on the islands' visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Friday Harbor, WA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Friday Harbor, WA, but with restrictions. The Town of Friday Harbor has a six-month moratorium on new permits (effective Dec 10, 2025). San Juan County enforces island-specific permit caps (e.g., 337 for San Juan Island) and requires annual Certificates of Compliance, inclusion of permit numbers in ads, and local rules of conduct. 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 Friday Harbor, WA?
The Town of Friday Harbor has a six-month moratorium on new permits (effective Dec 10, 2025). San Juan County enforces island-specific permit caps (e.g., 337 for San Juan Island) and requires annual Certificates of Compliance, inclusion of permit numbers in ads, and local rules of conduct.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Friday Harbor?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Friday Harbor. 1. Obtain a vacation rental permit (currently subject to moratorium in Town and caps in County). 2. Submit an annual Certificate of Compliance via the Online Permit Center ($145 online / $160 paper). 3. Include the permit number in all advertisements.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Friday Harbor?
1. Obtain a vacation rental permit (currently subject to moratorium in Town and caps in County). 2. Submit an annual Certificate of Compliance via the Online Permit Center ($145 online / $160 paper). 3. Include the permit number in all advertisements.
Is Vrbo legal in Friday Harbor, WA?
Vrbo is permitted in Friday Harbor, WA 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 Friday Harbor?
Short-term rental hosts in Friday Harbor 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 Friday Harbor?
The most recent tracked change in Friday Harbor is "Six-Month STR Permit Moratorium Enacted" (2025-12-01, status: passed). Friday Harbor enacted a six-month moratorium on new STR permit applications effective December 10, 2025, pausing all new permit processing while the town reviews its STR policy framework and assesses housing impacts. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I get a new STR permit in Friday Harbor right now?
No. Friday Harbor enacted a six-month moratorium on new STR permits effective December 10, 2025. No new applications are being processed during the moratorium. Additionally, San Juan County's 337-permit island cap is at or near capacity — even after the moratorium, new permits will only be available if existing operators exit.
What is the San Juan Island 337-permit cap?
San Juan County limits the total number of STR permits on San Juan Island (which includes Friday Harbor) to 337. This island-wide cap is at or near capacity. New permits are only available when existing permit holders surrender their permits, creating a de facto waitlist situation.
What happens at the end of Friday Harbor's six-month moratorium?
The moratorium is intended to give the town time to review and potentially revise its STR policy. The town could emerge from the moratorium with new restrictions, a reduced cap, extended moratorium, or a permanent ban. It is unlikely to result in a more permissive framework given the housing concerns that prompted the moratorium.
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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