Executive Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Bonifay, FL

Explicit Answer: Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bonifay, Florida. This is evidenced by active vacation rental listings on major platforms such as VRBO, which currently shows multiple active STR properties in the Bonifay area. However, specific municipal regulations for short-term rentals in Bonifay were not found in the provided sources.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bonifay, FL

Based on the available information and general Florida market practices, investors should follow these steps to establish a STR business in Bonifay:

1. Property Acquisition and Zoning Verification

• Acquire residential property suitable for short-term rental use
• Verify zoning compliance with Holmes County regulations
• Consider proximity to local attractions like Florida Caverns and recreational areas

2. Professional Management Setup

Given the rural nature of Bonifay and Holmes County, working with a professional management company can be advantageous:

• Consider partnering with established Florida management companies like Home Team Luxury Rentals
• Professional management can handle guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and local compliance
• Companies can provide dynamic pricing, marketing across multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com)

3. Property Preparation and Optimization

• Ensure properties meet safety and amenity standards
• Implement modern amenities (Wi-Fi, smart TVs, comfortable furnishings)
• Professional photography and detailed listings for maximum visibility
• Consider unique selling points (spring-fed swimming holes, rural settings, proximity to natural attractions)

4. Marketing Strategy

• List on multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Expedia)
• Leverage social media and email marketing
• Target demographics: families, nature enthusiasts, snowbirds, outdoor recreationists

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Note: Specific municipal requirements for Bonifay were not found in the provided sources. Investors should verify local requirements with Holmes County and the City of Bonifay.

Standard Florida STR Requirements:

• Business Tax Receipt ( Holmes County)
• Sales Tax Registration (Florida Department of Revenue)
• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration (if applicable)
• Property Insurance (comprehensive coverage)
• Local Business License (verify with City of Bonifay)

Property Standards:

• Compliance with Florida Building Codes
• Fire safety regulations
• Health department requirements for transient lodging
• ADA compliance considerations

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Bonifay

No specific STR regulations were found in the provided sources. Bonifay operates under Holmes County jurisdiction for many regulatory matters.

Holmes County

No specific STR ordinances were identified in the provided documents. The lease agreement between Holmes County and City of Bonifay suggests municipal operations but doesn't address STR regulations.

State of Florida

Florida has implemented statewide regulations for short-term rentals:

• Registration requirements with Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Tax collection and remittance obligations
• Safety and inspection requirements
• Advertising compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority

Holmes County Government

• Address: 107 E. Virginia Ave, Bonifay, FL 32425
• County Commission: 850-547-1100
• Building Department: Verify current contact information

City of Bonifay

• Address: 301 J. Harvey Etheridge Street, Bonifay, FL 32425
• Mayor's Office: Contact through Holmes County Commission

Professional Management Services (Available Reference)

Home Team Luxury Rentals (example of Florida-wide STR management)

• Phone: 727-977-3238
• Email: hello@hometeamluxuryrentals.com

Source References

1. Vacation Rental Listings Evidence: www.vrbo.com/en-ca/vacation-rentals/united-states/florida/holmes-county/bonifay - Demonstrates active STR market in Bonifay area

2. Municipal Lease Agreement: mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/bonifayfl-meet-339e72e9057143e39962f9ffdef423b0/ITEM-Attachment-001-79e7d8e7d13b44a9a187acc9981af498.pdf - Provides insight into municipal operations and county-city relationship

3. Florida Management Services: hometeamluxuryrentals.com/management/florida - Illustrates professional STR management options available throughout Florida

Investment Considerations for Bonifay STR Market

Market Positioning

• Rural charm and natural attractions
• Proximity to Florida Caverns State Park
• Lower competition compared to major Florida tourist destinations
• Appeal to nature enthusiasts and families seeking authentic Florida experiences

Operational Considerations

• Self-managed properties may be more viable given limited local management options
• Longer-term stays may be more profitable than weekend tourist rentals
• Seasonal considerations for Northwest Florida climate
• Transportation access and guest convenience factors

Compliance Priority

Given the lack of specific municipal regulations found, investors should:

• Contact Holmes County directly for zoning and business requirements
• Verify state registration requirements
• Ensure proper insurance coverage
• Establish tax collection and remittance procedures

Disclaimer: This guide is based on limited available sources. Investors should verify all regulatory requirements directly with local authorities before establishing a short-term rental business in Bonifay, Florida.