Overview: Short-Term Rentals in Cocoa Beach, FL

Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly ALLOWED in Cocoa Beach, FL. However, they are heavily regulated. The city requires all STRs to be properly registered, comply with local ordinances, and meet state licensing requirements. Cocoa Beach prohibits STRs in certain zoning districts, making zoning verification a critical first step. Failure to comply with city or state regulations can result in significant fines.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cocoa Beach

Starting an STR in Cocoa Beach requires compliance at both the state and local level. The process involves securing the necessary licenses, permits, and registrations, followed by ongoing adherence to regulations.

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Property Eligibility

• Confirm that your property is located in a zoning district that allows short-term rentals. Use the city's Interactive Zoning Map (link provided) to check the zoning designation of your parcel.

Step 2: Obtain Required State-Level Licenses and Tax Registrations

• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License: Apply for a vacation rental license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is mandatory for properties rented more than three times per year for periods of less than 30 days.
• Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) Certificate: Register with the DOR to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable discretionary sales surtax on transient rentals.
• Brevard County Tourist Development Tax: Register with the Brevard County Tax Collector to collect and remit the local "bed tax" on transient rentals.

Step 3: Obtain Required City of Cocoa Beach Registration

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Complete and submit the Vacation Rental Business Tax Application and pay the associated fee.
• Vacation Rental Registration: After receiving your BTR, complete the Vacation Rental Registration Application and submit it along with the required registration fee. This is a separate process from the state license.

Step 4: Prepare the Property for Compliance

• Ensure the property meets all safety standards outlined in city and state codes (e.g., smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.). Complete any required inspections by the Cocoa Beach Fire Department.

Step 5: Ongoing Management

• Designate a "Responsible Party" who is available 24/7 to respond to issues within one hour.
• Post all required information inside the rental unit (see compliance section).
• Collect and remit all applicable taxes (state and local).
• Renew your city registration and state license annually.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

| Requirement | Level | Details | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Vacation Rental DBPR License | State (Florida) | Mandatory for properties meeting the frequency and duration criteria. | | DOR Certificate of Registration | State (Florida) | Required to collect and remit sales tax. | | Brevard County Tourist Development Tax Registration | County | Required to collect and remit the local bed tax. | | Business Tax Receipt (BTR) | City (Cocoa Beach) | Application form and fee submitted to the City. | | Vacation Rental Registration | City (Cocoa Beach) | Separate registration form and fee for each STR unit. | | Vacation Rental Compliance Requirements | City (Cocoa Beach) | Detailed local regulations including posting requirements, responsible party duties, and parking. The document is linked in the sources. | | Vacation Rental Safety Inspection Checklist | City (Cocoa Beach) | Guidelines for the required safety inspection by the Fire Department. The checklist PDF is linked in the sources. | | Zoning Verification | City (Cocoa Beach) | Not a formal "document," but mandatory to confirm STRs are permitted on your specific parcel. |

Key Forms & Links (from sources):

• BTR Application
• Vacation Rental Registration Application
• Vacation Rental Safety Checklist (2025)
• Required Ordinances Packet (Noise, Sea Turtles)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Cocoa Beach Regulations (Key Highlights)

• Responsible Party: The owner or an authorized agent must be available 24/7 to respond to issues within one hour of notification by authorities.
• On-Site Phone: An on-site telephone capable of calling 911 must be available on the main level and registered with the city.
• Required Interior Posting: A specific information packet must be prominently displayed inside the rental, including:
  • The property's address and on-site phone.
  • Owner/responsible party contact details.
  • Maximum occupancy.
  • Maximum parking allowance and a sketch of parking.
  • Trash and recycling pickup days/times.
  • Local hospital addresses and directions.
  • Emergency contact numbers for police and fire.
  • Emergency evacuation instructions.
  • Noise ordinance details.
  • A building evacuation map (min. 8.5" x 11") posted next to all doors.
• Guest Notices: Guests must be notified in writing prior to arrival of all local laws and mandatory evacuation orders.
• Advertising: All advertising must reflect the maximum occupancy approved by the city.
• Parking: All vehicles must be parked on a paved, off-street area on the property. No parking on lawns, sidewalks, or common areas is allowed.
• Inspections: The city and fire department have the right to inspect properties for compliance.
• Zoning: STRs are not allowed in all zoning districts. Verification via the city's zoning map is essential.

Brevard County & State of Florida Regulations (Key Highlights)

• DBPR Licensing: Properties must be licensed as vacation rentals if rented more than three times per year for less than 30 days each time.
• Tax Collection: STRs are subject to Florida State Sales Tax (6%) and Discretionary Sales Surtax (rate varies by county). Brevard County also levies a Tourist Development Tax (Bed Tax) for short-term rentals.
• Balcony Inspections: For buildings three stories or taller, a Certificate of Balcony Inspection is required every three years.

2025 Fee Updates (Cocoa Beach)

As of April 2025, Cocoa Beach restructured its registration fees:

• The previous high fees ($2,500 application, $1,500 annual renewal for single-family homes) were replaced with a new, occupancy-based fee.
• Single-family homes: $219.45 per guest per year.
• Multi-family properties (condos, etc.): $146.30 per guest per year.
• Fines for non-registration: $250 for the first day, $500 per day until the sixth day, then $1,000 per day until registration is complete. (Source: Florida Today article)

Contact Information

City of Cocoa Beach - Development Services Department (Vacation Rental Registration):

• Phone: (321) 868-3217
• Email: developmentservices@cityofcocoabeach.com
• Address: 2 S. Orlando Ave, P.O. Box 322430, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-2430
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Website: Vacation Rental Registration Page

City of Cocoa Beach - Fire Department (Inspections & Safety Compliance):

• Main Station (Station #51): (321) 868-3330
• 24/7 Non-Emergency Line: (321) 868-3254
• Emergency: 911
• Address: 50 S. Orlando Ave, P.O.Box 322430, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-2430
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Website: Vacation Rental Safety Checklist Page

Brevard County Tax Collector (Tourist Development Tax):

• For information on registering and remitting the bed tax, visit the Brevard County Tax Collector website or call the office directly. (Specific contact info is not provided in the sources but is available on the county website).

Links to Source Pages

1. City of Cocoa Beach - Vacation Rental Registration
2. Florida Today - 2025 Fee Changes for Cocoa Beach
3. Vacation Rental Compliance Requirements (PDF) - City of Cocoa Beach
4. City of Cocoa Beach - Vacation Rental Safety Checklist
5. 2025 Guide to Florida Short-Term Rental Laws - Beachside VR