Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Green Cove Springs, FL?

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Green Cove Springs operates within Clay County, which explicitly supports vacation rental operations. Clay County maintains dedicated vacation rental resources and guidance for STR operators, indicating a framework that permits these businesses. The county has experienced significant growth in vacation rental inventory, with at least 200 Clay County listings active on major vacation rental platforms at any given time, demonstrating active operation and acceptance of the STR market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Green Cove Springs

Starting an STR in Green Cove Springs involves a multi-layered approach addressing state, county, and local requirements:

Step 1: Business Planning and Market Research

• Research the local market using major vacation rental platforms to understand demand patterns
• Attend Clay County Tourism's "Vacation Rental Ventures" workshop for educational guidance
• Connect with the Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals (FAVR) for industry best practices and networking

Step 2: Property Selection and Zoning Compliance

• Verify zoning compliance for your intended property
• Ensure the property meets all building safety codes and requirements
• Confirm adequate parking and access for guests

Step 3: Licensing and Registration Process

• Obtain Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licensing
• Register with Clay County for local business licenses
• Complete tax registration with the Clay County Tax Collector
• Comply with any Green Cove Springs municipal requirements

Step 4: Safety and Compliance Setup

• Implement required safety measures, particularly water/pool safety protocols
• Complete human trafficking awareness certification (required annually)
• Establish emergency management procedures
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, pool safety features)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Florida)

1. DBPR License: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation license for vacation rentals
2. State Sales Tax Registration: Required for collecting and remitting state sales taxes
3. Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Registration: State-level tourist tax registration

County-Level Requirements (Clay County)

1. Local Business License: Clay County business operation license
2. Tax Collector Registration: For TDT and other local tax collection
3. Building Permits: If any structural modifications are planned
4. Fire Rescue Inspection: May be required depending on property type

Municipal Requirements (Green Cove Springs)

1. Local Business Registration: Municipal business operation registration
2. Zoning Compliance Verification: Confirm STR use is permitted in the specific zoning district
3. Any additional local permits: Based on property-specific requirements

Safety and Training Requirements

1. Human Trafficking Awareness Certification: One-hour annual training required for owners/managers
2. Water and Pool Safety Compliance: Multiple layers of protection for properties with water features
3. Emergency Preparedness Plans: Contact information and procedures for emergency situations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Green Cove Springs)

Based on available information, Green Cove Springs follows state and county frameworks for STR regulation. The city has been actively involved in discussing STR regulation at the municipal level, and representatives from Orange Park and Green Cove Springs have participated in vacation rental licensing discussions. However, specific Green Cove Springs municipal STR ordinances were not detailed in the provided content.

County-Level Regulations (Clay County)

Clay County operates under Florida state statutes for vacation rentals but provides additional local resources:

• Vacation rental resources portal with guidance and best practices
• Support for education through workshops and industry resources
• Coordination with local agencies for licensing and compliance
• Focus on safety, particularly water safety due to the high number of pools in Florida

State-Level Regulations (Florida)

1. Statute Compliance: Florida vacation rental state statutes govern STR operations
2. DBPR Oversight: Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversight
3. Tourist Development Tax: State-administered tourist taxes on short-term rentals
4. Safety Standards: Florida has specific requirements for pool safety, smoke detectors, and other safety measures
5. Human Trafficking Prevention: Mandatory annual training for industry participants

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Clay County Government (Primary Contact)

Address: Clay County Board of County Commissioners P.O. Box 1366 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Phone: 904-269-6300 Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tourism Department Contact: Caroline Everill Email: caroline.everill@claycountygov.com Phone: 904-529-3792

Key County Departments

• Building Division: For permits and inspections
• Planning and Zoning: For zoning compliance questions
• Tax Collector: For tax registration and collection
• Fire Rescue: For safety inspections and emergency planning

State-Level Contacts

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): For state licensing
• Florida Department of Revenue: For tax registration
• Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals (FAVR): Industry association and resources

Links to Source Pages

1. Clay County Vacation Rentals Resources: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals
2. Clay County Tourism Department: www.claycountygov.com/business/hospitality-and-tourism
3. Vacation Rental Ventures Workshop Information: www.claycountygov.com/government/communications/newsroom
4. Clay County Tourism Industry Events: www.claycountygov.com/business/hospitality-and-tourism/industry-resources/clay-county-tourism-industry-events
5. Florida State Statutes for Short-Term Rentals: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/short-term-rental-fl-state-statute
6. Tax Collector Information: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/tax-collector
7. DBPR Licensing Information: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/department-of-business-professional-regular-dbpr
8. Local Business Licenses: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/local-business-licenses
9. Water and Pool Safety Resources: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/water-and-pool-safety
10. Emergency Management: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/emergency-management
11. Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals: www.claycountygov.com/business/tourism/vacation-rentals/florida-alliance-for-vacation-rentals-favr
12. Green Cove Springs Zoning Information: www.zoneomics.com/code/green-cove-springs-FL

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Market Opportunity

Clay County's vacation rental market has experienced significant growth, with industry representatives noting exponential growth following the COVID-19 pandemic. The state has seen vacation rental numbers increase from 233,000 to 382,000 since 2021, representing a 163% increase in units. Florida vacation rentals make up 26% of the US market, with a nearly $30 billion annual economic impact.

Safety Priorities

Florida leads the nation in pools (1.6 million), making water safety paramount. Required safety measures include:

• Multiple layers of protection for pools and water features
• Hard-wired door alarms for pool areas
• Water watcher protocols and visible supervision tags
• Proper pool fencing and secure access control

Compliance Framework

The regulatory environment is well-established through state statutes, county resources, and local support. Clay County proactively provides education and resources for both current and prospective STR operators, indicating a supportive but compliant regulatory environment.

Investment Considerations

The combination of state-level frameworks, county support, and growing market demand presents opportunities for STR investment in Green Cove Springs. The key to successful operation lies in thorough compliance with all regulatory requirements, prioritizing guest safety, and staying current with evolving industry standards and regulations.