Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Gulf Breeze, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Gulf Breeze, FL. The city has chosen to regulate rather than prohibit short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). On November 18, 2024, Gulf Breeze City Council adopted Ordinance 05-2024, establishing a comprehensive registration system for short-term rental properties. This regulatory framework aims to enhance communication between the city and property owners, address operational issues effectively, and promote safe, neighborly, and transparent operation of short-term rentals while balancing property rights and community concerns.

The city has positioned its approach as a middle ground—allowing STR operations while implementing safeguards to protect residential character and community quality of life.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gulf Breeze

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation

1. Verify Property Eligibility: Ensure your property is within Gulf Breeze city limits
2. Gather Required Documentation: Collect all mandatory documents (detailed below)
3. Schedule Initial Planning: Contact the city to understand specific property requirements

Phase 2: State and County Compliance

1. Obtain Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License: Mandatory state-level license
2. Secure Santa Rosa County Business Tax Receipt: Required for all commercial operations
3. Register for Tax Collection: Set up systems for state sales tax and tourist development tax collection

Phase 3: City Registration

1. Complete City Application: Submit electronic application via Formstack portal
2. Pay Registration Fee: $40 annual registration fee
3. Undergo Inspections: Coordinate Fire Department and Community Services inspections
4. Receive Registration Certificate: Final approval upon successful inspection

Phase 4: Operational Setup

1. Designate Responsible Party: Establish 24/7 contact person
2. Implement Guest Education: Develop materials informing guests of community standards
3. Maintain Compliance: Ongoing adherence to safety, occupancy, and operational requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documentation Checklist

City-Level Requirements:

1. Property Deed - Obtainable from Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
2. Government-Issued ID - Valid photo identification
3. City Registration Application - Electronic submission via city portal
4. Designated Responsible Party Information - 24/7 contact details

County-Level Requirements: 5. Santa Rosa County Business Tax Receipt (BTR) - Obtainable from Santa Rosa County Tax Collector

State-Level Requirements: 6. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License - Obtainable from Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 7. Articles of Incorporation and Fictitious Name Registration - If applicable, from Sunbiz.org

Operational Documentation: 8. Fire and Life Safety Compliance - Meeting city-established standards 9. Good Neighbor Brochure - Guest education materials (recommended)

Safety Inspection Requirements

The city conducts comprehensive inspections covering:

• Fire Safety Compliance: Working smoke detectors, proper egress, fire extinguisher placement
• Life Safety Standards: Structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing
• Health and Sanitation: Proper waste disposal systems, clean water access
• Occupancy Verification: Ensuring declared bedroom counts and occupancy limits

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Gulf Breeze Regulations (Effective November 18, 2024)

Operational Requirements:

• Mandatory Registration: All STR properties must register annually
• Registration Fee: $40 per unit, annually
• Designated Responsible Party: 24/7 availability requirement
• Contact Information: Must be shared with police and fire departments

Occupancy Limits:

• Formula: Two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons maximum
• Life Safety Component: Aligns with Florida Fire Prevention Code
• Verification: Subject to inspection and enforcement

Compliance Standards:

• Initial Inspection: Required before operation
• Annual Inspections: Ongoing compliance monitoring
• Guest Education: Must inform guests of noise, parking, and waste disposal ordinances
• Community Standards: Remind guests they are in residential areas

Enforcement and Penalties:

• First Violation: $100 fine
• Second Violation: $250 fine
• Third Violation: $500 fine
• Escalation System: Three-step penalty structure

Santa Rosa County Requirements

Business Tax Receipt (BTR):

• Applicability: All commercial rental operations
• Process: Application through County Tax Collector
• Ongoing: Annual renewal requirement

Tourist Development Tax:

• Collection Responsibility: Host obligation
• Registration: County voluntary compliance program available
• Enforcement: County Clerk of Court administration

State of Florida Requirements

DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License:

• Applicability: All short-term rental properties
• Process: State application and inspection
• Compliance: Ongoing state regulatory requirements

State Sales Tax:

• Collection: Host responsibility
• Remittance: Regular filing with Florida Department of Revenue
• Platform Integration: Airbnb/Vrbo often collect and remit automatically

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Gulf Breeze - Primary Contacts

Community Services Department

• Phone: (850) 934-5100
• Address: 1070 Shoreline Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
• Website: cityofgulfbreeze.us/departments/community-services/short-term-vacation-rentals/
• Email: Contact via city website directory

Gulf Breeze Combination Fire Department

• Inspection Coordination: (850) 934-5100
• Safety Standards: Contact through main city number

Gulf Breeze Police Department

• Emergency Contact: 911
• Non-Emergency: (850) 934-5100
• Responsible Party Notifications: Contact information shared per ordinance

County-Level Contacts

Santa Rosa County Tax Collector

• Business Tax Receipt: Contact via county website
• Tourist Development Tax: County Tax Collector office

Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser

• Property Deed Verification: County records access

State-Level Contacts

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Vacation Rental License: Online application system
• Website: myfloridalicense.com

Links to Source Pages

City of Gulf Breeze Official Resources:

• Short-Term Vacation Rentals Overview
• STVR Registration Application
• Interactive STVR Map
• Fire and Life Safety Checklist
• Ordinance 05-2024 Full Text

External Resources:

• Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
• Santa Rosa County Tax Collector
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Sunbiz.org - Business Registration

News Coverage and Analysis:

• WEAR TV News Coverage
• Pensacola News Journal Coverage

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

Market Opportunity: Gulf Breeze represents a regulatory environment that allows STR operations while providing clear compliance pathways. The registration system, while requiring documentation and inspections, offers predictability for investors.

Cost Structure: Total regulatory costs include $40 city registration, state licensing fees, county business tax receipt, and inspection-related expenses. The regulatory framework is designed to be manageable for compliant operators.

Enforcement Approach: The city has implemented an education-focused, tiered penalty system. First-time violations receive warnings ($100), with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. This suggests compliance-focused rather than punitive enforcement.

Community Integration: The emphasis on guest education and designated responsible parties indicates the city's priority on maintaining residential character while allowing commercial STR operations.

Next Steps: Prospective investors should begin with property verification within city limits, proceed through the state and county requirements, and then complete the city registration process. The interactive map tool can assist with property eligibility verification before making acquisition commitments.