Jacksonville, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview
Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Jacksonville, FL and its consolidated city-county government (Duval County). Jacksonville Beach (a separate municipality within Duval County) has its own STR regulations. State-level Florida laws also apply, including DBPR licensing and tax obligations. Key compliance frameworks operate across three levels:

City/Neighborhood Level: Jacksonville (excluding Jacksonville Beach) and Jacksonville Beach have distinct rules.
County Level: Duval County manages business tax receipts (BTR) and tourist taxes.
State Level: Florida statutes govern STR definitions, licensing, and taxation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Confirm Zoning Eligibility
- Jacksonville (non-Beach areas): STRs must be in zoning districts allowing residential use. Use the PAO Property Search Tool to verify zoning.
- Jacksonville Beach: STRs require a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Certificate (see "Required Documents" below).
- Critical Discrepancy: Airbnb guidance claims STRs are limited to "Commercial Zone and Historic Core Zone" in Jacksonville—verify zoning directly with Jacksonville Planning & Development before listing.
Obtain State & County Licenses
- DBPR License: Required for all Florida STRs (divided into "Condo" or "Dwelling" licenses). Apply via DBPR’s portal.
- Duval County BTR: Register with the Tax Collector.
Register for Tourist Taxes
- Collect and remit Duval County Tourist Development Tax (6% for rentals ≤6 months) and Florida State Sales Tax (6%). Register via the Tax Collector or FL Dept. of Revenue.
Complete Local Requirements
- Jacksonville Beach: Apply for an STVR Certificate (see below).
- Jacksonville: A "land use permit" may be required via the LUZ portal.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

| Requirement | Issuing Authority | Key Details | Source Link | |------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DBPR Vacation Rental License | Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation | Mandatory for all STRs. Choose "Condo" or "Dwelling" license type. | DBPR License Portal | | Duval County Business Tax Receipt | Duval County Tax Collector | Annual renewal (Oct 1–Sep 30). Fee: $79.20. | BTR Application | | Tourist Development Tax Registration | Duval County/FL Dept. of Revenue | Collect 6% tax on all STR bookings ≤6 months. | Tax Guide | | STVR Certificate (Jacksonville Beach) | Jacksonville Beach Planning & Development | Mandatory for Jacksonville Beach properties. Requires Fire Marshal inspection. | STVR Application | | Land Use Permit (Jacksonville) | Jacksonville Planning & Development | Required for STRs in permitted zoning. Apply via LUZ online portal. | LUZ Portal | | Property Inspection | Jacksonville Beach Fire Marshal | Mandatory for initial STVR Certificate issuance/modifications. | Inspection Request Form |

Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Jacksonville (Non-Beach Areas)

Zoning: STRs permitted in residential zoning districts if a land use permit is secured. Airbnb claims STRs are limited to Commercial/Historic Core zones—confirm zoning independently via the LUZ portal.
Owner-Occupancy: No citywide requirement, but homestead exemption rules apply (see below).

Jacksonville Beach (Separate Municipality)

Certificate Requirement: Mandatory STVR Certificate for all STRs.
Inspection: Fire Marshal inspection required prior to certificate issuance/modifications.
Occupancy Limits: Max 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional occupants; total ≤16 (children <24 months excluded).
Owner-Occupancy Exemption: Owner-occupied units renting ≤50% are exempt from STVR rules.

Duval County

BTR: Required for all STRs (renew annually).
Tourist Tax: 6% levy on all STRs ≤6 months.

Florida State

DBPR License: Mandatory (apply online; choose "Condo" or "Dwelling" license).
State Sales Tax: 6% on all STRs ≤6 months.
Definition: STRs = rentals <30 days or <1 calendar month for >3 rentals/year (FL Statutes §509.013).

Key Fees

| Fee | Amount | Frequency | Source | |--------------------------------------|------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------| | STVR Certificate (Jacksonville Beach) | $150 | Annual | Jacksonville Beach | | BTR (Duval County) | $79.20 | Annual (Oct 1) | Tax Collector | | DBPR License | Varies by type | Annual/Biennial | DBPR Fee Schedule |

Contact Information

| Authority | Phone | Email | Website | |--------------------------------------|------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Jacksonville Beach Planning | 904-247-6100 | STVR@JAXBCHFL.NET | STVR Details | | Duval County Tax Collector | 904-630-2600 | N/A | Tourist Tax Registration | | FL Dept. of Revenue | 850-488-6085 | N/A | Sales Tax Registration | | DBPR | 850-487-1395 | N/A | License Info |

Source Links

Critical Notes for Investors

Zoning Verification is Mandatory: Do not rely on third-party guidance (e.g., Airbnb). Confirm zoning via Jacksonville’s LUZ portal or Jacksonville Beach Planning.
Homestead Exemption Impact: Owner-occupied STRs in Jacksonville Beach renting ≤50% are exempt from STVR rules but may affect homestead exemption. Review homestead rental rules.
Separate Compliance: Jacksonville Beach has distinct rules from Jacksonville (non-Beach). Treat them as separate markets.
Code Enforcement: Report violations via Jacksonville Beach’s online form or Jacksonville’s Municipal Code Compliance.

This guide synthesizes all provided sources to present a comprehensive STR framework for Duval County. Always verify zoning, permits, and taxes directly with authorities before listing.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville hosts earn a median $38,634/year with $205 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $58,148+ per year.

See the full Jacksonville market breakdown →

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Jacksonville, Florida, is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States and has an estimated population of roughly 900,000 residents. Located in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is about 25 miles south of the Georgia state line and approximately 345 miles north of Miami. The city is also situated about 140 miles driving distance to the closest major city, Orlando.

Jacksonville is characterized by its extensive waterways, including the St. Johns River, which flows through the city, and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it an appealing location for short-term rentals, particularly for those interested in outdoor activities and water sports.

One of the key landmarks in the city is the Jacksonville Landing, a commercial and entertainment district along the river which can be explored here. Another central attraction is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which offers a rich experience of Florida's natural wildlife (visit site). Additionally, the city is home to numerous parks and green spaces like Hemming Park, providing urban respite (explore more).

For culture and history enthusiasts, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens presents a comprehensive collection of art, alongside beautifully maintained gardens (website). Sports fans will find TIAA Bank Field of particular interest, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars (more info).

Finally, Jacksonville's beaches, such as Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, are all within a short drive from the city center, making them accessible and attractive for short-term rental guests. More information about Jacksonville Beach can be found here.

In summary, Jacksonville's diverse attractions, proximity to natural and urban amenities, and convenient location relative to other major cities make it an appealing option for short-term rentals.