Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lynn Haven, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lynn Haven, Florida. Lynn Haven falls under Bay County jurisdiction, and Bay County has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for vacation rentals operating in unincorporated areas, including Lynn Haven. As of August 1, 2023, Bay County Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance 23-18, which established registration, reporting, and inspection requirements for vacation rentals in the county.

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

Step 1: Property Classification and Eligibility

• Eligible Property Types: Single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family houses or dwelling units
• Exempt Properties: High-rise condominium units and apartment complexes are currently exempt from requirements
• Property Use: Must be classified as transient public lodging establishment (rented for periods less than 30 days or 1 calendar month)

Step 2: State-Level Requirements

1. Obtain Florida DBPR License

   • Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
   • Required if renting the entire unit more than 3 times in a calendar year
   • Two license types: Vacation Rental Condominium and Vacation Rental Dwelling
   • License fees: $170 for single unit (full year), $180 for 2-25 units

2. Register for State Taxes

   • Register with Florida Department of Revenue for 6% state sales tax
   • Local option transient rental tax (varies by county)

Step 3: County-Level Registration

1. Submit Application Package via Community Connect Portal
2. Complete Required Documentation
3. Schedule and Pass Fire Safety Inspection
4. Pay Registration Fees

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License
• Florida Department of Revenue Tax Registration
• Certificate of Balcony Inspection (for rentals over 2 stories)
• Human Trafficking Awareness Training (for employees performing housekeeping)

Bay County Requirements

Application Packet Components:

1. Vacation Rental Registration Application (fillable form)
2. Notarized Affidavit
3. Fire Safety Self-Inspection Checklist
4. Registration for Tourist Development Tax with Bay County Clerk of Court
5. DBPR Vacation Rental License verification
6. Pool Inspection Certificate (if applicable - required when 5+ properties share a pool)
7. DBPR HR 7020 Balcony Inspection Certificate (for rentals over 2 stories)

Required Safety Standards:

• Smoke detectors installed in every living unit
• Fire extinguishers properly maintained
• Electrical systems up to code (no extension cords)
• Life Safety Code compliance
• Evacuation floor plans for rentals over two stories
• Swimming pool safety features (if applicable)

Documentation and Business Setup:

• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Personal ID and proof of property ownership
• Site plan and parking plan
• Business insurance (recommended but not mandated)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Bay County Regulations (Applies to Lynn Haven)

Registration and Fees:

• Initial Inspection Fee: $250
• Re-inspection Fee: $50
• Lock-out Fee: $100 (failure to admit inspector or provide entry)
• Renewal Fee: $150

Annual Requirements:

• Registration must be renewed annually
• Fire safety inspection required
• Recertification required upon change of ownership

Signage Requirements:

Interior Signage/Pamphlet Must Include:

• Address of short-term rental
• Name and phone number of managing party
• Maximum occupancy based on Fire Inspector's evaluation
• Bay County Noise Ordinance notice
• Trash pickup schedule with container locations
• Sea turtle nesting season restrictions
• Nearest hospitals with "Call 911 in case of emergency" statement
• Beach safety flag notification with penalties

Exterior Signage Must Include:

• Name of managing agent and 24-hour emergency contact number
• Short-term vacation rental certification number
• Must be placed on wall/window visible from public right-of-way
• Maximum size: 18" x 12"

Occupancy and Safety:

• Maximum occupancy determined by Fire Inspector's evaluation of floor plan
• Evacuation plans required for rentals over two stories
• Emergency access must be provided for inspectors

Florida State Regulations

Safety Requirements:

• Properties must display all current licenses prominently
• Units must be kept clean, safe, and in good condition
• Clean bedding and linens required
• Properly sanitized dishes and glassware between guests
• Buildings 3+ stories require balcony inspection certificate
• Annual human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping staff
• Smoke detectors required in every living unit
• One specialized smoke detector for hearing impaired per 50 rental units
• Automatic fire sprinklers required in vacation rental condominiums 75+ feet in height

Tax Obligations:

• 6% state sales tax payable to Florida DOR
• Discretionary sales surtax (0.5-1.5% by county)
• Local option transient rental tax (0-6% by county)
• Rental income tax (state, county, and local rates)
• Property tax obligations

Noise and Nuisance Regulations:

• Must comply with Bay County Noise Ordinance
• Beach safety flag system compliance required
• Sea turtle nesting season restrictions during designated periods
• Trash pickup schedule adherence required

Contact Information for Local Authority

Bay County Emergency Services (Primary Authority for Lynn Haven STRs)

Physical Address: 700 Highway 2300
Southport, FL 32409

Phone: (850) 248-6040
Fax: (850) 784-4010
Emergency Phone: 911

On-Duty Battalion Chief (Emergency Contact): (448) 217-4929

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5 PM

Website: baycountyfl.gov/671/Short-Term-Vacation-Rental-Inspections

Community Connect Portal

Direct Registration Portal: communityconnect.io/info/fl-baycounty

Bay County Clerk of Court (Tourist Development Tax)

Website: tdc.baycoclerk.com/TouristTax

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Website: myfloridalicense.com

Additional Contacts:

Bay County Fire and Life Safety Inspection Bureau
Email for inspection scheduling: Contact via (850) 248-6040

Emergency Alerts Registration: alertbay.org

Important Deadlines and Compliance Notes

Critical Deadlines:

• Registration must be completed annually
• Inspection scheduling required after application submission
• Payment due upon application processing
• Tax registrations required before operation begins

Compliance Consequences:

• Failure to register can result in code violations and magistrate referral
• Non-compliance may result in certificate revocation
• Lock-out fees apply for inspection access issues
• Re-inspection fees for failed initial inspections

Best Practices for STR Operators:

• Designate a local responsible party with 24-hour contact availability
• Maintain current emergency contact information
• Ensure guest compliance with noise, parking, and occupancy ordinances
• Display all required signage and certificates prominently
• Keep detailed records of all registrations, inspections, and tax payments

Source Links

1. Bay County Short-Term Vacation Rental Inspections
2. Bay County Ordinance 23-18
3. Community Connect Portal
4. Bay County Fire Safety Self-Inspection Checklist
5. Vacation Rental Registration Application
6. Bay County Tourist Development Tax Registration
7. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing
8. Bay County Noise Ordinance
9. Sea Turtle Nesting Information
10. Emergency Alert Bay County

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors interested in Lynn Haven, Florida. All regulations listed are current as of the provided documentation and may be subject to change. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with property acquisition or operation.