Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Miramar Beach, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Miramar Beach, FL, which is located within Walton County. However, operators must comply with comprehensive county and state regulations that govern vacation rental operations. The regulatory framework is robust and designed to balance tourism revenue with community safety and neighborhood integrity.

Short-term vacation rentals are defined as any unit, group of units, dwelling, building, or group of buildings within a single complex of buildings that is rented more than three times a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, or which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests.

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

Starting a compliant short-term rental business in Miramar Beach requires following a specific sequence of registrations and certifications. The process involves both state-level and county-level requirements that must be completed in the proper order.

Phase 1: State-Level Registrations

Step 1: Business Entity Registration (if applicable) If your property is deeded to a company, LLC, or other business entity, you must first register the business with the Florida Department of State. This creates your legal business structure and provides the foundation for subsequent registrations.

Step 2: Florida Department of Revenue Registration Register your property with the Florida Department of Revenue for state tax remittal. This registration enables you to collect and remit state sales taxes from guests. If you are exclusively renting through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, you may provide your listing ID(s) as part of this registration process.

Step 3: Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation License Obtain your vacation rental dwelling license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is a mandatory state requirement that classifies your property as a public lodging establishment.

Phase 2: County-Level Registrations

Step 4: Walton County Tourism Development Tax Registration Register with the Walton County Clerk of Courts to remit the Tourism Development Tax (TDT), which is a local tax collected on short-term rentals to support tourism initiatives.

Step 5: Walton County Vacation Rental Registration Complete the final step by registering with the Walton County Vacation Rental Registration Program. This comprehensive registration process verifies compliance with all local ordinances and safety requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation

Application Package Requirements:

• Completed Application Checklist (Form WCSTVR-2301-C)
• Affidavit of Compliance with multi-signature notarization (Form WCSTR-2301-1-S)
• Agent Affidavit if using a managing agent (Form WCSTR-2303)
• Interior and exterior sketches (hand-drawn sketches are acceptable)
• Property ownership documentation
• Business registration documentation (for entities)

Required Forms and Checklists:

• Application Checklist Form WCSTVR-2301-C
• Affidavit of Compliance - Multi-Signature Notary Form WCSTR-2301-1-S
• Agent Affidavit Form WCSTR-2303
• Certificate of Balcony Inspection (for properties 3+ stories)

Licensing Requirements

State-Level Licenses:

1. Florida Department of Revenue Registration - For tax collection and remittance
2. DBPR Vacation Rental Dwelling License - Public lodging establishment classification
3. Business Entity Registration (Florida Department of State) - If operating as LLC or corporation

County-Level Registration:

1. Walton County Tourism Development Tax Registration - Local tax compliance
2. Walton County Vacation Rental Registration Program Certificate - Comprehensive local compliance verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits and Space Requirements

Maximum Occupancy Calculation:

• Standard: One person per 150 square feet of heated/cooled living area
• Alternative: Lower occupancy limit established during the certificate process
• Enforcement: Occupancy must be clearly stated in all advertising and rental agreements

Parking Requirements

Existing Properties:

• Parking capacity established during certification process
• Typically based on existing on-site parking availability
• Must be clearly advertised in all rental listings

New Construction and Conversions:

• Requirement: One parking space per 900 square feet of gross floor area
• Calculation: Based on maximum transient occupancy (1 space per 6 occupants)
• Restrictions: Garage spaces only count if open and available to guests
• Prohibition: On-street parking not permitted in public rights-of-way

Safety and Life-Safety Requirements

Swimming Pool Safety:

• Compliance with Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515, Florida Statutes)
• Required safety measures for pools, spas, and hot tubs

Fire Safety Standards:

• Smoke Detectors: UL 217 listed single station detectors required
• Fire Extinguishers: Multi-purpose dry chemical 2A:10B:C on each floor/level
• Emergency Lighting: Battery-powered lighting for primary exits (minimum 1-hour duration)
• Fire Safety Information: Required evacuation diagrams and safety pamphlets

Building Safety:

• Sleeping Rooms: Florida Building Code compliance
• Locking Devices: Approved locking systems meeting 2007 Florida Building Code Chapter 10, Section 1008.1.8
• Balcony Inspection: Certificate required for properties 3+ stories (valid for 3 years)

Solid Waste Management

Trash Container Requirements:

• Capacity: 35 gallons per 4 occupants (round up to next higher number)
• Container Design: Fully enclosed with secure lids
• Placement: Curbside no earlier than 4:00 PM day before pickup, removed by sunset pickup day
• Storage: Appropriate screening requirements apply

Sea Turtle Protection (Wildlife Protection Zones)

Special Requirements for Protected Areas:

• Sea turtle nesting season restrictions
• Sea turtle lighting compliance
• Wildlife Protection Zone identification through Walton County GIS system

Advertising and Marketing Requirements

Mandatory Information in All Advertising:

• Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate Number
• Tourism Development Tax (TDT) Registration Number
• Maximum occupancy as certified
• Maximum on-site parking availability
• Accurate property description matching certificate approval

Posting Requirements

Exterior Signage:

• Size: Maximum 216 square inches
• Placement: On property wall visible from public right-of-way (not in right-of-way)
• Required Information:
  • Property name/identifier
  • 24/7 emergency contact number
  • Local responsible party contact or county hotline
  • STR Certificate Number

Interior Posting (at main entrance or refrigerator):

• Property address for emergencies
• Local responsible party contact information
• Maximum occupancy statement
• Parking information with sketch
• Noise ordinance notice with fine structure
• Trash and recycling pickup days
• Sea turtle restrictions (if applicable)
• Nearest hospital information
• Beach safety and flag system information
• Evacuation notice requirements

Local Responsible Party Requirements

Qualifications and Duties

Qualifications:

• Minimum age: 18 years or older
• Available by phone 24/7
• Capable of addressing rental-related issues
• Ability to respond to property within one hour of notification

Required Duties:

• Respond to inspections and complaints
• Address immediate property issues
• Monitor property at least weekly for compliance
• Ensure parking and trash compliance
• Act as primary contact for county communications

Management Company Considerations

For Property Managers:

• Must obtain notarized signatures from property owners
• Complete Agent Affidavit documentation
• Can modify registrations on behalf of owners
• Responsible for maintaining compliance documentation

Tax Obligations

State Taxes

Sales Tax:

• Collected from guests at time of rental
• Remitted to Florida Department of Revenue
• Current rate: 6% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes

Local Taxes

Tourist Development Tax (TDT):

• Collected on short-term rentals
• Rate varies by local jurisdiction
• Remitted through Walton County Clerk of Courts
• Separate from state sales tax requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Walton County Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Program

Primary Contact Information:

• Phone: (850) 924-7887, Option 2
• Email: stvr@mywaltonfl.gov
• Mailing Address: 842 State Highway 20E, Suite 110 Freeport, FL 32439

Online Resources:

• Registration Portal: waltonvrc.munirevs.com
• Reporting Violations: 24/7 Hotline at (850) 924-7887
• Online Complaint Form: str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=682

Additional Contacts:

• Booking Meetings: Available through online calendar system
• General Inquiries: stvr@mywaltonfl.gov
• Code Compliance Issues: Contact through main hotline

Supporting Agencies

South Walton Fire District:

• Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
• Phone: (850) 267-1298
• Email: info@swfd.org
• Fire Safety Questions: Primary contact for fire life-safety requirements

Walton County Fire & Rescue:

• Address: 10 Sheriff Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
• Phone: (850) 892-8111

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation:

• Vacation Rental Information: www.myfloridalicense.com/enterprises/vacation_rentals.html
• Licensing Questions: Contact through state portal

Source Pages and Reference Links

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. Walton County Vacation Rental Registration Program
2. Walton County Vacation Rental FAQ
3. Walton County Noise Ordinance

Application and Forms

4. Application Checklist Form WCSTVR-2301-C
5. Affidavit of Compliance Form WCSTR-2301-1-S
6. Agent Affidavit Form WCSTR-2303

Online Registration Portals

7. Walton County Vacation Rental Registration Portal
8. Walton County Tourism Development Tax Registration
9. Florida Department of Revenue Registration

Safety and Compliance Resources

10. SWFD Short-Term Rental Fire Safety Information
11. South Walton Fire District
12. Walton County GIS Mapping System

State-Level Resources

13. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Information
14. Florida Department of Revenue STVR Sales Tax Information
15. Florida DBPR Certificate of Balcony Inspection

Additional Reference Materials

16. Walton County Property Appraiser
17. Florida Fish and Wildlife - Sea Turtle Lighting
18. Walton County Emergency Management

Renewal and Compliance Monitoring

Annual Renewal Process

Registration Renewal Dates by ZIP Code:

• 32550 (Miramar Beach area): August 1 - July 31
• 32461, 32462, 32578, 32413, 32439: November 1 - October 31
• 32459: February 1 - January 31
• 32435, 32455, 32539, 32464, 32467, 32433: May 1 - April 30

Renewal Timeline:

• Begin renewal process 30 days prior to expiration
• Reminder email sent 45 days before expiration
• Late fees apply after expiration

Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement

Violation Reporting:

• 24/7 violation hotline: (850) 924-7887
• Online complaint form available
• Regular inspections based on complaints
• State agency notifications for non-compliance

Penalty Structure:

• Operating without registration: $500/day
• Other violations subject to code enforcement
• Each day of violation constitutes separate offense
• Potential state-level penalties for tax non-compliance

Investment Considerations for STR Operators

Market-Specific Factors

Miramar Beach represents a premium coastal market with strong tourism demand year-round. The regulatory framework, while comprehensive, provides clear pathways for compliant operations. The area's popularity among tourists, combined with established regulatory procedures, creates opportunities for well-managed short-term rental operations.

Operational Excellence Requirements

Successful operations in this market require:

• Proactive compliance management
• Strong local management relationships
• Thorough guest communication
• Regular property maintenance and safety updates
• Responsive issue resolution capabilities

Risk Management

Key risk areas for operators include:

• Compliance with multiple regulatory agencies
• Safety standard maintenance
• Guest behavior management
• Property damage prevention
• Insurance coverage adequacy

This regulatory framework reflects Walton County's commitment to maintaining the quality of life for residents while supporting legitimate short-term rental operations that contribute to the local economy. Investors should approach compliance as a fundamental business requirement rather than a regulatory burden, as adherence to these standards protects both community interests and long-term operational viability.