Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in New Smyrna Beach, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are allowed in New Smyrna Beach, but only in designated zoning districts and with proper licensing. You must obtain both city and state licenses to operate legally.

Permitted Zoning Districts

Short-term rentals are permitted ONLY in the following designated zoning districts:

East of the Intracoastal Waterway:

• R-3A East of Atlantic Avenue
• R-4
• R-5
• R-6
• B-4
• M-U (Mixed Use)
• BBH (Bed & Breakfast Hotel)

East of the Intracoastal Waterway and South of Third Avenue:

• R-2A

West of the Intracoastal Waterway:

• M-U (Mixed Use)
• BBH (Bed & Breakfast Hotel)

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Check zoning maps on the city website at www.cityofnsb.com
• Confirm your property is located in an approved zoning district
• Review Section 504.00 District regulations and requirements

Step 2: Obtain Required Licenses

You need TWO licenses to operate legally:

1. City Business License Tax Receipt
2. State Department of Business & Professional Regulation License

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City Business License Tax Receipt Requirements:

Required Documentation:

• Completed Business Tax Receipt application
• Proof of applicable license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulations
• Proof of contract between owner and licensed agent (if applicable)
• Proof of corporate registration or fictitious name registration with the State of Florida (if applicable)
• Federal Tax ID number or Social Security Number
• Collective Registration or Retail Sales Certificate from the Department of Revenue
• General liability certificate

Application Process:

1. Submit Business License Tax Receipt application to the building department
2. Application reviewed and approved by building department and zoning technician
3. Schedule inspection upon approval
4. Pass inspection to receive Certificate of Use
5. Contact finance department for payment amount
6. Obtain Business License Tax Receipt from finance department at 210 Sams Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
7. Annual renewal required (October 1 – September 30)

State License Requirements:

Application Process:

1. Visit DBPR website
2. Select "apply or manage my license" then "Hotels & Restaurants"
3. Select "Apply for a lodging license"
4. Choose appropriate license type for your property
5. Create account and complete application
6. Submit required documents and payment
7. Monitor application status

Resort Classifications:

• Single: 1-4 units located within the same building
• Group: Multiple units located within the same building/complex (no maximum)
• Collective: Up to 75 units located at different addresses within one district

Specific Regulations

City-Level Requirements:

• Zoning Compliance: Must be located in designated zoning districts only
• Annual Business License: Required renewal between October 1 – September 30
• Inspection Required: Property must pass city safety inspection
• General Liability Insurance: Certificate required

State-Level Requirements:

• DBPR License: Required before commencing operation
• Human Trafficking Training: Required for employees performing housekeeping duties or working front desk/reception
• Balcony Inspection Certificate: Required for buildings 3+ stories or with vertical distance of 17+ feet from lowest grade level to any balcony
• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Available with proper documentation (DD214 form and disability verification)

Additional Requirements:

• Main Address: Required for administrative purposes
• Rental Location Address: Complete physical address for each unit
• Fee Payment: License fees calculated based on property type and size

Contact Information

City of New Smyrna Beach:

• Building Department (Business License Questions): (386) 410-2860
• Finance Department: 210 Sams Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
• Website: www.cityofnsb.com
• Online Applications: CSS Portal

State of Florida DBPR:

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
• License Fee Calculator: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/license-fee-calculator/

New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau:

• Phone: 800.541.9621 or 386.428.1600
• Email: info@visitnsbfla.com
• Address: 2238 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Important Resources

Source Links:

• Primary STR Information: https://www.visitnsbfl.com/short-term-rental
• Zoning Maps: https://www.ournsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NSB-Short-Term-Rental-Zone-Maps.pdf
• City Applications Portal: https://newsmyrnabeachfl-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home

Key Documents:

• Business Tax Receipt Information Template
• Rental Property Inspection Checklist
• Certificate of Balcony Inspection Form

Note: Both long-term and short-term rental properties are required to have a local Business License Tax Receipt to operate legally in New Smyrna Beach. Ensure you verify your property's zoning designation before beginning the application process, as short-term rentals are only permitted in specific zoning districts.