Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Orange Park, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Orange Park, Florida. The town permits short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) and has established a specific application process through the Economic & Community Development department. However, operators must comply with both local town regulations and state-level Florida requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Orange Park, FL

Step 1: Initial Application and Documentation

New STVR operators in Orange Park must complete a comprehensive application process through the Town's Economic & Community Development (ECD) department. Applications can be submitted in three ways:

• Online: Through the town's permit portal
• Email: Send completed forms to ECD@townop.com
• In-person: Submit at Town Hall

Step 2: Required Documentation Package

New STVR applicants must submit:

• Completed STVR application form
• Affidavit (as specified in the application packet)
• Business tax application
• Compliance with minimum required standards (detailed review required)

Step 3: Business Registration and Licensing

• Obtain Florida state vacation rental license through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Register for state tax collection with Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)
• Apply for local business tax receipt from Orange Park

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Local Requirements (Orange Park)

1. STVR Application Package:

   • Short Term Vacation Rental Application
   • Affidavit
   • Business Tax Application
   • Compliance with minimum standards

2. Zoning Compliance:

   • Property must comply with local zoning laws
   • Site plan review may be required
   • Potential variance applications if property doesn't meet current zoning

State Requirements (Florida)

1. DBPR Vacation Rental License:

   • Required for entire unit rentals more than 3 times annually
   • Two types: Vacation Rental Dwelling or Vacation Rental Condominium
   • Application fee: $50 + $10 HEP fee
   • Annual license fee: $170 (single unit) or $180 (2-25 units)

2. Tax Registration:

   • Florida DOR registration for sales tax collection
   • EIN if forming LLC/corporation
   • State sales tax: 6%
   • Tourist development tax: 5%

Safety and Building Standards

• Florida Building Code compliance
• Smoke detector installation
• Fire safety equipment as required
• Building inspections as needed

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Orange Park Regulations

• All rental properties must adhere to local zoning laws
• Properties must meet minimum safety and operational standards
• Annual business tax renewal required
• Compliance monitoring through Code Compliance department

County Level (Clay County)

• Tourist development tax collection and remittance
• Property tax assessments
• Building code enforcement through county systems

State of Florida Regulations

1. Licensing Requirements:

   • Vacation rental licenses required for entire unit rentals
   • Two license types: Single unit or group/collective licenses
   • Renewal periods vary by district (District 5 - Jacksonville: June 1)

2. Tax Obligations:

   • 6% state sales tax on all bookings
   • 5% tourist development tax
   • Discretionary sales surtax (Clay County rate)
   • Income tax on rental income

3. Safety Standards:

   • Smoke detectors in every living unit
   • Fire extinguisher requirements
   • Building safety compliance
   • Annual inspections may be required

4. Operational Requirements:

   • Display of current licenses in obvious locations
   • Property maintenance standards
   • Guest safety equipment compliance
   • Human trafficking awareness training for housekeeping staff

Contact Information

Town of Orange Park - Economic & Community Development

• Address: 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073
• Phone: (904) 264-9565
• Email: crusso@townop.com
• Alternative Email: ECD@townop.com
• Online Portal: Orange Park permit portal
• Website: www.townoforangepark.com

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
• Division: Hotels and Restaurants
• Phone: Available through main website

Florida Department of Revenue

• Website: floridarevenue.com
• Phone: Available through main website

Important Links and Source Pages

Town of Orange Park Sources

1. Economic & Community Development Forms & Applications: https://www.townoforangepark.com/p/departments1/economic-and-community-development/economic--community-development-forms--applications

2. Short Term Vacation Rental Forms Folder: Available through ECD department (direct link provided in forms page)

3. Code of Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/fl/orange_park/codes/code_of_ordinances

4. Building Division: https://www.townoforangepark.com/p/business/building-inspections--permitting

State-Level Resources

1. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Guide: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/

2. Florida DOR Tax Registration: Available through floridarevenue.com

3. Short Term Rental Fee Schedule: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/lodging-fees/

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Market Dynamics

Orange Park benefits from its proximity to Jacksonville while maintaining suburban appeal. The market shows seasonal variations with peak demand during summer months and winter "snowbird" season.

Investment Strategy Recommendations

1. Property Selection: Ensure zoning compliance before purchase
2. Insurance: Obtain specialized STR insurance coverage
3. Professional Management: Consider local property management services
4. HOA Compliance: Verify no community restrictions on short-term rentals
5. Tax Planning: Work with local tax professionals familiar with STR regulations

Compliance Monitoring

• Annual license renewals required
• Regular compliance with safety standards
• Ongoing tax remittance obligations
• Potential code compliance inspections

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape for short-term rental investments in Orange Park, Florida. Investors should verify current regulations and seek professional guidance for complex compliance issues.