Executive Overview

Are short-term rentals allowed in Port St. Lucie, FL? Based on the available regulatory information, short-term rentals are currently not regulated at the city level in Port St. Lucie. This means that while state-level requirements apply, investors currently face fewer local restrictions compared to many other Florida municipalities. However, neighboring St. Lucie Village has implemented comprehensive STR regulations, which may signal future regulatory trends.

Market Context

Before diving into regulations, it's important to understand the market dynamics. Port St. Lucie presents a moderate investment opportunity with:

• Population of 195,248 (18.62% growth trend)
• 341 active STR listings with 60% average occupancy
• Average daily rate of $138 and monthly revenue of $1,725
• Median home sale price of $209,000 with strong appreciation (3.81% over 12 months, 70.05% over 5 years)

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Port St. Lucie

Step 1: State-Level Compliance (Required)

Since Port St. Lucie lacks city-specific regulations, you must comply with Florida state requirements:

Obtain Florida Vacation Rental License

• Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Required if renting entire units more than three times annually for periods under 30 days
• License types: Single, Group, or Collective licenses
• Initial application fee: $50 + $10 HEP fee + license fee

License Classifications:

• Single License: One single-family house, townhouse, or unit(s) in a single building owned and operated by the same individual/entity
• Group License: All units within a building or group of buildings in a single complex
• Collective License: Group of houses/units at separate locations (limited to 75 units maximum)

Step 2: Tax Registration

• Register for Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax account
• Obtain local tourist tax account from St. Lucie County Tax Collector
• These are mandatory for all vacation rentals operating in Florida

Step 3: Property Preparation

• Ensure property meets Florida Building Code requirements
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting)
• Verify septic system capacity if applicable
• Confirm adequate parking and improved spaces

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

State-Level Requirements (Mandatory)

1. Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License

   • Application fee: $50
   • HEP fee: $10
   • License fees vary by county, number of units, and timing
   • License fees for St. Lucie County (District 4):
     • Single rental unit: $170 (full year) or $90 (half year)
     • 2-25 rental units: $180 (full year) or $95 (half year)

2. Florida Department of Revenue Sales Tax Registration

3. St. Lucie County Tourist Tax Account

Safety and Compliance Documentation

1. Fire Safety Compliance

   • Smoke detectors in all living units
   • NFPA 101 Life Safety Code compliance
   • Electrical system safety verification

2. Building Code Compliance

   • Florida Building Code adherence
   • Safety equipment installation certificates

3. Sanitation Requirements

   • Septic system capacity certification (if applicable)
   • Waste management compliance documentation

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City Level: Port St. Lucie

Current Status: No city-specific STR regulations in place

• No registration requirements beyond state compliance
• No occupancy limits imposed by city
• No parking restrictions specific to STRs
• No noise ordinances specifically targeting vacation rentals

Important Note: This regulatory landscape could change. Monitor city council meetings and planning department updates for potential future regulations.

County Level: St. Lucie County

Based on the content available, St. Lucie County requires:

• Local tourist tax account registration
• Tourist development tax collection and remittance
• Compliance with county health department requirements for septic systems

State Level: Florida

Comprehensive State Regulations Apply:

Occupancy and Safety:

• No specific state occupancy limits beyond building code requirements
• Mandatory smoke detector installation
• Fire safety compliance per NFPA standards
• Human trafficking awareness training required for housekeeping and front desk staff

Operational Requirements:

• Display of current license(s) in conspicuous location on premises
• Clean, safe, and well-maintained property standards
• Clean bedding and linens between guests or weekly, whichever comes first
• Soap availability for guests
• Sanitization of dishes and glassware between guests
• Vermin-free maintenance

Building-Specific Requirements:

• Buildings of 3+ stories: Certificate of Balcony Inspection every 3 years
• High-rise buildings: Automatic fire sprinkler requirements per NFPA Chapter 13

Contact Information

State Level Authorities

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Division of Hotels and Restaurants
• Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011
• Phone: 850.487.1395
• Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
• Website: www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/
• Customer Contact Center: (850) 487-1395

Florida Department of Revenue

• For sales tax registration and requirements
• Website: floridarevenue.com/

County Level

St. Lucie County Tax Collector

• For tourist tax account registration
• Phone: (772) 462-1400
• Website: stlucietaxcollector.org

St. Lucie County Health Department

• For septic system certifications
• Phone: (772) 462-3800

City Level

Port St. Lucie City Hall

• Address: 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
• Phone: (772) 871-5151
• Website: cityofpsl.com

Comparative Analysis: Nearby Regulatory Environment

St. Lucie Village (Nearby Municipality) While not directly applicable to Port St. Lucie properties, it's worth noting that adjacent St. Lucie Village has implemented comprehensive STR regulations that may serve as a model:

• Mandatory registration with Town Clerk and Board approval
• Initial registration fee: $650
• Strict occupancy limits: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, max 10 persons
• Prohibitions on commercial events and "other events"
• Stringent parking requirements with improved space requirements
• 24/7 designated responsible party requirements
• Noise ordinances prohibiting sound plainly audible from adjacent properties 10 PM - 8 AM
• Enhanced septic system certification requirements

Investment Strategy Recommendations

Immediate Compliance (Current Environment)

1. Focus on State Requirements: Prioritize obtaining Florida vacation rental license and tax registrations
2. Property Preparation: Ensure all safety and building code requirements are met
3. Insurance Review: Verify coverage for vacation rental activities

Risk Management

1. Regulatory Monitoring: Regularly check Port St. Lucie municipal updates for potential new regulations
2. Neighbor Relations: Maintain positive relationships with surrounding property owners
3. Operating Standards: Self-implement best practices seen in other Florida markets

Market Positioning

Given the relatively unregulated environment, Port St. Lucie may present opportunity for investors seeking lower barriers to entry, but the regulatory landscape could change rapidly as seen in other Florida municipalities.

Important Disclaimers and Monitoring

Regulatory Evolution Risk: Florida's STR regulatory environment is rapidly evolving. Many municipalities have implemented or are considering STR regulations. Investors should:

• Monitor Port St. Lucie city council meeting minutes and agendas
• Subscribe to municipal newsletter updates
• Engage with local real estate investment groups for regulatory updates
• Consider the potential for future regulations in investment calculations

Verification Requirements: Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. Regulations can change rapidly, and the information provided represents the regulatory landscape at the time of document preparation.

Source References

• Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing Guide
• BuildYourBnb Port St. Lucie Market Analysis
• St. Lucie Village Ordinance 2023-3

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals and local authorities before making investment decisions.