Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
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Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Generally Investor Friendly
Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Santa Rosa Beach, FL?
Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. However, they operate under one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in Florida, requiring compliance with both state-level requirements and Walton County's detailed Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance. Santa Rosa Beach functions under a dual regulatory system involving Florida state statutes and Walton County's extensive vacation rental regulations, creating a sophisticated but supportive environment for STR investors.
The regulatory structure is designed to balance tourism development with community preservation, reflecting Santa Rosa Beach's position as a premium coastal destination along the famous 30A corridor. While the requirements are extensive, they provide clear pathways for legal operation and enforcement mechanisms that protect both investors and the community.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Starting a legal STR business in Santa Rosa Beach requires navigating multiple regulatory layers. Here's the comprehensive process:
Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation
- Property Assessment: Verify zoning compliance and review any HOA restrictions
- Financial Planning: Account for the 12% combined tax rate (7% state sales tax + 5% Tourist Development Tax)
- Insurance Evaluation: Secure comprehensive liability coverage meeting county requirements
Phase 2: State-Level Registration
- Florida Department of State: Register business entity if property is deeded to a company
- Florida Department of Revenue: Register for state sales tax collection
- DBPR License: Obtain Vacation Rental Dwelling License through online portal
- Human Trafficking Training: Complete required training for any housekeeping staff
Phase 3: County-Level Certification
- Walton County Clerk of Courts: Register for Tourist Development Tax
- Walton County STR Registration: Complete online vacation rental registration
- Local Responsible Party Designation: Identify and document 24/7 local contact
- Safety Compliance: Implement all required safety equipment and documentation
Phase 4: Operational Setup
- Property Information System: Create required posting materials and guest information
- Lease Agreement Compliance: Draft agreements meeting county requirements
- Ongoing Compliance: Establish processes for tax remittance and certificate renewal
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
State-Level Requirements
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Vacation Rental Dwelling License: $50 application fee + $10 training fee + county fees ($150-$400)
- Certificate of Balcony Inspection: Required every 3 years for buildings 3+ stories
- Human Trafficking Awareness Training Certificate: For housekeeping staff
- Display Requirements: License number must appear in all advertising
Florida Department of Revenue
- Sales Tax Registration Certificate: For collecting 6% state sales tax
- Monthly Filing Requirements: Regular remittance of collected taxes
County-Level Requirements
Walton County Clerk of Courts
- Tourist Development Tax Registration: 5% bed tax registration
- TDT Registration Number: Required for all advertising and county records
Walton County Planning Department
- Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate: Annual registration through online portal
- Local Responsible Party Designation: Written designation meeting county standards
- Property Information Documentation: Floor plans, occupancy calculations, parking verification
Property-Specific Documentation
Safety and Compliance Documents
- Fire Extinguisher Certification: Multi-purpose dry chemical 2A:10B:C on each floor
- Smoke Detector Documentation: UL-listed detectors with weekly testing logs
- Emergency Lighting Certification: Battery-powered lighting for primary exits
- Swimming Pool Safety Compliance: Current standards under Florida Statutes Chapter 515
Operational Documentation
- Lease Agreement Template: Must include county-mandated language
- Property Information Sheet: Posted at main entrance with evacuation routes, beach safety, trash information
- Exterior Signage: 216 square inch maximum with responsible party contact and certificate numbers
- Advertising Compliance: All listings must include certificate and TDT numbers
Environmental and Community Requirements
- Sea Turtle Lighting Compliance: May-October nesting season restrictions
- HOA Compliance Documentation: If applicable, proof of community association approval
- Coastal Construction Compliance: Properties must meet coastal building codes
- Flood Zone Documentation: Evacuation routes and emergency procedures
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
Occupancy and Capacity Regulations
Maximum Occupancy Standards
- Calculation Method: One person per 150 square feet of heated/cooled living area
- Alternative Limits: Lower occupancy limits may be established during certification
- Enforcement: Violations result in immediate compliance requirements
Parking Requirements
- New Construction: One space per 900 square feet of gross floor area
- Existing Properties: Parking established during certification process
- Advertising Requirements: Must advertise exact number of available spaces
- Prohibited Parking: No on-street parking in public rights-of-way
Tax and Financial Regulations
Combined Tax Rate: 12%
- Florida Sales Tax: 7% (6% state + 1% local)
- Tourist Development Tax: 5% (South Walton district)
- Collection Responsibility: Property owners must collect and remit TDT
- Platform Limitations: Airbnb and VRBO do not collect TDT
Filing and Remittance Requirements
- Monthly TDT Filing: Due with Walton County Clerk of Courts
- State Sales Tax: Filed with Florida Department of Revenue
- Record Keeping: Detailed records required for audit purposes
- Voluntary Compliance Program: Available for properties coming into compliance
Safety and Life Safety Regulations
Fire Safety Standards
- Smoke Detectors: Required in all sleeping rooms and common areas
- Fire Extinguishers: Multi-purpose dry chemical 2A:10B:C on each floor
- Emergency Lighting: Battery-powered lighting for primary exits
- Means of Egress: Primary and secondary escape routes required
Building-Specific Requirements
- Balcony Inspections: Every 3 years for buildings 3+ stories with balconies
- Multi-Story Evacuation Maps: Required for properties 3+ floors above ground
- Swimming Pool Safety: Compliance with Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act
- Electrical Safety: No permanent use of extension cords
Operational Regulations
Local Responsible Party Requirements
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
- Availability: 24/7 phone access required
- Response Time: Must be able to reach property within one hour
- Monitoring: Weekly property checks required
- Alternate Arrangements: Required during periods of unavailability
Property Management Standards
- Weekly Inspections: Responsible party must monitor compliance
- Trash Management: 35 gallons capacity per 4 occupants minimum
- Noise Compliance: Subject to county noise ordinance (10 PM - 6 AM restrictions)
- Advertisement Accuracy: All marketing must reflect approved capacity and amenities
Environmental and Coastal Regulations
Sea Turtle Protection
- Lighting Restrictions: May-October nesting season special lighting requirements
- Beach Safety Information: Required posting about flag system and penalties
- Wildlife Protection Zones: Special documentation for properties in designated areas
Coastal Construction and Safety
- Flood Zone Compliance: Hurricane evacuation information required
- Coastal Building Codes: Additional requirements for beachfront properties
- Storm Preparedness: Emergency supply recommendations for guests
Contact Information for Local Authorities
Primary Regulatory Contacts
Walton County Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Program
- Email: stvr@mywaltonfl.gov
- Online Portal: waltonvrc.munirevs.com
- Purpose: County STR registration and certificate management
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Walton County Clerk of Courts - Tourist Development Tax
- Phone: 850-983-1950
- Email: TouristDevelopmentTax@SantaRosaClerks.com
- Purpose: TDT registration and remittance
- Address: P.O. Box 472, Milton, FL 32572
State-Level Contacts
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Online Portal: www.myfloridalicense.com
- Purpose: Vacation rental licensing and compliance
- Forms: Available online including Certificate of Balcony Inspection (DBPR HR-7020)
Florida Department of Revenue
- Registration Portal: taxapps.floridarevenue.com/EEnrollment/
- Purpose: Sales tax registration and filing
- Support: Available through online portal
Safety and Emergency Contacts
South Walton Fire District
- Phone: 850-267-1298
- Fax: 850-267-3294
- Email: info@swfd.org
- Address: 911 N. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Purpose: Fire safety inspections and emergency response
Walton County Fire & Rescue Administrative Office
- Phone: 850-892-8111
- Address: 10 Sheriff Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
- Purpose: County fire safety oversight and compliance
County Administration
Walton County Board of County Commissioners
- Address: 76 N 6th Street, P.O. Box 1355, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
- Phone Directory: Available at mywaltonfl.gov/directory.aspx
- Purpose: Overall county administration and ordinance enforcement
Online Resources
Walton County Interactive Mapping
- GIS Portal: waltongis.maps.arcgis.com
- Purpose: Identify wildlife protection zones, flood zones, evacuation routes
Florida Department of State Business Registration
- Portal: dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/forms/limited-liability-company/
- Purpose: Business entity registration for LLC-owned properties
Important Regulatory Updates and Compliance Notes
Recent Changes and Updates
- Enhanced Online Portal: New Walton County registration system launched February 1, 2025
- Certificate Requirements: All advertising must include STR certificate and TDT numbers
- Enforcement: Graduated penalty structure with no warnings for first TDT violations
- Grace Periods: 30-day renewal window for expired permits with specific conditions
Critical Compliance Deadlines
- Annual Registration: Must renew 30 days prior to expiration
- TDT Remittance: Monthly filing required
- Safety Inspections: Balcony inspections every 3 years for qualifying properties
- Certificate Display: Exterior signage and interior posting requirements ongoing
Investment Considerations
- High Tax Burden: 12% combined rate requires careful financial planning
- Premium Market: Higher investment costs offset by exceptional rental rates
- Regulatory Support: Comprehensive guidelines provide clear compliance pathways
- Market Protection: Strong regulations protect investor interests and property values
Sources and References
Walton County Official Sources
- Walton County Short-Term Vacation Rental FAQ: www.mywaltonfl.gov/faq.aspx?TID=65
- Walton County Vacation Rental Registration Portal: waltonvrc.munirevs.com
- Walton County GIS Mapping System: waltongis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c4f2e4f8aa494138be1c8159cb11f446
Florida State Regulatory Sources
- Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing: www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/
- Florida Department of Revenue Tax Registration: taxapps.floridarevenue.com/EEnrollment/
- Florida Department of State Business Registration: dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/forms/limited-liability-company/
County-Level Tax and Administrative Sources
- Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Tax: www.santarosa.fl.gov/283/Tourist-Development-Tax
- Walton County TDT Registration: waltontdt.munirevs.com
- Walton County TDT Information: waltontdt.munirevs.com
Safety and Technical Standards
- Florida Administrative Code 69A-43 (Smoke Detection): Referenced in Walton County regulations
- Florida Building Code Chapter 10, Section 1008.1.8 (Locking Devices): Referenced in county guidelines
- NFPA Standards for Fire Safety Equipment: Referenced in county requirements
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information for educational purposes. Regulations may change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. Consult legal professionals for specific advice regarding property transactions and regulatory compliance.
Santa Rosa Beach
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Santa Rosa Beach
Overview of Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach, FL, a picturesque community in Walton County, is renowned for its stunning landscapes along Florida's Emerald Coast. With a population of around 17,000 residents, it offers a serene environment with easy access to natural beauty and coastal amenities. Located approximately 30 minutes from Destin and about 60 miles east of Pensacola, Santa Rosa Beach is ideally situated for those seeking both tranquility and proximity to larger urban centers.
Santa Rosa Beach is a hub of various outdoor activities and attractions, appealing to visitors looking for short-term rental options. The area is home to the Dune Allen Beach access point, famous for its sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters Dune Allen Beach. Additionally, the pristine Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird watching Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
For those interested in cultural and dining experiences, Gulf Place is a popular town center offering shops, restaurants, and art galleries Gulf Place. Another notable landmark is the Point Washington State Forest, which covers more than 15,000 acres and is perfect for biking and nature trails Point Washington State Forest.
Overall, Santa Rosa Beach's unique combination of natural attractions, active lifestyle opportunities, and charming community ambiance makes it a highly appealing location for short-term rentals, whether for relaxation or adventure.
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