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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Starke, Florida. However, there are no specific city-level short-term rental ordinances identified in the provided documentation. The regulatory framework operates under existing zoning classifications and general development regulations, with safety requirements established at the county level.

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

Step 1: Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, verify that your intended property location allows for short-term rental operations:

1. Review the Starke Land Development Code to determine zoning classifications
2. Identify applicable zoning districts: The code establishes residential districts (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1D, RM-1, RM-2) and multi-family residential districts (R-2A, R-2B)
3. Check for "Tourist home" or "Hotel/motel" provisions in your specific zoning district
4. Consider special exception requirements if your intended use is not explicitly permitted

Step 2: Development Approvals

1. Obtain site plan approval if required (see Article III, Division 2 of the Land Development Code)
2. Secure building permits for any construction or renovation work
3. Obtain certificate of occupancy before operation

Step 3: Safety and Health Compliance

Mandatory: Follow the Bradford County Safety Plan for Vacation Rental Operations approved May 27, 2020.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City-Level Requirements

1. Building Permit (if any construction/renovation is planned)
2. Certificate of Occupancy
3. Zoning Compliance Documentation
4. Site Plan Approval (for development projects)

County-Level Safety Requirements

All vacation rentals must comply with the Bradford County Safety Plan, which mandates:

• Cleaning and sanitation protocols between guest stays
• Public health safety measures including CDC guidance for shared amenities
• Mobile communication and payment systems
• Remote check-in/check-out procedures
• Publicly displayed signage regarding cleaning practices and COVID-19 prevention

State-Level Requirements

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for:

• State business licenses
• Professional regulation compliance
• Tax registration requirements

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Starke Regulations

No explicit short-term rental ordinances found in the provided Land Development Code. However, the following general provisions apply:

Zoning Districts with Potential STR Applicability

• Residential Districts (R-1A through R-1D): Single-family residential
• Multi-Family Residential (R-2A, R-2B): Multi-unit residential
• Mobile Home Districts (RM-1, RM-2): Mobile home parks and subdivisions

Relevant Definitions from Starke Code

• "Dwelling unit": A building or portion thereof with complete kitchen and bathroom facilities
• "Tourist home": A building where lodging accommodations are offered to transients with daily charge
• "Hotel (motel, motor lodge)": A building offering lodging with or without kitchen facilities

Development Standards

• Off-street parking requirements (Article VI, Division 1)
• Sign regulations (Article VI, Division 2)
• Home occupation provisions may apply to owner-occupied STRs

Bradford County Requirements

Mandatory Safety Plan for Vacation Rentals (effective May 27, 2020):

Operational Requirements

1. Turnover Period: Adequate time between guest stays for cleaning and sanitation
2. Surface Disinfection: All frequently-touched surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between stays
3. Linens and Service Items: Must be washed between each rental
4. Supply Provision: Adequate soap and sanitation supplies for guest use
5. Shared Amenity Safety: CDC-compliant protocols for pools, gyms, and communal spaces
6. Digital Operations: Mobile platforms encouraged for guest communication and payments
7. Contact Minimization: Remote check-in/out procedures required
8. Public Notification: Cleaning practice notices must be publicly displayed
9. Guest Safety Signage: COVID-19 prevention reminders required

Compliance Monitoring

• Plan displayed on Bradford County website
• Regular review and updates by county authorities

State of Florida Regulations

The DBPR approved Bradford County's vacation rental safety plan on May 27, 2020, enabling operation during the COVID-19 recovery period. For additional state-level requirements, contact:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency
• Phone: 850.413.0755
• Fax: 850.921.4094

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Starke

Administrative Official (responsible for zoning interpretation)

• Location: City Hall (address not specified in provided documents)
• Contact through: Starke City Commission

Code Enforcement Board

• Handles: Violations of city codes and ordinances
• Powers: Assessment of fines and penalties

Bradford County

County Manager's Office

• Address: 945 North Temple Avenue, P.O. Drawer B, Starke, Florida 32091
• Phone: (904) 966-6327
• Fax: (904) 368-3903
• Email: boc c@bradfordcountyfl.gov
• Website: www.bradfordcountyfl.gov

Board of County Commissioners

• Chairman: Danny Riddick
• Vice-Chairman: Ross Chandler
• District Commissioners: Kenny Thompson, Chris Dougherty, Frank Durrance

State Level

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Secretary: Halsey Beshears
• Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000
• Phone: 850.413.0755
• Fax: 850.921.4094
• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com

Links to Source Pages

1. Bradford County Vacation Rental Safety Plan: www.fl-counties.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/Bradford%205.27.20%20Safey%20Plan%20for%20Vacation%20Rentals.pdf

2. City of Starke Land Development Code: www.cityofstarke.org/wp-content/uploads/Land-Development-Regulations.pdf

3. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Emergency Information: www.myfloridalicense.com/emergency

4. Bradford County Government Website: www.bradfordcountyfl.gov

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Regulatory Gaps

• No specific STR ordinances: Unlike many jurisdictions, Starke lacks dedicated short-term rental regulations
• Interpretation required: STR operators may need to seek zoning interpretations for their specific property and use case
• Compliance uncertainty: Operators should work closely with city officials to ensure compliance

Operational Advantages

• Safety framework established: County-level safety plan provides clear operational guidance
• Flexibility in zoning: Residential properties may be suitable for STR use depending on zoning classification
• Supportive county government: County has demonstrated willingness to enable vacation rental operations

Risk Factors

• Regulatory changes: City or county may adopt specific STR ordinances in the future
• Enforcement uncertainty: Lack of specific regulations may lead to inconsistent enforcement
• Zoning conflicts: Properties may face zoning challenges if classified as commercial rather than residential use

This analysis is based solely on the provided documentation. Prospective STR operators should consult directly with city and county officials to verify current requirements and obtain specific guidance for their intended property and operation type.