Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Wewahitchka, Florida (Gulf County). The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals, including a dedicated licensing system, inspection requirements, and tax obligations. The county has implemented Ordinance 2020-04 specifically governing short-term rental business operations, demonstrating a structured approach to managing this sector.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Wewahitchka/Gulf County

Step 1: Understand the Licensing Requirements

Before operating any short-term rental in Gulf County, you must obtain a Short-Term Rental Business License through the county's online portal system.

Step 2: Register for the License

Create an account and apply through the Gulf County Short-Term Rental License Portal at: **www.citizenserve.com/gulfcounty**

Step 3: Complete Required Inspections

All short-term rental properties must pass safety and compliance inspections before receiving approval.

Step 4: Obtain Business License

Once your application is processed and inspections are completed, you'll receive your official business license.

Step 5: Register for Tourist Development Tax

You must register with the Gulf County Tax Collector to collect and remit the required 5.0% tourist development tax.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental Business License (mandatory for all STR operations)
2. Property registration through the online portal
3. Application fees (amount to be determined through the portal)
4. Proof of property ownership or legal right to operate

Inspection Requirements:

1. Safety inspection using the Gulf County Short-Term Rental Inspection Checklist
2. Compliance verification with all applicable building codes
3. Occupancy limit verification
4. Fire safety compliance
5. Waste service compliance verification

Tax Registration:

1. Tourist Development Tax Registration with Gulf County Tax Collector
2. Sales tax registration with Florida Department of Revenue (if required)

Compliance Documents:

1. Waste collection service verification (mandatory 2x per week for rentals under 6 months in tourist corridor)
2. Non-discrimination policy acknowledgment
3. Building code compliance (Florida Building Code 2023 eighth edition adopted)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Gulf County Regulations (Applies to Wewahitchka):

Licensing Requirements:

• All STRs must be licensed through the county portal
• Annual license renewal required
• Each property requires its own license

Operational Requirements:

• Waste collection service mandatory 2x per week for rentals under 6 months in tourist corridor
• Compliance with Florida Building Code 2023 eighth edition
• Adherence to occupancy limits and safety standards
• Non-discrimination policy compliance

Inspection Requirements:

• Initial inspection required before operation
• Ongoing compliance inspections as needed
• Fire safety and building code compliance mandatory

Tax Obligations:

• 5.0% Gulf County Tourist Development Tax must be collected and remitted
• Monthly filing and remittance required
• Separate from Airbnb's state sales tax agreement

State-Level Florida Requirements:

• Florida Building Code compliance
• State sales tax remittance (handled through Airbnb's agreement with FL DOR)
• Property insurance requirements (standard property insurance)
• Local business tax receipt (if required by county)

Tourist Corridor Specific Requirements:

For properties in the tourist corridor:

• Mandatory waste collection service 2x per week
• Enhanced safety requirements
• Seasonal operation considerations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Licensing Contact:

Gulf County Tourist Development Council

• Phone: 850-229-7800
• Alternative: 800-482-GULF
• Email: STRLicense@visitgulf.com
• Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 am-5:00 pm EST
• Address: 150 Captain Fred's Place, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456

Building Department (for inspections and permits):

Gulf County Building Department

• Phone: (850) 229-8944 Ext 1
• Code Enforcement: (850) 229-8944 Ext 2
• Planning Department: (850) 229-9562 Ext 3
• Fax: (850) 512-1376
• Mailing Address: 1000 Cecil G. Costin, Sr. Blvd. Room 400, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 am - 5:30 pm EST
• Key Personnel:
  • Michael Hammond, Building Official
  • Various Building Inspectors available for inspection scheduling

Tax Collector (for tourist tax registration):

Gulf County Tax Collector

• Phone: (850) 229-6116
• Email: tmonette@gulfcounty-fl.gov
• Main Office: 1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr Blvd - Room 147, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
• Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm EST
• Wewahitchka Satellite Office: 151 North 3rd Street, Wewahitchka FL 32465
• Wewahitchka Hours: 8:30 am -4:00 pm central (October 1st update)

Links to Source Pages

Primary Licensing and Regulatory Resources:

1. Gulf County Short-Term Rental License Portal: www.citizenserve.com/gulfcounty
2. Gulf County STR Information Page: www.visitgulf.com/partners/strlicense/
3. Gulf County Ordinance 2020-04: assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/gulfcountyfl/Ordinance_7059ca9a-2465-4624-87e3-0fc62912ca32.pdf
4. Short-Term Rental Inspection Checklist: assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/gulfcountyfl/STR_Inspection_Checklist_New_Version_8189375e-73a9-4513-9075-1a0764014691.pdf
5. Short-Term Rental Steps Guide: assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/gulfcountyfl/2025_STR_Rack_Card_New_1__376fdf11-88a8-4956-a5a6-4fdc79d51589.pdf

Government and Compliance Resources:

6. Gulf County Building Department: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/county_government/building_department
7. Gulf County STR Inspection Record: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6500990/File/Building%20Depart/GC%20Rental%20Inspection.pdf
8. Gulf County Business License Ordinance 2020-04: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6500990/File/County%20Government/Building%20Department/DOC_20210325093612.pdf

Tax and Revenue Resources:

9. Gulf County Tourist Development Tax Information: gulftaxcollector.com/tourist-development-tax

Additional Compliance Notes

Important Reminders:

• Airbnb's agreement with the Florida Department of Revenue does NOT cover Gulf County's 5.0% tourist tax - you must register separately
• The county has adopted Florida Building Code 2023 eighth edition (as of January 1, 2025)
• Septic permits are now issued through Florida Department of Environmental Protection (as of January 1, 2025)
• Non-discrimination policy compliance is required
• Waste service requirements vary by location and rental duration

This regulatory framework provides a clear path for legitimate short-term rental operations in Wewahitchka and throughout Gulf County, with specific requirements designed to ensure public safety and community standards while allowing property owners to participate in the tourism economy.