Executive summary: Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Yulee, Florida. There are no Yulee‑specific STR ordinances, and Nassau County has not adopted county‑wide STR regulations. STR activity is governed primarily by Florida state law. Hosts must operate under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) vacation rental program, meet health and safety requirements, and collect/remit state sales tax plus applicable local transient rental (tourist development) taxes.

1) Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Yulee, FL?

• Yes, short‑term rentals are allowed in Yulee, FL. The unincorporated community does not have local STR ordinances or licensing requirements of its own. STR operation is governed at the state level by Florida statutes and DBPR rules.
• Florida law defines a short‑term rental broadly as any condo or single‑family dwelling rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for fewer than 30 days (or one calendar month, whichever is less), or advertised/held out to the public as regularly rented to guests. Properties meeting this definition are public lodging establishments subject to DBPR licensing and compliance.
• Nassau County has not enacted county‑wide STR restrictions, and the county’s prior communications during the COVID reopening (May 2020) related to vacation rentals were temporary, not ongoing regulations. As a result, investors and hosts in Yulee operate under Florida’s state‑level framework without additional local approvals.

2) How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Yulee, FL

Step‑by‑step playbook:

1. Confirm zoning and use:
   • Verify property use/ownership does not violate covenants, HOA rules, or deed restrictions.
   • While Florida law broadly allows STRs, private restrictions can still limit operation.
2. Apply for the correct DBPR vacation rental license:
   • Choose the correct license class:
     • Condominium Vacation Rental License (for condo units).
     • Dwelling Vacation Rental License (for single‑family, two‑family, or four‑family dwellings).
   • Submit the online application (preferred) or paper application. You can combine multiple properties of the same type under one license; condos and dwellings cannot be combined on one license.
   • Pay applicable fees. Disabled veterans may qualify for fee exemptions with proper documentation.
3. Safety and inspections:
   • Balcony/railing/stairwell safety: If your facility is 3+ stories or has balconies more than 17 feet above grade, you must obtain a Certificate of Balcony Inspection from a qualified inspector every three years and maintain it for DBPR review.
4. Tax setup:
   • Register to collect and remit Florida state sales tax (6%) and any county‑imposed sales surtax.
   • If operating in Nassau County (Yulee), register for and remit the local transient rental/tourist development taxes to the county. Review the Florida Department of Revenue Transient Rental forms for applicable rates, reporting cadence, and remittance instructions.
5. Local approval status:
   • No city or county registration in Yulee is required for STRs. Maintain compliance with state statutes and DBPR requirements.
6. Insurance:
   • Obtain liability insurance appropriate for a public lodging establishment. Personal homeowners policies may not cover hosting activity; consider a dedicated short‑term rental liability policy.
7. Operations:
   • Maintain health and safety standards; ensure guest communications, housekeeping, maintenance, and records retention meet DBPR expectations.

Practical notes:

• DBPR does not require an opening inspection for vacation rentals (unlike hotels/restaurants). A Certificate of Balcony Inspection applies only where the 3‑story/17‑foot condition applies.
• Human trafficking awareness training is required for staff who perform housekeeping or front desk/reception duties.
• Keep thorough records: DBPR license documentation, tax registrations and returns, inspections, and insurance.

3) Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

DBPR Vacation Rental License (Condo or Dwelling):

• License application (online preferred):
  • Main address (owner/operator of record).
  • Rental location address(es) (one per unit; provide valid Florida county).
  • Resort classification:
    • Single: 1–4 units in same building.
    • Group: Multiple units in same building/complex.
    • Collective: Up to 75 units located within one district.
  • Fees payable by credit card at application end.
  • Disabled Veteran Exemption (if applicable): Provide DD‑214 and disabled veteran documentation.
  • Certificate of Balcony Inspection (when applicable): Required every three years for 3+ stories or balconies ≥17 feet above grade.
  • Human trafficking awareness training: Documentation that applicable staff completed required training.

Safety requirements:

• Certificate of Balcony Inspection for applicable facilities; ensure balconies, stairways, and railings are inspected by a qualified professional and found safe.

Tax registrations and filings:

• State sales tax registration and remittance (6% + any county sales surtax).
• Local transient rental/tourist development tax registration and remittance to the county (Nassau County).
• Use Florida Department of Revenue transient rental forms (e.g., DR‑15 series) to report lodging taxes.

Insurance:

• Liability coverage appropriate for a transient public lodging establishment; confirm coverage extends to short‑term rental activities.

Optional documentation:

• Internal house rules, guest agreements, and operations manuals (recommended for risk management, though not required by statute).

4) Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Yulee (city level):

• No local STR ordinances or permits. STRs are permitted under state law subject to DBPR rules.

Nassau County:

• No county‑wide STR regulations identified in the sources. Temporary COVID‑related guidance from May 2020 does not constitute ongoing regulation.
• Local transient rental/tourist development taxes apply; hosts must register and remit.

State (Florida):

• Definition of short‑term rental:
  • Any condo/cooperative or individually/colletively owned single‑family, two‑family, or four‑family dwelling that is rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for fewer than 30 days or one calendar month (whichever is less), or is advertised/held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests.
• Licensing:
  • DBPR vacation rental license required (condo vs dwelling).
  • Condo and dwelling licenses are separate; properties can be combined under the same class.
• Safety:
  • Certificate of Balcony Inspection required for facilities ≥3 stories or balconies ≥17 feet above grade; three‑year cycle.
• Tax obligations:
  • Florida state sales tax (6%) plus county sales surtax (varies by county).
  • Local transient rental/tourist development taxes paid to the county.
  • Use Florida Department of Revenue forms (e.g., DR‑15 series) to report and remit lodging taxes.
• Employee training:
  • Human trafficking awareness training required for housekeeping and front desk/reception staff.

5) Taxes and Insurance Essentials

State and local taxes:

• State sales tax: 6%; remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue.
• County sales surtax: Varies by county; check current surtax rates.
• Local transient rental/tourist development tax: Paid to the county (e.g., Nassau County). Consult the Department of Revenue transient rental forms for rates, filing cadence, and instructions.

Insurance:

• Liability coverage is essential. Many homeowners policies do not cover short‑term rental activities. Dedicated STR liability insurance typically ranges by property size and risk profile; selection should be based on property type, occupancy, and safety features.

Recordkeeping:

• Maintain license documentation, safety inspections, tax registrations/returns, guest records, and insurance certificates.

6) Contacts and Local Authority (Yulee/Nassau County, Florida)

Authority:

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants — Vacation Rental Program
  • Online application portal and guidance: Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licenses (see link under References)
  • Phone: 850‑487‑1395
  • Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Local county contact (general inquiries):

• Nassau County Board of County Commissioners
  • Phone: 904‑530‑6010 or 866‑474‑1446
  • Address: 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 1, Yulee, FL 32097
  • Email (press information only): srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
  • Website: www.nassaucountyfl.com

Note: For Nassau County tax administration specifics (tourist development tax registration/remittance), consult the Florida Department of Revenue or the county tax collector’s office.

7) Citations and Source Links

1. Checkmate Rentals — Yulee, Florida: Airbnb management overview and STR law summary for Yulee

   • www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/yulee-florida

2. Nassau County — Press release on vacation rentals (May 17, 2020)

   • www.nassaucountyfl.com/DocumentCenter/View/20110/05-16-20-PR-Re-Vacation-Rentals

3. iGMS — Everything You Need to Know About Florida Short‑Term Rentals Law

   • www.igms.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-florida-short-term-rentals-law

4. Florida DBPR — Vacation Rental Licenses

   • Condo Vacation Rental License application (DBPR): www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2006
   • Dwelling Vacation Rental License application (DBPR): www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&SID=&boardid=200&professionid=2007
   • Vacation Rental Licensing Guide (DBPR): www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/vrtsp-guide/

5. Florida Department of Revenue — Transient Rental/Tourist Development Tax Form

   • floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/dr15tdt.pdf

6. Florida Department of Revenue — County Sales Surtax Information

   • floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/dr15dss.pdf

Disclaimers

• This guide summarizes publicly available information from the cited sources and is not legal advice. Regulations can change; consult DBPR guidance and local authorities for current requirements before operating a short‑term rental in Yulee, FL.