Jacksonville Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Jacksonville, Florida?

The short-term rental regulations in Jacksonville, Florida require property owners to secure a land use permit to operate rentals under 30 nights, which are only permitted in specified zones like the Commercial Zone and Historic Core Zone. Hosts must apply for a short-term vacation rental certificate for each property used as a short-term rental, and existing rentals requiring a certificate must apply to the City of Jacksonville Beach4.

Additionally, short-term vacation rentals are allowed in zoning districts where residential uses are permitted, and hosts must comply with licensing and tax requirements, including acquiring a vacation rental license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and a business tax receipt from Duval County and the State of Florida4.

The regulations also specify minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, and hosts must understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind them, such as leases, co-op rules, or HOA rules4.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida has a number of regulations in place for operating short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb and VRBO. The city's municipal code defines short-term rentals as the rental of a residential dwelling unit for a period of less than 30 consecutive days.

To legally operate a short-term rental in Jacksonville, hosts must obtain both a business tax receipt (BTR) and a short-term rental permit from the city.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Jacksonville

All short-term rental hosts in Jacksonville are required to obtain a BTR, which serves as a business license, from the City of Jacksonville Tax Collector's Office. This involves registering the rental property as a business and paying an annual fee.

In addition, hosts must apply for and receive a short-term rental permit from the Jacksonville Planning and Development Department. This permit must be renewed annually and comes with its own set of requirements.

• To operate a short-term rental in Jacksonville (defined as rentals under 30 nights), property owners must secure a land use permit. These rentals are only permitted in specified zones like the Commercial Zone and Historic Core Zone.
• Short-term vacation rentals are allowed in zoning districts where residential uses are permitted, but hosts must comply with licensing and tax requirements. This includes acquiring a vacation rental license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and a business tax receipt from Duval County and the State of Florida. 3
• The initial approval process requires property owners to undergo a Performance Review by the city, which is then assessed by the Planning Commission. After approval, they must secure a business license and ensure compliance with transient lodging tax laws. 4
• Properties registered as vacation rentals must conform to health and safety regulations, including aspects like hygiene, general safety, and periodic inspections. Owners are advised to consult the Jacksonville Code of Ordinances or reach out to the Building Department for comprehensive guidance. 4
• Overall, starting a short-term rental business in Jacksonville involves navigating a set of zoning, licensing, tax, and safety requirements. Careful compliance with the city's regulations is crucial for operating legally and profitably in this market.

Required Documents for Jacksonville Short Term Rentals

To obtain a short-term rental permit in Jacksonville, hosts must submit the following documents:

• Completed short-term rental permit application
• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
• Floor plan of the rental unit
• Proof of liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of $300,000
• Notarized affidavit attesting to compliance with all short-term rental regulations
• The city reviews these materials to ensure the rental property meets safety and zoning requirements before issuing the permit.

Jacksonville Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Jacksonville are required to collect and remit the following taxes:

• 6% state sales tax
• 6% county tourist development tax
• Any applicable city or county occupancy taxes, which can vary by location

Hosts must register with the Florida Department of Revenue to collect and remit these taxes on a monthly basis. Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines.

Jacksonville wide Short Term Rental Rules

In addition to the licensing and tax requirements, Jacksonville has several other rules for short-term rentals:

• Maximum occupancy of two adults per bedroom, plus two additional adults
• Minimum stay of one night
• Prohibition on events or parties
• Requirement to provide guests with a local contact person available 24/7
• Mandatory posting of the short-term rental permit number and local contact information

These rules are intended to address concerns about noise, parking, and other potential nuisances associated with short-term rentals.

Does Jacksonville Strictly Enforce STR rules?

Jacksonville appears to take a relatively strict approach to enforcing its short-term rental regulations. The city has a dedicated Short-Term Rental Enforcement Team that investigates complaints and issues citations for violations.

Hosts found in violation can face fines of up to $500 per day and the potential revocation of their short-term rental permit.That said, some Airbnb hosts on Reddit and Bigger Pockets forums report being able to operate short-term rentals in Jacksonville without issues, suggesting that enforcement may not be uniform across the city.

Overall, Jacksonville seems less Airbnb-friendly compared to some other Florida cities, but determined hosts may still be able to navigate the regulations.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Jacksonville

To start a short-term rental business in Jacksonville, follow these steps:

• Determine if your property is zoned for short-term rentals. The city's zoning code specifies which residential areas allow STRs.
• Obtain a business tax receipt (BTR) from the City of Jacksonville Tax Collector's Office. This serves as your business license.
• Apply for a short-term rental permit from the Jacksonville Planning and Development Department. Submit the required documents and pay the permit fee.
• Collect and remit all required taxes (state sales tax, county tourist tax, etc.) by registering with the Florida Department of Revenue.
• Comply with all other short-term rental regulations, including occupancy limits, local contact requirements, and permit number posting.

Who to contact in Jacksonville about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Jacksonville, contact:

Jacksonville Planning and Development Department

• Phone: (904) 255-7800
• Email: planninginfo@coj.net

City of Jacksonville Tax Collector's Office

• Phone: (904) 630-2064
• Email: taxcollector@coj.net

These departments can provide guidance on the application process, permit requirements, and any zoning restrictions that may apply to your property.

What do Airbnb hosts in Jacksonville on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

On the Bigger Pockets real estate forum, one Jacksonville host commented that the city's short-term rental rules are "very strict" and that enforcement seems to be "hit or miss". They noted that the annual permit renewal process can be cumbersome, and that the occupancy limits can be challenging for larger properties.Another host on the r/AirBnB subreddit on Reddit shared a more positive experience, stating that they were able to successfully operate an Airbnb in Jacksonville by carefully following the regulations.

They emphasized the importance of obtaining the proper licenses and permits, as well as maintaining open communication with the city.Overall, the sentiment from Airbnb hosts in Jacksonville seems to be that the city's short-term rental environment is more restrictive compared to other Florida destinations, but determined hosts can still find ways to operate legally by navigating the regulations.