Destin Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Bay Resort Mixed Use (BRMU), Crystal Beach Resort (CBR), Calhoun Mixed Use (CMU), Gulf Resort Mixed Use (GRMU), Holiday Isle Mixed Use (HIMU), North Harbor Mixed Use (NHMU), Residential Office Institutional Tourist Development (ROI-TD), South Harbor Mixed Use (SHMU), Crystal Beach Neighborhood (CBN), Low/Medium/High Density Residential-Holiday Isle.

Application Process

Online application through MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) portal; annual submission required; complete registration yields city-issued annual sticker

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Hosts collect and remit

Rental Limits

Destin does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be up to 6 months.

Occupancy & Density Limits

2 adults per bedroom plus 4 additional persons, maximum 24 persons total

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-Term Rental Registration: Bay Resort Mixed Use (BRMU), Crystal Beach Resort (CBR), Calhoun Mixed Use (CMU), Gulf Resort Mixed Use (GRMU), Holiday Isle Mixed Use (HIMU), North Harbor Mixed Use (NHMU), Residential Office Institutional Tourist Development (ROI-TD), South Harbor Mixed Use (SHMU), Crystal Beach Neighborhood (CBN), Low/Medium/High Density Residential-Holiday Isle

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Destin does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Required signage 18" x 18" with management company name/phone, emergency contact info, occupancy limit, parking spaces available within 7 days of registration
• Emergency contact must be reachable within one hour
• City of Destin Business Tax Receipt required
• Florida Vacation Rental Dwelling License (DBPR) required

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalty: $500 per violation.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Destin:

1. Meet safety requirements. Required signage 18" x 18" with management company name/phone, emergency contact info, occupancy limit, parking spaces available within 7 days of registration. Emergency contact must be reachable within one hour. City of Destin Business Tax Receipt required. Florida Vacation Rental Dwelling License (DBPR) required.
2. Apply for Short-Term Rental Registration. Submit application + $500-$700 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Okaloosa County Clerk of Circuit Court.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. $500-$700 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Destin?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Destin requires a Short-Term Rental Registration.

Does Destin require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Destin allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Destin?

Destin does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Destin?

Short-term rental stays in Destin are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax + 6% Florida State Sales Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Destin?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500.