St Augustine Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Vacation Rental Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: RS-1 and RS-2: minimum 1-week stay required (nightly rentals not allowed); HP-1: monthly or greater rental period; All Other Districts: nightly rentals permitted.

Application Process

In-person inspection required by city officials; Life Safety Inspection by Fire Department

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 11.5% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit (host pays through county tax collector)

Rental Limits

St Augustine does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional children under 18; maximum 12 total occupants

Zoning & Restrictions

• Vacation Rental Registration: RS-1 and RS-2: minimum 1-week stay required (nightly rentals not allowed);
• HP-1: monthly or greater rental period;
• All Other Districts: nightly rentals permitted

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

St Augustine 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

• Life-safety standards as established by local, state, and federal regulations
• Smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and fire extinguisher for each rental unit
• Each bedroom must have one primary and one secondary means of egress, maintained, unobstructed, and operable
• Maximum occupancy, guest visiting hours, trash collection schedule, emergency contact information, and emergency evacuation information visibly posted in each rental unit
• Fire exits clearly marked and emergency lighting provided consistent with NFPA Life Safety Code 101 Chapter 7

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations may be prosecuted pursuant to article VI, code enforcement, or any other procedure and remedy available to the city, including revocation of the vacation rental registration

Market Snapshot

Demand context for St Augustine from official government and tourism statistics — the latest published annual figures, not a projection of rental income.

Major annual events: Nights of Lights (Mid-November through January) · THE PLAYERS Championship (March) · St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival (May) · Sing Out Loud Festival (September)

Figures are the latest annual statistics published by the linked official sources (retrieved 2026-07-13). Visitor counts cover the geography stated by each source, which can be wider than the city itself. Regulations above — not market conditions — determine whether and how you may operate.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Meet safety requirements. Life-safety standards as established by local, state, and federal regulations. Smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and fire extinguisher for each rental unit. Each bedroom must have one primary and one secondary means of egress, maintained, unobstructed, and operable. Maximum occupancy, guest visiting hours, trash collection schedule, emergency contact information, and emergency evacuation information visibly posted in each rental unit. Fire exits clearly marked and emergency lighting provided consistent with NFPA Life Safety Code 101 Chapter 7.
2. Apply for Vacation Rental Registration. Submit application + $303.03-$699.53 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with St. Johns County Tax Collector.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 11.5% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. $303.03-$699.53 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in St Augustine?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in St Augustine requires a Vacation Rental Registration.

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

No. St Augustine 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 St Augustine?

St Augustine 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 St Augustine?

Short-term rental stays in St Augustine are subject to a combined 11.5% in lodging taxes. This combines 5% Tourist Development Tax + 6% Florida State Sales Tax + 0.5% Discretionary Sales Surtax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in St Augustine?

Violations may be prosecuted pursuant to article VI, code enforcement, or any other procedure and remedy available to the city, including revocation of the vacation rental registration.