St Augustine Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Vacation Rental Registration ($303.03-$699.53) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit |
| Tax Rate | 11% |
| Max Penalty | Not publicly specified |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Vacation Rental Registration
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $303.03-$699.53 |
| Renewal | $303.03-$699.53 / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: RS-1 and RS-2: minimum 1-week stay required; HP-1: monthly minimum only (not eligible for STR); All Other Districts: nightly rentals permitted.
Application Process
In-person inspection required by city officials; Life Safety Inspection by Fire Department
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Development Tax | 5% | St. Johns County |
| Florida State Sales Tax | 6% | Florida Department of Revenue |
Combined rate: 11% 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; HP-1: monthly minimum only (not eligible for STR); 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 Inspection (annual)
- Address numbers plainly visible from street (minimum 4 inches)
- Smoke alarms in each sleeping room and level
- Carbon monoxide detectors in areas with gas appliances or attached garages
- Portable fire extinguishers on each level
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Not publicly specified
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in St Augustine:
- Meet safety requirements. Life Safety Inspection (annual). Address numbers plainly visible from street (minimum 4 inches). Smoke alarms in each sleeping room and level. Carbon monoxide detectors in areas with gas appliances or attached garages. Portable fire extinguishers on each level.
- Apply for Vacation Rental Registration. Submit application + $303.03-$699.53 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with St. Johns County Tax Collector.
- Collect and remit taxes. 11% on all bookings.
- 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% in lodging taxes. This combines 5% 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 St Augustine?
- Not publicly specified.
Tools for Short-Term Rental Hosts
AdServices that help hosts handle the legal, management, pricing, and cleaning side of a short-term rental.