October 8, 2024
A vacation rental in Fort Walton Beach, FL is defined as an overnight rental occupied for less than six months. It encompasses collectively or individually owned dwellings utilized as transient public lodging establishments.
Yes, investors in Fort Walton Beach, FL can own multiple vacation rental properties without specific restrictions on the number of properties they can own in the area.
In Fort Walton Beach, FL, particularly on Okaloosa Island, zoning restrictions exist for Short-Term (Airbnb) Rentals (STRs). The Okaloosa Island Covenants and Restrictions specifically prohibit residences within the B-1 Private Residential Area from being "operated as a group or rented to transients." Despite the 2011 legislative preemption, these restrictions remain in effect, disallowing STRs in that designated area.
In Fort Walton Beach, FL, investors have the flexibility to own and operate their Airbnb properties as business entities. Establishing a business entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, is permitted for owning and managing Airbnb properties in the area.
In Fort Walton Beach, FL, investors have the option to register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multi-family homes as vacation rentals. These properties qualify as transient public lodging establishments or units in condominiums, cooperatives, or timeshare plans, provided they meet the criteria of being individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, three-family, or four-family houses or dwelling units, aligning with Florida's definition of vacation rentals.
To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Fort Walton Beach, FL, investors must follow these steps:
The costs linked to Vacation Rental Licenses in Fort Walton Beach, FL fluctuate based on the license type and the number of rental units. For detailed lodging-related fees click here.
In Fort Walton Beach, FL imposes vacation rental occupancy limits, particularly in residential multi-family zone districts. The maximum occupancy stands at two people per bedroom, with an additional two people allowed per property. This translates to a total occupancy limit of twelve people per property, excluding children under the age of six.
Investors in Fort Walton Beach, FL are required to undergo property inspection during the Short-Term Rental (STR) license application process.
Fort Walton Beach, FL mandates responsible agent requirements for vacation rentals. A licensed agent for vacation rentals is defined as an operator of a management company authorized by the property or unit owner to rent out the property on a transient basis. The Division is responsible for issuing group licenses and collective licenses for vacation rentals to licensed agents, as per Florida law.
Fort Walton Beach, FL has specific insurance requirements for Vacation Rentals. Property owners typically need Landlord Protection Insurance or Vacation Rental Insurance, providing coverage specific to the risks associated with vacation rental properties, including liability coverage for guests and property damage protection.
In Fort Walton Beach, FL, a Vacation Rental license typically spans one year, necessitating annual renewal to ensure ongoing compliance with local regulations.
