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Cocoa Beach

Florida · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Cocoa Beach Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateBrevard County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Brevard County Tax Collector) + Florida state sales tax 6%; exact Brevard County TDT rate to be co
Minimum StayNo minimum night stay requirement; city defines vacation rental consistent with Florida Statutes (rentals <30 days or 1 calendar month, more than 3 ti
Permit FeeCity vacation rental registration fee required (amount set per city registration form). Also required: Brevard County Business Tax Receipt; Florida De
PenaltiesFailure to comply with Ordinance 2020/2023 can result in enforcement action; specific fine schedule to be confirmed with City of Cocoa Beach Developme
Occupancy LimitMaximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants, with a hard cap of 8 total occupants per vacation rental (per Ordinance No. 16
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Cocoa Beach Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Cocoa Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Cocoa Beach, Florida are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are City vacation rental registration fee required (amount set per city registration form). Also require.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Cocoa Beach

Short-term rental operators in Cocoa Beach should be aware of these tax obligations: Brevard County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Brevard County Tax Collector) + Florida state sales tax 6%; exact Brevard County TDT rate to be confirmed with Brevard County Tax Collector.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Cocoa Beach

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Cocoa Beach include: Occupancy limit: Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants, with a hard cap of 8 total occupants per vacatio. Minimum stay: No minimum night stay requirement; city defines vacation rental consistent with Florida Statutes (rentals <30 days or 1 .

Zoning and Location Requirements in Cocoa Beach

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Cocoa Beach: Short-term rentals are allowed only in certain designated zoning districts in Cocoa Beach. Properties outside permitted zones are not eligible. State law (F.S. 509.032(7)(b)) prevents cities from outr. Density rules: No published hard cap on total number of STR licenses citywide.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Cocoa Beach

Hosts who fail to comply with Cocoa Beach's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Failure to comply with Ordinance 2020/2023 can result in enforcement action; specific fine schedule to be confirmed with City of Cocoa Beach Development Services Department.

Platform Obligations in Cocoa Beach

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Cocoa Beach: Platforms collect state sales tax; hosts must independently manage Brevard County Tourist Development Tax registration and remittance.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
City vacation rental registration fee required (amount set per city registration form). Also required: Brevard County Business Tax Receipt; Florida Department of Revenue certificate of registration for sales, surtax, and transient rental taxes; Brevard County Tax Collector Tourist Development Tax registration; Florida DBPR transient public lodging establishment license.
Occupancy Limit
Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants, with a hard cap of 8 total occupants per vacation rental (per Ordinance No. 1645, amending Ch. 26.5-53 of the City Code). Some pre-existing grandfathered properties may have higher limits. All vehicles must be parked in paved on-site parking spaces only — no on-street, sidewalk, right-of-way, or grass parking.
Tax Rate
Brevard County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Brevard County Tax Collector) + Florida state sales tax 6%; exact Brevard County TDT rate to be confirmed with Brevard County Tax Collector
Zoning Restrictions
Short-term rentals are allowed only in certain designated zoning districts in Cocoa Beach. Properties outside permitted zones are not eligible. State law (F.S. 509.032(7)(b)) prevents cities from outright banning STRs, but Cocoa Beach's pre-2011 regulatory framework provides some additional local control.
Minimum Stay
No minimum night stay requirement; city defines vacation rental consistent with Florida Statutes (rentals <30 days or 1 calendar month, more than 3 times per calendar year)
Density Rules
No published hard cap on total number of STR licenses citywide
Platform Obligations
Platforms collect state sales tax; hosts must independently manage Brevard County Tourist Development Tax registration and remittance
Compliance Notes
1. Must register vacation rental property with the City of Cocoa Beach (Ordinance No. 1621, adopted 2020; amended by Ordinance No. 1645, 2023). 2. Must display maximum occupancy on vacation rental registration form. 3. At least one onsite telephone capable of calling 911 must be available in the main level common area, registered with the city and able to receive emergency notifications. 4. Interior posting of noise ordinance and other required notices required in a prominent location. 5. Must comply with Florida Building Code regardless of when the property was built. 6. A designated local responsible party/contact is required.
Effective Date
Original ordinance adopted 2020 (Ordinance No. 1621); amended October 2023 (Ordinance No. 1645) — occupancy cap of 8 persons
Key Notes
Cocoa Beach's ability to regulate STRs is partially limited by state law (2011 Florida Legislature bill preventing cities from prohibiting STRs based solely on their classification). The 2023 amendment specifically addressed community concerns about excessive noise, parking, traffic, and occupancy issues. Governor DeSantis vetoed SB 280 in June 2024, maintaining local ordinance authority.
Penalties
Failure to comply with Ordinance 2020/2023 can result in enforcement action; specific fine schedule to be confirmed with City of Cocoa Beach Development Services Department
Additional Context
Located on Florida's Space Coast (Brevard County). The city has actively strengthened its STR ordinance through multiple amendments. The contact for compliance questions is the Development Services Department. Do not confuse City of Cocoa Beach with the separate City of Cocoa, which has distinct (currently unregulated) STR rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Cocoa Beach?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Cocoa Beach with proper registration and permits. 1. Must register vacation rental property with the City of Cocoa Beach (Ordinance No. 1621, adopted 2020; amended by Ordinance No. 1645, 2023). 2. Must display maximum occupancy on vacation rental reg

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Cocoa Beach?

Yes. Cocoa Beach requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Cocoa Beach?

Short-term rental hosts in Cocoa Beach are subject to the following tax obligations: Brevard County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Brevard County Tax Collector) + Florida state sales tax 6%; exact Brevard County TDT rate to be confirmed with Brevard County Tax Collector.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Cocoa Beach?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Cocoa Beach may face enforcement. Failure to comply with Ordinance 2020/2023 can result in enforcement action; specific fine schedule to be confirmed with City of Cocoa Beach Development Services Department.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach's ability to regulate STRs is partially limited by state law (2011 Florida Legislature bill preventing cities from prohibiting STRs based solely on their classification). The 2023 amendment specifically addressed community concerns about excessive noise, parking, traffic, and occupancy issues. Governor DeSantis vetoed SB 280 in June 2024, maintaining local ordinance authority.

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