| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — City of Destin Short-Term Rental Registration (single-family, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes — NOT condos), City of Destin Business Tax Receipt, |
| Tax Rate | ~12–13% combined (6% FL state sales tax + ~1% Okaloosa discretionary surtax + 5–6% Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax) |
| Night / Day Cap | No annual day cap (STR defined as 1 day to 6 months) |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum (1 day to 6 months) |
| Permit Fee | STR registration based on size: <2,499 sq ft $500, 2,500–4,999 sq ft $600, 5,000+ sq ft $700 (a $200/unit figure also appears in some city documents); |
| Penalties | Code Enforcement Special Magistrate imposes fines for failure to register; citations/impoundment for parking violations; noise fines |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | 2 persons per legal bedroom plus 4 additional persons; overall cap of 24 persons per house regardless of bedrooms; occupancy limits enforced 10pm–7am |
Short-term rental operations in Destin, 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 — City of Destin Short-Term Rental Registration (single-family, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes — NOT condos), City of Destin Business Tax Receipt, and Florida DBPR vacation rental dwelling/condo l. The associated permit fees are STR registration based on size: <2,499 sq ft $500, 2,500–4,999 sq ft $600, 5,000+ sq ft $700 (a $200.
Short-term rental operators in Destin should be aware of these tax obligations: ~12–13% combined (6% FL state sales tax + ~1% Okaloosa discretionary surtax + 5–6% Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax). Yes — Florida Dept. of Revenue Annual Resale Certificate (sales tax) and Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax registration; Okaloosa County BTR.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Destin include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: No annual day cap (STR defined as 1 day to 6 months). Occupancy limit: 2 persons per legal bedroom plus 4 additional persons; overall cap of 24 persons per house regardless of bedrooms; occup. Minimum stay: No minimum (1 day to 6 months).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Destin: Allowed only in specific zoning districts — city is divided into 20+ zones with ~13 permitting STRs; condos/apartments exempt from registration but must comply with other rules. Density rules: Unknown (no density cap; grandfathering provisions exist for pre-existing uses). Insurance: Unknown (not confirmed as mandatory in sources reviewed).
Hosts who fail to comply with Destin's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Code Enforcement Special Magistrate imposes fines for failure to register; citations/impoundment for parking violations; noise fines.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Destin: Platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) collect/remit certain taxes; city-issued annual sticker/decal and required signage must be displayed.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Destin with proper registration and permits. Annual registration (Jan 1, due Mar 1); operating an STR is a commercial activity requiring a 'Change of Use' process with Planning/Engineering/Building inspections; notarized Affidavit of Bedrooms an
Yes. Destin requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — City of Destin Short-Term Rental Registration (single-family, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes — NOT condos), City of Destin Business Tax Receipt, and Florida DBPR vacation rental dwelling/condo license.
Short-term rental hosts in Destin are subject to the following tax obligations: ~12–13% combined (6% FL state sales tax + ~1% Okaloosa discretionary surtax + 5–6% Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax).
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Destin may face enforcement. Code Enforcement Special Magistrate imposes fines for failure to register; citations/impoundment for parking violations; noise fines.
Destin proper is in Okaloosa County; nearby Miramar Beach is in Walton County with separate rules ($300/yr Walton Vacation Rental Certificate). Pre-existing/grandfathered uses lapse if ceased for 6 months.
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