| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | Nassau County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Nassau County Tax Collector — confirm current rate at nassautaxes.com) + Florida state sales tax 6% |
| Minimum Stay | Less than 30 days (short-term) permitted only in R-3 zones or for grandfathered properties; all other zones require minimum 29+ nights (30+ days) per |
| Permit Fee | Resort Rental Dwelling Permit (RRDP) required — annual renewal with late fees: 10% after October 1, 15% after November 1, 20% after December 1, 25% af |
| Penalties | Non-compliant STR operations referred to Code Enforcement; fines and permit revocation possible for repeated violations |
| Occupancy Limit | Not explicitly stated in found ordinance text; subject to RRDP inspection checklist standards |
Short-term rentals in Fernandina Beach, Florida are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Resort Rental Dwelling Permit (RRDP) required — annual renewal with late fees: 10% after October 1, .
Short-term rental operators in Fernandina Beach should be aware of these tax obligations: Nassau County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Nassau County Tax Collector — confirm current rate at nassautaxes.com) + Florida state sales tax 6%.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Fernandina Beach include: Occupancy limit: Not explicitly stated in found ordinance text; subject to RRDP inspection checklist standards. Minimum stay: Less than 30 days (short-term) permitted only in R-3 zones or for grandfathered properties; all other zones require mini.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Fernandina Beach: STRs (resort rentals) are ONLY permitted in R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning districts. Properties in R-1 or R-2 zoning districts are prohibited from operating as STRs UNLESS they received a vali. Density rules: No published hard citywide cap on RRDP permits; eligibility limited by zoning district (R-3 only for new permits).
Hosts who fail to comply with Fernandina Beach's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Non-compliant STR operations referred to Code Enforcement; fines and permit revocation possible for repeated violations.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Fernandina Beach: RRDP permit number must be clearly published on all online listings (e.g., 'City of Fernandina Beach, Short-Term Rental License # RRDP-00000-0000'). Failure to display permit number on listings is a c.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Fernandina Beach but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. 1. Obtain Resort Rental Dwelling Permit (RRDP) from the City before listing. 2. Display RRDP number prominently on all online listings. 3. Long-term rental listings must show 29 nights or more (30+ da
Yes. Fernandina Beach requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Fernandina Beach are subject to the following tax obligations: Nassau County Tourist Development Tax (rate set by Nassau County Tax Collector — confirm current rate at nassautaxes.com) + Florida state sales tax 6%.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Fernandina Beach may face enforcement. Non-compliant STR operations referred to Code Enforcement; fines and permit revocation possible for repeated violations.
Fernandina Beach maintains regulatory autonomy through its pre-June 2011 grandfathered ordinance status, giving it greater local STR control than most Florida municipalities. The city proactively enforces compliance. Nassau County (not the city) regulates long-term rentals in non-R-3 zones. The municipal code for Resort Rental Dwelling Permits is available at Municode: library.municode.com/fl/fern
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