Laguna Beach, FL Short‑Term Rental Rules (Airbnb & VRBO)

Short-Term Rental Rules in Laguna Beach, Florida

Use this rules summary as a quick checklist before you buy, list, or self‑manage:

Rules summary

Are short-term rentals allowed?

Short‑term rentals are generally allowed in Laguna Beach once you meet Bay County’s STVR Certificate requirements (unincorporated areas) and any applicable state licensing. HOA/condo documents can still restrict or prohibit STRs at the property level.

Where is it regulated?

Primarily Bay County (Ordinance 23‑18 inspection/certification program in unincorporated areas) plus the Florida DBPR for vacation rental licensing. If your address is actually inside Panama City Beach city limits, the city’s certificate rules apply instead.

Registration or license

Unincorporated Bay County requires an annual STVR Certificate application packet (via the county’s portal). The packet typically includes an affidavit/checklist, proof of DBPR vacation rental licensing, and proof you’re registered for Bay County’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT). Certificate numbers must be displayed/used as required in advertising and on-site signage.

Local taxes

Plan for Florida sales tax 6% + Bay County discretionary surtax 1% (total 7%). In the Bay County special taxing jurisdiction, a separate 5% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) also applies and is remitted directly to Bay County (Airbnb/VRBO do not file the 5% TDT with Bay County for you).

Fees

Bay County’s STVR program includes inspection/certificate fees (commonly $250 initial, $150 renewal, plus re‑inspection/lock‑out fees). Always confirm the current fee schedule before applying.

Occupancy and parking

Maximum occupancy is set through the inspection process (based on the floor plan) and must be posted along with required interior information (responsible party contact, trash days, parking guidance, and local rules notices). Exterior signage requirements also apply for many properties in the county program.

Minimum stay

No single Bay‑County‑wide minimum stay rule is summarized in the county STVR inspection program. Minimum stays are most often driven by HOA/condo rules, deed restrictions, or platform settings—verify at the address level.

Enforcement and penalties

Operating without required certification/inspection can lead to code enforcement action, and delinquent lodging tax filings can trigger penalties/interest. Most issues that get hosts in trouble are complaint‑driven (noise, parking, occupancy), so strong house rules and local oversight matter.

What to do next

• Confirm whether the property is in unincorporated Bay County or within Panama City Beach city limits (different certificate programs).
• Verify whether you need a Florida DBPR vacation rental license for your unit/property type and obtain it before operating.
• Register for Florida sales tax and Bay County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) if the property is in the special taxing jurisdiction; confirm filing frequency and due dates.
• If in unincorporated Bay County, complete the STVR certificate application packet, pay the required fees, schedule the inspection, and install required interior/exterior postings.
• Operationalize complaint prevention: parking plan, quiet hours/noise monitoring, trash instructions, and a 24/7 local responsible party contact.

FAQ

Official sources

• Bay County, FL – Short‑Term Vacation Rental Inspections (Ordinance 23‑18 overview + portal links)
• Bay County Ordinance 23‑18 – Vacation Rental Inspection / Certification (PDF)
• Bay County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) – FAQ (rate, district boundaries, remittance)
• Florida DBPR – Guide to Vacation Rentals & Timeshare Projects
• Florida Dept. of Revenue – Sales tax on rentals of living/sleeping accommodations (GT‑800034) (PDF)
• City of Panama City Beach – Short‑Term Rentals (if your address is in PCB city limits)

Last verified: 2025-12-21. Rules and fees can change. Confirm directly with the relevant authority and any HOA or condo association.

Laguna Beach STR Market Context

Laguna Beach underwriting notes (practical, not hype):

What makes this market different

• Treat jurisdiction as the first decision: unincorporated Bay County vs Panama City Beach city limits can change your registration workflow.
• Budget time and money for the safety inspection + signage before your first guest (especially if you’re buying and trying to launch fast).
• The lodging tax stack is meaningful in this corridor—model the total tax burden and confirm what your platform remits vs what you must file directly.
• Neighborhood friction is usually about parking, noise, and trash timing. Clear house rules + a local contact reduce complaint risk.
• If you’re investing for STR income, confirm HOA/condo restrictions in writing—private rules can be stricter than county/state rules.

Investor tip: treat compliance as a first-pass filter. Verify property-specific rules before finalizing purchase assumptions.

Short-Term ROI Calculator in Laguna Beach

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