Perdido Key • Escambia County, FL

Perdido Key short‑term rental rules (Escambia County)

Q: Do I need a special Perdido Key permit?

Most requirements are county/state (tax setup + DBPR licensing where applicable). The bigger constraint is usually condo/HOA policy.

Q: What’s the tax rate?

Expect Florida sales tax + Escambia surtax, plus Escambia’s 5% Tourist Development Tax. Confirm what your platform remits.

Q: Are minimum stays common?

Yes—many buildings and HOAs require weekly or longer stays, especially during peak seasons.

Q: Is Perdido Key part of a city?

Most of Perdido Key is unincorporated Escambia County, but always confirm your parcel/jurisdiction.

Q: What’s the main operational risk?

Guest friction in condos: parking, noise, and common‑area behavior. Clear rules and a responsive local contact reduce complaints.

Perdido Key is a quieter, condo‑heavy beach market on the far western edge of Florida’s Panhandle. Because inventory is concentrated in beachfront towers, your STR outcomes are heavily tied to building rules and total HOA cost.

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Short-Term Rental Rules in Perdido Key, Florida

Perdido Key is largely unincorporated Escambia County. Compliance focuses on sales tax + Escambia Tourist Development Tax, DBPR licensing where applicable, and strict condo/HOA adherence.

Rules summary

Are short-term rentals allowed?: Short-term rentals are generally allowed, but zoning and private condo/HOA rules can restrict or prohibit them. Pensacola Beach also has unique leasehold/community constraints that make HOA/condo review critical.
Where is it regulated?: Escambia County (unincorporated areas including most Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key addresses) plus Florida state requirements (sales tax + DBPR licensing where applicable).
Registration or license: Plan to register for Florida sales tax and Escambia County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) (filed through the Escambia County Clerk). If you rent an entire unit as a vacation rental/public lodging, a DBPR vacation rental license may be required.
Local taxes: Florida state sales tax is 6%. Escambia County’s discretionary surtax is 1.5%. Escambia County’s Tourist Development Tax is 5%, for an estimated all‑in lodging tax burden of 12.5% (before platform fees).
Fees: Expect DBPR licensing fees (if applicable) and any condo/HOA registration, parking pass, or amenity fees common in coastal condo buildings.
Occupancy and parking: In high-density beach areas, the recurring friction points are parking, guest limits, and noise. Have a local contact and clear guest messaging to prevent complaints.
Minimum stay: Minimum stays frequently come from condo/HOA policies (some buildings require 7–30+ nights). Verify building rules before you buy.
Enforcement and penalties: Non-compliance can trigger county code enforcement, condo association fines, and tax penalties for late or missing filings.

What to do next

Verify jurisdiction with GIS/property appraiser mapping.
Pull condo docs<: minimum stays, rental caps, guest limits, parking passes, and fine schedule.
Register taxe: Florida sales tax + Escambia TDT (Clerk). Verify platform remittance.
Confirm DBPR licensing requirements for your unit type and offering.
Underwrite HOA reserves (past assessments + future capital plans) before closing.

FAQ

Do I need a special Perdido Key permit?

Most requirements are county/state (tax setup + DBPR licensing where applicable). The bigger constraint is usually condo/HOA policy.

What’s the tax rate?

Expect Florida sales tax + Escambia surtax, plus Escambia’s 5% Tourist Development Tax. Confirm what your platform remits.

Are minimum stays common?

Yes—many buildings and HOAs require weekly or longer stays, especially during peak seasons.

Is Perdido Key part of a city?

Most of Perdido Key is unincorporated Escambia County, but always confirm your parcel/jurisdiction.

What’s the main operational risk?

Guest friction in condos: parking, noise, and common‑area behavior. Clear rules and a responsive local contact reduce complaints.

Official sources

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

Perdido Key STR Market Context

Perdido Key tends to reward “low‑drama operations”: predictable buildings, clear parking rules, and a management plan that prevents noise and elevator‑area issues.

Strong shoulder season performance is often about targeting longer stays and snowbird demand.

What makes this market different

Condo corridor economics: HOA dues + reserves are the true lever—high dues can erase strong ADR.
Snowbird demand: Longer stays can stabilize revenue, but only if your building allows them and your calendar strategy supports it.
Parking + beach gear logistics: Tight parking and common areas mean stronger house rules and better guest communication.
Insurance/maintenance: Salt air and storms accelerate wear—budget for replacements and preventive maintenance.
Tax filings: Escambia TDT filings are straightforward when automated—don’t let them lapse.

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

Short-Term ROI Calculator in Perdido Key

Estimate monthly revenue, expenses, and cash flow for a short-term rental in Perdido Key.

Output · Rough estimates

Estimated gross revenue (annual) $0

Estimated total expenses (incl. debt) $0

Estimated net income (before income tax) $0

Cash-on-cash return (approx.) 0%

Cap rate on purchase (approx.) 0%

Estimated monthly debt service $0

All values are approximate and for illustration only. Real underwriting should layer in property taxes, insurance, reserves, maintenance, capex, and your specific management structure in this market.

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