Seacrest Beach • South Walton (30A), FL

Seacrest Beach short‑term rental rules (Walton County)

Seacrest Beach is the family‑friendly corridor between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach—close to 30A amenities with a mix of cottages, townhomes, and smaller condo communities. STR performance here is typically driven by beach access, parking, and the exact neighborhood covenants.

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Short-Term Rental Rules in Seacrest Beach, Florida

Seacrest Beach is typically in unincorporated Walton County (South Walton). That means you’ll focus on Walton County’s vacation rental certification/registration program, tourist tax remittance, and any HOA/condo restrictions that apply to your neighborhood or building.

Rules summary

Are short-term rentals allowed?: Short-term rentals are generally allowed in many parts of South Walton, but your exact parcel matters. Zoning and private covenants (HOA/condo) can add stricter limits or prohibit STRs outright.
Where is it regulated?: Primarily Walton County (South Walton / unincorporated county). Florida state rules (tax + DBPR licensing where applicable) still apply. HOA/condo rules may be stricter.
Registration or license: Walton County commonly requires an annual vacation rental registration. You’ll also need to handle Florida sales tax registration and may need a DBPR vacation rental license depending on how the unit is offered.
Local taxes: Florida state sales tax is 6%. Walton County’s discretionary surtax is 1%. Walton County’s local option transient rental tax is commonly 5% in South Walton ZIP codes, for an estimated all‑in lodging tax burden of 12.0% (before platform fees).
Fees: Budget for Walton County’s annual registration fee(s) and possible inspection/administrative costs. Private communities can add separate HOA/resort fees, registration requirements, and fines.
Occupancy and parking: Most complaint-driven enforcement is tied to parking, noise/quiet hours, and over‑occupancy. Even where STRs are allowed, plan for clear guest rules and a fast local response.
Minimum stay: No single county-wide minimum stay is summarized here; minimum nights often come from HOA/condo rules, subdivision covenants, or specific zoning overlays. Verify at the address.
Enforcement and penalties: Expect escalating enforcement for repeat issues (noise, trash, parking, life‑safety). Walton County materials commonly reference significant daily penalties for non-compliance; treat licensing/registration as a must-have.

What to do next

Confirm beach access (deeded access vs public access distance) before you underwrite ADR.
Pull subdivision/HOA docs and confirm minimum stay + rental cap policies.
Register taxes and complete Walton County vacation rental certification.
Create a parking + access guide for guests (maps, codes, and rules).
Line up local vendors (cleaning, maintenance, pool) for peak-season turnaround speed.

FAQ

Is Seacrest Beach an incorporated city?

No—Seacrest Beach is generally unincorporated Walton County. County certification + HOA rules are the typical compliance stack.

Do different Seacrest neighborhoods have different rules?

Yes. Always read the covenants for the exact subdivision or condo building—minimum stays and rental caps can differ.

Do I need a DBPR license?

Depending on your unit type and how it’s offered/managed, DBPR licensing can apply. Confirm for your setup.

How do I reduce complaint risk?

Set a clear parking plan, quiet hours, and a local contact who can respond quickly.

What taxes apply?

Florida sales tax + Walton surtax, plus Walton’s local transient rental tax in covered ZIP codes; verify platform remittance.

Official sources

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

Seacrest Beach STR Market Context

Seacrest often delivers strong occupancy because it sits in the “sweet spot” of 30A: close to premium destinations without always pricing at the very top.

Investors should focus on deeded beach access, walkability, and whether the neighborhood allows weekly/shorter stays.

What makes this market different

Access is everything: Deeded beach access or an easy walk to access points often correlates with higher ADR.
Neighborhood rules vary: Seacrest South vs North-style communities can have very different rental restrictions.
Family demand: Bunk rooms, stroller-friendly layouts, and safe bike storage tend to outperform.
Parking constraints: Townhome clusters can be strict on guest parking—define it clearly in listing + house rules.
<Competition is high: You win with better photos, faster response time, and well-documented guest experience.

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

Short-Term ROI Calculator in Seacrest Beach

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

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