This guide covers Palm Coast, Florida only. Neighboring markets often confused with Palm Coast in STR regulation research include:
- Flagler Beach: Separate city with its own short-term rental rules and enforcement.
- Bunnell: County seat of Flagler County, with distinct STR regulations.
- Ormond Beach: Adjacent city in Volusia County, different local ordinances.
- Daytona Beach: Major city nearby, with its own STR licensing and zoning requirements.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are explicitly legal in Palm Coast, FL, with a robust city ordinance and annual registration, inspection, and operational standards. The regulatory climate is stable, but enforcement is active and complaint-driven.
- Legality Status: 4/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 3/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 4/5
TL;DR
Palm Coast defines STRs as rentals under 30 days and requires annual city registration, a $375 permit, and a $75 inspection fee. The total lodging tax is 12% (7% state, 5% county). Maximum occupancy is 10 guests per property. Enforcement is complaint-driven, with daily fines for violations. The biggest gotcha: Airbnb/VRBO do not remit the 5% county tax—hosts must pay it directly or risk penalties.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Rental of a residential property for less than 30 days or one calendar month Ordinance 2025-01 |
| Registration Required | Yes, annual city and county registration City of Palm Coast |
| Permit Cost | $375 annual registration fee + $75 annual inspection fee Citizen Portal |
| Annual Renewal | Yes, required City of Palm Coast |
| State Sales Tax | 7% Flagler County Tax Collector |
| County Tourist Development Tax | 5% Flagler County Tax Collector |
| Local Accommodations Tax | Not imposed Flagler County Tax Collector |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 12% (7% state + 5% county) Flagler County Tax Collector |
| Airbnb/VRBO Tax Remittance | Platforms do NOT remit 5% county tax; host must pay Flagler County Tax Collector |
| Occupancy Cap | 10 guests per property, max 2 per room WESH 2 News |
| Parking Requirement | All vehicles must park in driveway; no street/sidewalk parking City of Palm Coast |
| Inspection Requirement | Yes, annual inspection required Ordinance 2025-01 |
| Local Contact Requirement | Required for absentee owners Rental Registration Supplemental |
| HOA/Condo Override | HOA/condo rules may supplement city rules Ordinance 2025-01 |
| Enforcement Penalties | $25/day fine for violations, plus admin costs Flagler County Buzz |
| License Cap | Not codified—no cap identified in sources reviewed Ordinance 2025-01 |
| Permitted Zones | [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| Prohibited Zones | [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| Maximum Occupancy | 10 guests per property WESH 2 News |
| Last Updated | 2026-05-22 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Underwriters should model compliance costs at 3.6% of gross revenue, with median Palm Coast, FL STRs earning $39,436 at an average daily rate of $268 and 44% occupancy. The binding constraint is the $450 annual city fee (registration + inspection), plus a 12% lodging tax stack. Hosts must remit the 5% county tax directly, as platforms do not collect it. Fines for noncompliance are $25/day. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Palm Coast, FL?
A short-term rental is any residential property rented for less than 30 days or one calendar month Ordinance 2025-01.
Are short-term rentals legal in Palm Coast?
Yes, STRs are explicitly legal and regulated under city ordinance Ordinance 2025-01.
Does state law allow local STR bans?
No, Florida law prohibits local bans or restrictions on rental duration/frequency, but allows operational regulation Ordinance 2025-01.
Licensing
Is annual registration required for STRs?
Yes, annual registration with both the City of Palm Coast and Flagler County is required City of Palm Coast.
What are the annual permit and inspection fees?
$375 for registration and $75 for inspection, totaling $450 per year Citizen Portal.
Is a state license required?
Yes, a Florida DBPR license for transient public lodging is required City of Palm Coast.
Do I need a business tax receipt?
Yes, both city and county business tax receipts are required City of Palm Coast.
Taxes
What is the total lodging tax rate for STRs?
12%: 7% state sales tax plus 5% county tourist development tax Flagler County Tax Collector.
Does Airbnb/VRBO collect all required taxes?
No, platforms do not remit the 5% county tax; hosts must pay it directly Flagler County Tax Collector.
Is a Department of Revenue certificate required?
Yes, hosts must obtain a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration City of Palm Coast.
Operations
What is the maximum occupancy for STRs?
10 guests per property, with a maximum of two people per room WESH 2 News.
Are there parking restrictions?
Yes, all vehicles must be parked in the property’s driveway; street and sidewalk parking are prohibited City of Palm Coast.
Is a local contact required?
Yes, absentee owners must designate a local representative Rental Registration Supplemental.
Are inspections required?
Yes, annual inspections are mandatory Ordinance 2025-01.
Enforcement
How is STR compliance enforced?
Enforcement is complaint-driven, with fines and live-streamed hearings Flagler County Buzz.
What are the penalties for violations?
$25 per day fine plus administrative costs for noncompliance Flagler County Buzz.
Are there pending changes to STR rules?
No major changes are pending as of May 2026; the current ordinance is in effect Avantio.
Permit Process
Palm Coast requires annual registration for all short-term rentals, including a $375 permit and $75 inspection fee. Operators must also obtain city and county business tax receipts, a Florida DBPR license, and a Department of Revenue certificate. Registration includes submitting a sample lease and designating a responsible party. Absentee owners must provide a local contact City of Palm Coast.
Zoning
Short-term rentals are permitted in Palm Coast, but specific zoning district allowances or prohibitions require verification with the Community Development Department. The ordinance does not regulate rental duration or frequency, in line with state law. HOA and condo association rules may further restrict STRs and are not superseded by city ordinance Ordinance 2025-01.
Taxes and Remittance
STRs in Palm Coast are subject to a 7% state sales tax and a 5% county tourist development tax, totaling 12%. Airbnb and VRBO collect only the state portion; hosts must remit the county tax directly. All rental properties require a business tax receipt and a Department of Revenue certificate Flagler County Tax Collector.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Enforcement is complaint-driven, with the city responding to reported violations. The Code Enforcement Board may impose $25/day fines and administrative costs for noncompliance. Hearings are live-streamed for transparency. The city’s approach emphasizes owner responsibility and public reporting of violations Flagler County Buzz.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
Palm Coast adopted a comprehensive STR ordinance in January 2025, establishing registration, inspection, and operational standards. Florida Senate Bill 280, which would have preempted local STR regulation, was vetoed in June 2024. No major amendments or new restrictions are pending as of May 2026 Avantio.
Comparable Markets
- Flagler Beach, FL: Consider if you want a smaller, beachfront market with separate STR rules.
- Ormond Beach, FL: Consider for proximity to Daytona and different enforcement climate.
- Daytona Beach, FL: Consider for higher tourism volume and distinct licensing requirements.
Sources
- Ordinance 2025-01 Short Term Rentals
- City of Palm Coast
- City of Palm Coast Business Tax
- Flagler County Tax Collector
- Rental Registration Supplemental
- Flagler County Buzz
- Citizen Portal
- WESH 2 News
- Avantio
- Airbnb Help Center
- LegalClarity
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida.
Ready to evaluate Palm Coast as an STR market?
- See Palm Coast revenue data → — Get live median revenue, ADR, and occupancy for Palm Coast STRs.
- Run this deal in our calculator → — Model cash flow and compliance costs for your Palm Coast property.
- Match with a Palm Coast STR agent → — Connect with a local expert for STR acquisitions and compliance.