This page states what the City of Destin says about short-term rentals: where they are allowed, what the city requires, and what taxes apply.
The city lists the zoning districts where short-term rentals are allowed.
“Short Term Rentals are generally allowed in the following zoning districts within the City of Destin:”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
What this means for you: The city says rentals are generally allowed in a listed set of zoning districts. The full list is below. Check your address before you rent.
Where the quote says rentals are allowed, an owner who rents on Airbnb or Vrbo can use BnBGenius, which answers guest messages on Airbnb and Vrbo 24/7.
What Is Banned or Limited
Registration comes first before you offer or allow a single-family dwelling unit as a seasonal rental.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to allow another person to occupy any single family dwelling unit as a seasonal resident within the City of Destin, or offer such rental services within the City of Destin, unless the person has been registered with the City of Destin in accordance with the provisions of this article.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-105
“Dwelling, single-family shall mean for the purposes of this article a residential structure that may either be detached from any other residential structure or be attached to a wall of another residential structure such as townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-104
“Seasonal resident shall mean people, guests, tourists, lessees, vacationers, or others who lease or rent a single-family dwelling unit for valuable consideration for a period of time between one (1) day to no more than six (6) months.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-104
What this means for you: You must register with the city first. This comes before you offer the home as a seasonal rental. It also comes before anyone occupies it that way. The code counts detached homes, townhomes, duplexes and triplexes as single-family dwellings. A seasonal resident is anyone who pays to rent the unit. The stay runs from one day up to six months. Renting this way without registering is against the city code.
Condominium units have their own registration rule.
“It shall be unlawful within the City of Destin, for any person to allow another person to occupy any condominium unit for one hundred and eighty days or less, or offer such rental services within the City of Destin, unless the unit has been registered with the City of Destin in accordance with the provisions of this Article VI(A).”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-119
What this means for you: If you rent a condominium unit for 180 days or less, it must be registered with the city first. Even offering the rental without registering is against the code.
Where Short-Term Rentals Are Allowed
The city’s own FAQ gives the list of districts.
“Short Term Rentals are generally allowed in the following zoning districts within the City of Destin:”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“Bay Resort Mixed Use (BRMU) Crystal Beach Resort (CBR) Calhoun Mixed Use (CMU) Gulf Resort Mixed Use (GRMU) Holiday Isle Mixed Use (HIMU) North Harbor Mixed Use (NHMU) Residential, Office Institutional Tourist Development (ROI-TD) South Harbor Mixed Use (SHMU) Crystal Beach Neighborhood (CBN) Low Density Residential-Holiday Isle (LDR-HI) Medium Density Residential-Holiday Isle (MDR-HI) High Density Residential-Holiday Isle (HDR-HI)”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“See “Zoning Map’on the city’s website for location of zoning district area.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
What this means for you: This is the city’s own list. It names 12 zoning districts. The quote says rentals are “generally” allowed in them. Match your parcel’s district on the zoning map to this list. If your address is not clear, ask the city before you rent.
How to Check Your Address
The city offers an interactive zoning map.
“Follow the link below for the City of Destin’s Interactive Planning & Zoning Map. The Zoning Districts are depicted in various colors.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
The Source link under the quote opens the city’s FAQ. Use the map link there to find your parcel. Click your parcel and read the zoning district. Then compare it with the list of 12 districts above. If you are unsure, contact the city and ask about your address.
What the City Requires Where Rentals Are Allowed
Application and fee. For a single-family dwelling unit, the code lists these items in the application.
“Valid and current City of Destin Business Tax Receipt.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-107
“Valid and current Florida Department of Revenue Annual Resale Certificate under F.S. ch. 212, and a valid current department of business and professional regulation vacation rental dwelling license under F.S. ch. 509.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-107
The city’s FAQ lists the registration fee by the size of the property.
“Less Than or Equal to: 2499 sq. ft. $500 2500 – 4999 sq. ft. $600 Greater Than or equal to: 5000 sq. ft. $700”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
What this means for you: You need three documents. You need a valid, current City of Destin Business Tax Receipt. You also need a Florida Department of Revenue Annual Resale Certificate. You need a DBPR vacation rental dwelling license too. Get all three before you rent.
The city also states that registration is yearly.
“Yes, properties have to be registered each year.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
Registration period and late fees. The city FAQ states the registration period and late fees.
“Registration commences on January 1st of each year. Late fees assessed after March 31st of $100 and then again after June 1st, the late fee will be $500.00.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“All short-term rental registrations issued under the provisions of this article shall be valid for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months and expiring on the last day of February of each calendar year.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-112
“Short-term rental registrations are due March 1 of each year; any such renewal registration received after March 1 of each year is considered late and is subject to a late fee of fifty ($50.00) and must be paid in addition to any other applicable fees prior to a renewal approval, except as otherwise approved by the city manager or their designee.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-112
For condominium units, the code states its own expiry date.
“All registrations issued under the provisions of this article shall be valid for no more than one (1) year, and all registrations shall expire on March 1 of each year.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-119
What this means for you: The FAQ and the city code give different dates and different late fees. The two city sources do not match. Ask the city which one applies to your property before you plan your renewal.
Registration cannot be moved.
“Yes, Registrations are non-transferable from one company to another or when property changes owners.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“Once registration is complete, the applicant will receive a city-issued annual sticker which must be displayed in a conspicuous location at the front of the rental property.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-105
What this means for you: You cannot pass your registration to a new company or a new owner. Once you register, you receive an annual sticker. Display it in a conspicuous spot at the front of the property.
Responsible party. The code requires a local responsible party for a single-family dwelling unit.
“Name, address and emergency contact phone number of a responsible party who resides within thirty (30) miles of said single-family dwelling unit. The contact number shall be a twenty-four-hour, seven (7) days a week contact number.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-107(4)
“Be situated close enough to the single family dwelling unit to be able to and have the capacity to service emergency calls within one (1) hour of notification, including but not limited to evicting tenants.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-108(6)
“Emergency contact phone number for a responsible party shall be answered twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and the Responsible party shall have authority to address and correct violations associated with the single-family dwelling unit including but not limited to authority to evict tenant(s).”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-107(5)
For condominium units, the code has its own responsible-party rule.
“Be available with authority to address or coordinate problems with the rental of the unit twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-119.2
What this means for you: These rules apply to the homes defined earlier. The responsible party must live within 30 miles of your rental. Their phone must be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They must be close enough to service emergency calls within one hour of notice. They must have authority to fix violations. That includes the power to evict tenants. For a condominium unit, the rule is different. The responsible party must be available around the clock. They must have authority to address or coordinate rental problems.
Occupancy. For a single-family dwelling unit, the code sets the number of guests per bedroom.
“The maximum overnight occupancy of a short-term rental shall be stated in the short-term rental registration form, and shall be limited to the lesser occupancy of the following two (2) options: (1) Two (2) persons for each bedroom plus four (4) additional persons. The number of bedrooms shall be based upon the property appraiser’s residential profile of the property, and other documents of record, as needed. In no case shall the maximum total occupancy for any dwelling unit exceed the occupancy limits permitted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code or Florida Building Code; or”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-117(a)(1)
“A total of twenty-four (24) persons per short-term rental. In the event that there is more than one (1) building or dwelling on one (1) platted lot, the maximum occupancy shall be capped at twenty-four (24) occupants per lot or structure, whichever is less.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-117(a)(2)
“Maximum occupancy limits apply from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
What this means for you: For the homes defined earlier, the limit is the lower of two rules. One rule is two persons per bedroom plus four more. For example, a 3-bedroom home would allow 3 × 2 + 4 = 10 persons under that rule. The other rule is the occupancy permitted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code or Florida Building Code, if that is lower. No rental may exceed 24 persons. Where more than one building or dwelling is on one platted lot, the cap is 24 persons per lot or structure, whichever is less. The FAQ says these overnight limits apply from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Parking, noise, garbage. For a single-family dwelling unit, the code sets three house rules.
“All vehicles shall only be parked in the improved accessway/vehicle use area as defined per Land Development Code, Section 3.00.01 and/or within the garage area of the single-family dwelling unit.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-109(1)
“It shall be unlawful to allow or make any noise or sound which exceed the limits set forth in Chapter 14, Article 2”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-109(2)
“No garbage container shall be located at the curb for pickup before 12:00 p.m. of the day prior to pick up, and garbage container shall be removed before midnight of the day of pickup.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-109(4)
What this means for you: For a single-family dwelling unit, cars may park only in the improved accessway or vehicle use area, or inside the garage. Noise above the city’s noise limits is against the code. Garbage containers cannot go to the curb before noon the day before pickup, and must be removed before midnight on pickup day. Put these rules in your house rules and check-in instructions.
Sign on the property. The city FAQ cited by the quotes below states the sign size, the sign contents and the posting deadline. The code adds the rule that no guest may stay before the sign is up. These rules apply to a single-family dwelling unit.
“The City Code requires the sign to be 18 x 18 in size. No additional rider sign is allowed.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“Name and telephone number of Management Company Name and telephone number of Emergency Contact (if different from Management Company) Occupancy limit Number of available parking spaces.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“Signage is to be posted on the property within 7 days following the completion of the registration.”
Source: City of Destin FAQ
“No guest may stay in the residence until the sign is erected with the necessary information.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-108(4)
What this means for you: The sign shows the management company name and phone number. It shows the emergency contact if different. It also shows the occupancy limit and the number of parking spaces. Put it up within 7 days after registration is complete. No guest may stay in the home until the sign is in place.
Advertising. For a single-family dwelling unit, the code sets what your ads must contain.
“All marketing and/or advertising for short-term rental units must contain (i) information concerning the occupancy limit of the short-term rental unit, and (ii) the maximum parking available on the property.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-117(d)
“Advertising for more than the allowable occupancy or allowable parking is prima facie evidence of a violation of the City Code.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-117(d)
What this means for you: Your Airbnb listing must state the occupancy limit. It must also state the maximum parking. Your Vrbo listing must state both things too. Advertising more guests or more parking than allowed counts as evidence of a violation.
Fines and Enforcement
For a single-family dwelling unit, the code states what happens if an owner does not register.
“If a property owner fails to register their short-term rental unit within ninety (90) days of receipt of the notice to register, the property owner is subject to code enforcement proceedings.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-110
“Any registration issued pursuant to this article may be administratively denied, revoked, or suspended by the city for failure to satisfy the requirements for registration or for violation by the owner of this article, any City of Destin Ordinance, or state law.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-116(3)
“A violation of this article shall be punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) per violation and a definite term of imprisonment of not more than sixty (60) days as provided in F.S. § 162.22.”
Source: Destin Code Sec. 13-116(4)
What this means for you: If you do not register within 90 days of receiving a notice, the city can start code enforcement proceedings. The city can deny, suspend or revoke your registration if you break the rules. A violation is a misdemeanor. It can bring a fine per violation and a jail term of up to 60 days; the amount is in the quote.
Taxes
Florida taxes short rentals at the state level.
“Florida’s 6% state sales tax, plus any applicable discretionary sales surtax, applies to rental charges or room rates paid for the right to use or occupy living quarters or sleeping or housekeeping accommodations for rental periods of six months or less, often called “transient accommodations” or “transient rentals.””
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
The Florida Department of Revenue lists the Okaloosa County tourist development tax rate.
“Okaloosa (4) 6.0% County”
Source: Florida Department of Revenue DR-15TDT
“(4) Okaloosa: 6% for the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax District and 6% for the Expansion District.”
The Okaloosa row of the Department of Revenue’s discretionary sales surtax list states its own rate.
“Okaloosa 1% (.5%) Jan 1, 2019 Dec 31, 2028”
The county’s own pages state who collects and remits the tourist development tax.
“All owners or operators are required to register the facilities and collect this tax from their tenants or guests. Collected taxes are remitted to the Clerk of Circuit Court of Okaloosa County.”
Source: Okaloosa County Clerk
“ATTENTION ALL AIRBNB, HOMEAWAY, & VRBO CUSTOMERS: Please note that Okaloosa County is NOT contracted with ANY platform including the ones mentioned above to receive taxes on your behalf. Therefore, it is your responsibility to collect & remit any Okaloosa Co. Tourist Development Tax (TDT or “bed tax”) to the Okaloosa Co. Clerk of Court & Co. Comptroller.”
Source: Okaloosa County Clerk
“Registration, filing, and payment can be completed through an online web portal at okaloosatouristtax.munirevs.com.”
Source: Okaloosa County Clerk
“Tax return and payment are remitted monthly. A tax return is due even when no rental activity has occurred during the reporting period.”
Source: Okaloosa County Clerk
What this means for you: You must register with the county. You must collect the tourist development tax from your guests. You must send it to the Okaloosa County Clerk. The return and payment are due monthly. The county’s online portal can be used to register, file and pay. A return is due even in months with no rentals.
| Platform | What the platform lists | What the owner checks |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | “Florida Transient Rental Tax: 6% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for reservations 182 nights and shorter.” (Source: Airbnb Help) “Florida Discretionary Sales Surtax: 0.5%-1.5% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for reservations 182 nights and shorter.” (Source: Airbnb Help) | “Hosts may need to manually collect and remit other applicable taxes on their stay or experience price.” (Source: Airbnb Help) |
| Vrbo | “State Transient Rentals Tax, Discretionary County Surtax Note: Discretionary County Surtax is state tax surcharges required by various counties that Vrbo will also be collecting and remitting. These rates vary between 0.5-2%. The state of Florida under 184 nights” (Source: Vrbo Help) | “You’re also responsible for collecting and remitting lodging taxes when we’re not liable to do so.” (Source: Vrbo Help) |
What this means for you: The Airbnb and Vrbo help pages checked for this page list no Okaloosa County tourist development tax line. The county says it is not contracted with any platform, including Airbnb and Vrbo, to receive taxes on your behalf. So the county tax is your job. Confirm with the county and your platform what each side collects.
BnBGenius is not an accounting tool.
If Your Address Qualifies: What BnBGenius Does
This section is for owners whose address qualifies under the quotes above.
Answers guest messages on Airbnb and Vrbo 24/7
Answers about parking and guest numbers belong in your house rules and check-in instructions. They must match the occupancy and parking limits quoted above. BnBGenius does not know local rules by itself. It is not the city’s responsible party.
Requests a review from the guest and publishes the host’s review
BnBGenius requests a review from the guest and publishes the host’s review.
Kent Morgan, BnBGenius co-founder:
“We went from reviewing 40% of stays to 100% overnight. The AI even thanked guests for things we fixed mid-stay. Our review-to-review rate jumped immediately.”
Kent Morgan, BnBGenius co-founder, on bnbgenius.ai/reviews
Creates cleaning and repair tasks after checkout
BnBGenius creates cleaning and repair tasks after checkout. Cleaning and repairs are done by your person on site. One local checklist item is the garbage container rule quoted above.
Kent Morgan, BnBGenius co-founder:
“We used to find out about issues in post-stay reviews. Now BnBGenius flags them mid-stay, creates the task, and our cleaners respond in under 15 minutes.”
Kent Morgan, BnBGenius co-founder, on bnbgenius.ai/tasks
Answers guest calls with a voice AI agent
Voice Concierge, an add-on, answers guest calls with a voice AI agent. It does not make BnBGenius the responsible party. It does not replace the responsible person’s quoted emergency-response duties.
Kent Morgan, BnBGenius co-founder:
“The concierge answered 84% of our after-hours calls last month without waking anyone up. Guests thought it was our in-house team the whole time.”
Kent Morgan, BnBGenius co-founder, on bnbgenius.ai/voice
Sells gap nights, early check-in and late checkout
Before you sell a night, check the guest count against the occupancy limit above. Agree early check-in and late checkout times with your local person.
Is run from Telegram
BnBGenius is run from Telegram. You still handle registration, the sign, taxes and the responsible party.
Airbnb and Vrbo
| Guest work | Airbnb | Vrbo |
|---|---|---|
| Messages | “Every reservation automatically creates a group thread where all bookers, co-travelers, hosts and co-hosts can connect.” (Source: Airbnb Help) | “You can send a message to a host through our secure messaging platform.” (Source: Vrbo Help) |
| Reviews | “On the day of checkout, both the guest and their host will be prompted to leave a review . Both parties will have 14 days after checkout to submit their review.” (Source: Airbnb Help) | “You and your guests have 180 days to provide your review. Once one party submits their review, the other party has 14 days to complete their review.” (Source: Vrbo Help) |
| Check-in details | “Guests will see your check-in method (such as smart lock, keypad, or lock box) but they won’t see the detailed check-in instructions until 48 hours before check-in.” (Source: Airbnb Help) | “The welcome guide includes: Host or property manager contact information. Directions to the property. Parking instructions. Access instructions. Check-in and check-out instructions.” (Source: Vrbo Help) “The welcome guide information is emailed to your guests in the language you wrote it in, three days before check-in.” (Source: Vrbo Help) |
| Listing details | Both listings must show the occupancy limit and the maximum parking, as quoted under “Advertising”. | Both listings must show the occupancy limit and the maximum parking, as quoted under “Advertising”. |
What this means for you: On Airbnb, every reservation opens a group message thread. Both sides get 14 days after checkout to leave a review. Guests see detailed check-in instructions only 48 hours before check-in. On Vrbo, guests message you through the platform’s secure messaging. Reviews there run on a 180-day window. Once one party submits their review, the other party has 14 days to complete theirs. The welcome guide goes out three days before check-in.
How to Start
BnBGenius is not a PMS, a channel manager, a calendar sync, a direct-booking, pricing or accounting tool.
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Rules and rates last checked on 2 October 2026.
