Can I Airbnb in Destin, FL? (2026)

Short-term rentals (stays of six months or less) are legal in Destin but only in designated zoning districts, and every STR - including, as of the 2026 season, condominiums - must hold an annual City of Destin Short-Term Rental Registration costing $500-$700 per year based on square footage, plus a city business tax receipt, a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, and state/county tax accounts. The biggest constraints are the zoning-district eligibility rules (with Conditional Use or Change of Use approval required in some districts) and the overnight occupancy cap of 2 per bedroom plus 4, maxing at 24 people; guests also pay roughly 13% combined taxes, with the county's 6% bed tax remitted by the host, not by Airbnb/Vrbo. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

What’s required: a Short-Term Rental Registration (separate 'Condo STR Rental Registration' application for condominiums) ($500) is required; occupancy taxes apply; renew annual.