Palm Coast's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Palm Coast, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

Palm Coast requires owners of residential rental property to register with the City under Code Section 17-39, paying a per-unit registration fee that renews annually with the occupational license tax. Absentee landlords, those living outside Flagler County and its abutting counties, must also designate a local representative under Section 17-40.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 17-39. Registration deadline: Within 60 days of effective date. Renewal: Annually with occupational license tax. Absentee landlord duty: Local representative required, § 17-40. Exempt uses: Hotels, motels, condos with on-site management.

Section 17-42 lets the City impose any penalty authorized by state law, though it specifically bars incarceration for a rental-registration violation. Failing to register a local designated representative, when one is required, is charged as a Class I citation under the City's Schedule of Citations. Separately, Section 17-26 sets a general fine of up to $800 for violations elsewhere in the licensing article that governs this chapter.

Repairs & Habitability

Palm Coast's Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 15, Article III) sets the minimum habitability floor for every existing residential structure, rented or owner-occupied. Every dwelling unit must have its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink in sanitary working order, hot water at the fixtures, and heat capable of holding 68 degrees Fahrenheit in habitable rooms.

Key details: Minimum heat standard: 68°F in habitable rooms (Sec. 15-127(b)). Water heater minimum temp: 110°F at fixtures (Sec. 15-124(d)). Required fixtures: Bathtub/shower, lavatory, water closet, kitchen sink. Minimum electrical service: 120/240V, 60-amp, three-wire. Responsible party: Structure owner, not tenant (Sec. 15-120(b)).

Every violation of the Property Maintenance Code is a strict liability offense (Sec. 15-102(l)); the city can prosecute or seek correction of a continuing violation by any means the Maintenance Code or general law provides, including code enforcement action under F.S. ch. 162. An owner who fails to provide required plumbing, heating or electrical facilities is also barred from occupying, or letting anyone else occupy, the noncompliant unit (Sec. 15-120(b), 15-126(b)).

The Bottom Line

Palm Coast's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Palm Coast is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Palm Coast can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.