How Daytona Beach Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Daytona Beach maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Daytona Beach falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Noise Rules

Short-term rental guests in Daytona Beach must comply with the city's noise ordinance (Chapter 42, Article IV). Property owners are responsible for ensuring guests do not create excessive noise. Violations can result in fines and penalties against the property owner.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 7 AM. Owner Liability: Responsible for guest conduct. Complaints: Daytona Beach PD non-emergency. Penalty: Fines per Sec. 1-14.

Hosts receive a warning on first noise complaint. Second complaint results in a $250 fine. Third complaint triggers permit suspension hearing. Guests may be cited directly under the noise ordinance.

Insurance Requirements

Neither Florida Statute Chapter 509 nor the DBPR vacation rental license application sets a minimum liability insurance amount for short-term rental operators, and Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) limits Daytona Beach's ability to mandate STR-specific insurance stricter than for other dwellings. Operators are strongly encouraged to carry dedicated short-term rental coverage because standard Florida homeowner policies generally exclude commercial rental activity.

Key details: F.S. 509 /: F.S. 509 / DBPR licensing does not mandate a minimum STR liability. F.S. 509.032(7)(b) preempts: F.S. 509.032(7)(b) preempts STR-only insurance rules stricter than other homes. Daytona Beach Rental: Daytona Beach Rental Property Program covers long-term rentals only. Standard FL homeowner: Standard FL homeowner policies generally exclude STR commercial rental losses. Amount: $1.

Because Florida Statute and the Daytona Beach Land Development Code do not set a state or city minimum liability amount, there is no insurance-specific fine schedule. However, an uninsured loss can expose the host to full personal liability, and an HOA or mortgage lender that requires coverage can independently take action (lien, foreclosure, or HOA fine) if a policy lapses. Misrepresenting insurance status to a city Business Tax Office or DBPR licensing reviewer is a separate fraud-based code violation.

The rules around insurance requirements in Daytona Beach lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Occupancy Limits

Daytona Beach restricts short-term rentals to designated tourist zoning districts and redevelopment overlay areas (rentals under 6 months are prohibited in residential base zones), but Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts the city from setting STR-only occupancy caps stricter than other dwellings. Within permitted tourist districts, maximum occupancy is governed by the Florida Building Code occupant load and the maximum overnight occupancy declared on the property's DBPR vacation rental dwelling license.

Key details: Zoning: STRs allowed only in tourist zoning districts and redevelopment overlay areas. F.s. 509.032(7)(b): F.S. 509.032(7)(b) preempts STR-only occupancy caps stricter than other dwellings. Limit: Maximum overnight occupancy is set on the DBPR vacation rental dwelling license. Safety: Florida Building Code occupant load governs life-safety capacity. License: DBPR license required under F.S. Chapter 509 for stays under 30 days.

Operating an STR outside a permitted tourist or redevelopment overlay district is a zoning violation enforceable through the Daytona Beach Code Enforcement Board with daily fines and abatement orders. Within permitted zones, exceeding the building-code or DBPR-licensed occupancy can trigger fire-code citations, code-enforcement notices of violation, and suspension or revocation of the city Business Tax Receipt and DBPR vacation rental license. Repeated complaints can be referred to DBPR for state-level action against the vacation rental dwelling license under F.S. 509.261.

Taxes & Fees

Daytona Beach short-term rentals are subject to 12.5% total tax: 6% Florida sales tax, 0.5% Volusia County discretionary surtax, and 6% Volusia County Tourist Development Tax. The TDT is remitted to the Volusia County Tax Collector; state sales tax to the FL Department of Revenue.

Key details: FL Sales Tax: 6%. County Surtax: 0.5%. County TDT: 6% (3% tourist + 3% convention). Total Tax: 12.5%.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes carries penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount per month, plus interest. Operating without tax registration may result in back-tax assessments plus fines.

Parking Rules

Short-term rental properties in Daytona Beach must comply with city parking regulations under Chapter 94. Guest vehicles cannot park in the front yard of residential districts except on approved driveways. On-street parking follows posted time limits and residential permit parking rules.

Key details: Front Yard Parking: Approved driveway only (Sec. 94-181). Street Parking: Per posted signs and permits. Enforcement: Daytona Beach PD / Code Enforcement. Violations: Citations and towing.

Parking violations are addressed through the noise/nuisance complaint process. Hosts receive warnings for first offenses, with fines of $100–$250 for repeat issues that affect the STR permit status.

Permit Requirements

Daytona Beach requires a Business Tax Receipt for all short-term rentals. Hosts must also obtain a Florida DBPR vacation rental dwelling license for properties rented under 30 days when the owner is not present. STRs are limited to zones where transient lodging is permitted, not in residential-only zones.

Key details: License Required: Business Tax Receipt + DBPR. Initial Fee: $40 application + $50 registration. Annual Renewal: $75 per unit. Zoning: Not all residential zones allowed. Fire Inspection: Required before approval.

Operating without a permit carries fines of $500 per day. Failure to display the permit number on listings results in a $250 fine. Permits may be revoked after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.

The Bottom Line

Daytona Beach's short-term rentals 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 Daytona Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Daytona Beach 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.