Jacksonville Beach, FL Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

The Code's only rental registration scheme covers short-term vacation rentals. Under § 34-731(d), any property owner who wishes to use a dwelling unit that way must first apply for and receive a short-term vacation rental registration certificate from the City of Jacksonville Beach. The certificate must be renewed annually for as long as the unit is used as a short-term vacation rental, and certificates can be issued as a single or a collective registration certificate, which lets an owner of several units register them together.

Posting is specific: the certificate goes on the inside of the window of the unit that is located closest to the front door, facing outward.

Subsection (e) sets the application path. Each owner seeking initial issuance, annual renewal, transfer of ownership or modification submits a City short-term vacation rental application in the form the city specifies, with an application fee set by resolution of the City Council. An initial, transfer or modification application must include a completed application with documentation and fees, and a signed and notarized affidavit from the owner or property manager confirming that required postings will be provided, that the lease agreement meets the required terms, that on-site vehicular parking is adequate, and that all required local, county and state licenses, certificates and taxes have been obtained.

Renewals are due by October 1 of each year. If nothing has changed since the most recent certificate was issued, no additional submittals accompany the renewal or transfer application. A modification application is needed when the gross square footage increases, the number of bedrooms is proposed to increase, or occupancy is otherwise proposed to increase. If a modification needs an inspection, the new use or occupancy cannot start until the unit passes, though the current certificate stays valid in the meantime.