Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Jacksonville, FL Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

City rule
Jax Ord. 656.401(d)
State preemption
FL §509.032
Allowed zones
CCG, CRO, multi-family
Required license
DBPR + city CU
Tourist tax
6% Duval TDT

Summary

Jacksonville Ord. 656.401(d) limits short-term rentals to specific zoning districts and requires a Certificate of Use, but cannot require host presence due to FL §509.032 preemption of operational rules. Operators must also obtain DBPR vacation rental license and remit Duval Tourist Development Tax.

(7)  PREEMPTION AUTHORITY. — (a)  The regulation of public lodging establishments and public food service establishments, including, but not limited to, sanitation standards, inspections, training and testing of personnel, and matters related to the nutritional content and marketing of foods offered in such establishments, is preempted to the state. This paragraph does not preempt the authority of a local government or local enforcement district to conduct inspections of public lodging and public food service establishments for compliance with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code, pursuant to ss. 553.80 and 633.206 . (b)  A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals. This paragraph does not apply to any local law, ordinance, or regulation adopted on or before June 1, 2011. (c)  Paragraph (b) does not apply to any local law, ordinance, or regulation exclusively relating to property valuation as a criterion for vacation rental if the local law, ordinance, or regulation is required to be approved by the state land planning agency pursuant to an area of critical state concern designation.

Source: Florida Statutes §509.032View official code

Full Breakdown

Florida Statute §509.032 partially preempts local STR regulation: cities cannot ban STRs outright or impose stricter operational rules than apply to similar non-rental properties unless the ordinance predates 2011. Jacksonville's Ord. Code §656.401(d) (post-2011) therefore relies on zoning, where STRs are permitted in tourist commercial zones, certain mixed-use districts, and most multi-family buildings, but barred from many low-density single-family neighborhoods. Host-presence requirements are not enforceable. Operators must obtain a city Certificate of Use, register a state DBPR vacation-rental license, file Duval Tourist Development Tax, pay Florida sales tax, and provide a 24/7 local responsible-party contact. Jacksonville Beach has separate stricter rules.

Violations & Fines

Operating an STR in a barred zoning district or without Certificate of Use can bring city fines up to $500 per day, code-enforcement liens, utility action, and DBPR license revocation; repeat violators face injunctions and unpaid TDT assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Jacksonville require I sleep on-site during my Airbnb?
No. Florida Statute 509.032 preempts operational mandates like host-presence. Jacksonville can use zoning to bar STRs from low-density single-family neighborhoods but cannot regulate how a permitted STR operates beyond standard property rules.
Is my downtown Jacksonville condo eligible to STR?
Likely yes from a city zoning standpoint in CCG or CCBD districts, but check your condo association rules and Duval STR registration. HOAs and condo declarations may impose 30-day or longer rental minimums independent of city law.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jacksonville

All Jacksonville rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview

Get notified when Host Presence Rule in Jacksonville, FL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.