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Santa Rosa County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)

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

Key Facts

Minimum-night stay
None county-imposed
Annual nights cap
None
Frequency regulation
Preempted by state
Statute
FS 509.032(7)(b)
6-month line
Tax threshold only

Summary

Santa Rosa County imposes no minimum-night stay and no cap on how many nights or times per year a property may be rented. Florida law (FS 509.032(7)) expressly forbids counties from regulating rental duration or frequency.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Rosa County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals.

Full Breakdown

There is no county-set minimum stay (e.g., a 7-night or 30-night floor) and no annual-nights cap for vacation rentals in unincorporated Santa Rosa County. FS 509.032(7)(b) states that 'a local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals.' The only length threshold that matters is the six-month line that separates taxable transient rentals from long-term leases for Tourist Development Tax. Any minimum-night requirement a host encounters comes from an HOA, condo association, or the booking platform, not county code.

Violations & Fines

No county penalty for nightly or high-frequency rentals. Minimum-stay rules, where they exist, are HOA covenants enforced privately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum number of nights I must rent for?
Not under county law. Florida forbids counties from setting rental-duration limits. Any minimum stay you see is set by an HOA, condo board, or the platform.
Can the county cap how many nights per year I rent?
No. FS 509.032(7) prohibits counties from regulating the frequency of vacation rentals, so unlimited nightly rentals are legally permitted.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Rosa County

All Santa Rosa County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview

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