Bay County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Occupancy formula
- 1 person per 150 sq ft gross floor area
- State basis
- Fla. Admin. Code 69A-43.018
- Posting location
- Main entrance door or refrigerator
- Lower limit allowed
- Yes, set at certificate application
- Governing section
- § 14-141(g)(1)c
Summary
Bay County caps short-term vacation rental occupancy at one person per 150 square feet of gross floor area, based on the state fire marshal's formula. The limit must be posted inside the unit and can be set even lower during the certificate process.
The maximum occupancy of the unit defined as one person per 150 square feet of gross floor area as follows or lower agreed upon maximum occupancy established during the certificate process..."Maximum Occupancy is (X) by order of the State Fire Marshal. In accordance with Florida Administrative Code 69A-43.018 the maximum occupancy load permitted for one- and two-family dwellings licensed as public lodging establishments shall be computed at 150 square feet gross floor area per person."
Full Breakdown
Bay County Code of Ordinances § 14-141(g)(1)c requires every certified short-term vacation rental to post, on the back of or next to the main entrance door or on the refrigerator, the maximum occupancy of the unit defined as one person per 150 square feet of gross floor area, or a lower maximum occupancy agreed upon during the certificate application process. 018 at 150 square feet of gross floor area per person for one- and two-family dwellings licensed as public lodging establishments. 00, trash pickup instructions, sea turtle and Leave No Trace notices in the Beaches Special Treatment Zone, the nearest hospital, beach-flag safety information, and a copy of the building evacuation map.
Owners must also post a certificate number on any online listing and on an exterior sign no larger than 18 by 12 inches naming the responsible party and 24/7 contact number.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with any requirement of § 14-141, including the occupancy posting, is handled through the progressive enforcement program in § 14-141(h), which focuses first on compliance and correcting problems with adjoining properties before penalties and legal action escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can stay in a Bay County short-term rental?
Where must the occupancy limit be posted?
What happens if a Bay County STR exceeds its posted occupancy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bay County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Bay County to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview
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