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Port St. Lucie, FL Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

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

Short-term rental permit rules in Port St. Lucie, FL, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.

Key Facts

City STR Permit
None created by the code
Required
Business tax receipt, Chapter 111
Application Fee
$19.00, halved after new business class
Renewal
Payable by September 30
Penalty
Up to $250.00 plus 25 percent

Summary

The Port St. Lucie code creates no short-term-rental permit or registration. What it does require is a City business tax receipt under Chapter 111 before you operate, plus proof of any active state license.

Each public lodging establishment and public food service establishment shall obtain a license from the division.

Source: City of Port St. Lucie Code of Ordinances (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 111 was re-enacted in October 2024. Sec. 111.15(b) makes it unlawful to engage in or manage any business, profession or occupation in the city without paying the proper business tax, and Sec. 111.16 sets a $19.00 application fee, reduced by 50 percent if your representative attends the Business Tax Division new business class. Sec. 111.04 bars the division from issuing or renewing a receipt unless the applicant exhibits an active state certificate, registration or license. Receipts are sold from July 1, are payable by September 30 and expire the following September 30. The code sets no minimum rental length; the only related language is the Sec. 153 hotel and motel definition.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a receipt violates Sec. 111.21, which also catches the landlord who allows it, and carries court costs, attorneys fees and a penalty of up to $250.00, plus a 25 percent penalty on the tax due under Sec. 111.22(c).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit from Port St. Lucie to run an Airbnb?
The code creates no short-term-rental permit. You do need a City business tax receipt under Sec. 111.15, and Sec. 111.04 stops the city issuing or renewing it unless you exhibit an active state license.
What happens if I skip the business tax receipt?
Sec. 111.21 makes it a violation for the business and for any property owner or landlord who lets it operate. The penalty is up to $250.00 plus costs, with Chapter 37 fines if it reaches the Special Magistrate.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Port St. Lucie

All Port St. Lucie rules

How Port St. Lucie compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Port St. Lucie to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview

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