Escambia County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- TDT rate
- 5% (since April 2021)
- State sales/surtax
- 7.5%
- Applies to
- Stays of 6 months or less
- Remit to
- Escambia Clerk Treasury
- Due
- 1st; delinquent after 20th
Summary
Escambia charges a 5% Tourist Development ("bed") tax on stays of six months or less, on top of Florida's 7.5% sales and discretionary surtax: collected from the guest and remitted to the Clerk.
The tourist development tax shall be charged by the person receiving the consideration for the lease or rental, and it shall be collected from the lessee, tenant, or customer at the time of payment of the consideration for such lease or rental.
Full Breakdown
Under FS 125.0104, anyone renting living quarters for six months or less exercises a taxable privilege. Escambia County levies its Tourist Development Tax at 5% (effective April 1, 2021), which the host must charge the guest and remit monthly to the Escambia County Clerk of Courts Treasury. Separately, hosts collect 7.5% state sales tax plus discretionary surtax for the Florida Department of Revenue. The TDT is due the first of the month following collection and is delinquent if not postmarked by the 20th. Booking platforms may collect some taxes, but the host stays responsible for verifying remittance.
Violations & Fines
Late or unremitted Tourist Development Tax is delinquent after the 20th and accrues penalties and interest; the Clerk may audit and pursue collection under FS 125.0104.
Frequently Asked Questions
What taxes apply to a Perdido Key rental?
Does Airbnb collect the bed tax for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Escambia County
How Escambia County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Escambia County to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview
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