How Do Vacation Rental Rules Work on 30A and in Destin?

Thinking about buying a property to use as a vacation rental? Destin and 30A are both high-demand areas for short-term rentals (STRs), but each comes with unique rules you definitely want to understand before you buy.

Here’s what to know:

Walton County & 30A Vacation Rental Rules

Walton County (which covers most of 30A) requires:

• A Short-Term Rental Certificate for any property rented for less than 30 days

• Annual renewal + inspection of the property

• Signage and safety requirements (e.g., posted max occupancy, fire extinguisher location)

Walton County Short-Term Rental Portal

Some HOAs along 30A also prohibit or limit STRs — especially in planned communities like WaterColor or Alys Beach.

• Always review HOA docs before buying

• Some neighborhoods only allow monthly rentals or have minimum stay rules

Destin STR Rules

Destin also requires:

• A business tax receipt (local license to operate)

• Fire and safety inspections for rental properties

• Registration with the city for STR tracking and compliance

City of Destin STR Information

Like 30A, HOAs in Destin vary widely. Crystal Beach, Holiday Isle, and areas near the harbor are more STR-friendly, but each neighborhood is different.

Things to Watch For:

• Noise ordinances and guest limits

• Parking restrictions per lot size or number of units

• Licensing renewal each year

• State of Florida lodging tax collection (required for STR hosts)

Florida DBPR Vacation Rental Licensing

Looking to buy a vacation rental property?
Contact the Emerald Group - we help buyers find STR-friendly areas and navigate the permit process from the start.

📍 Browse active short-term rental listings

Client Testimonial:
"AJ, kept us informed during the entire process! Emily did most of the paperwork to make the sale of our rental property very easy and painless! Would highly recommend the Emerald Group as your realtor."
- The Fox's, 30A Investment Owners

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FAQ Section

Q: Can I run a short-term rental in any home I buy on 30A or in Destin?
Not always. You’ll need to check HOA rules, county or city permits, and zoning.

Q: What happens if I don’t get the right license or permit?
You could face fines, forced cancellations, or legal issues. Always get compliant first.

Q: Are there areas better for STR than others?
Yes — some neighborhoods are built for vacation rentals and some aren’t. We’ll help you find STR-friendly zones that match your goals.