Operating a short-term rental in unincorporated Franklin County requires a Vacation Rental Registration Certificate from the Planning and Zoning Department. This requires pre-registration with the state DBPR, state Department of Revenue, and the County Tax Collector. The registration number must be displayed on all advertisements, and hosts are personally responsible for collecting and remitting the 4% county Tourist Development Tax.
To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Franklin County, you must get a county 'Vacation Rental Registration Certificate' every year. Before you can even apply for that, you need to get a license from the State of Florida (DBPR) and register for both state and county taxes. The biggest thing to watch out for is the 4% county Tourist Development Tax – you have to collect this from guests and send it to the county yourself, as platforms like Airbnb won't do it for you. Finally, make sure to include your county registration number in your online listing title or description, as it's required by law.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
11.5%
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local government authorities before operating a short-term rental.
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Permit Fee
$100
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