Staying Compliant: A Short-Term Rental Owner’s Guide to Regulations on Florida’s Space & Treasure Coasts
Owning a short-term vacation rental on Florida’s Space Coast—home to Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and a growing tourism economy—can be a great investment. But alongside the opportunity comes a responsibility: staying compliant with local and state regulations. Failing to do so can result in fines, legal trouble, or even being shut down. Here’s what every STR (short-term rental) owner needs to know to stay on the right side of the law.
On top of it, the rules have changed. Below is a guide to help you interpret the rules so you can be onside with all of the necessary regulations. Becoming and staying compliant can be a process, and should you have questions, we are here to help. Please know, that if Happy Palm Stays is managing your property, this has all been taken care of for you.
FYI – New Cocoa Beach Ordinance
Effective March 2025, the Cocoa Beach City Commission passed
Ordinance 1695 – solidifying new rules across the city for all short-term vacation rentals. This impacts how you register your property, occupancy limits, fees, fines, and more.
- All Cocoa Beach properties need to be registered – All short-term rentals (STRs) need to be registered with the city (previously only single-family homes). Each rental requires 1) a “Vacation Rental Certificate,” 2) a “Business Tax Receipt,” and 3) a local emergency contact.
- Annual fees have increased – For a condo or multi-family unit, the annual fee is $146.30 × the approved guest capacity. For a single-family home, the annual fee is $219.45 × the approved guest capacity.
- Guest occupancy rules have changed – The new formula is 2 guests per bedroom + 2 extra. A 5-bedroom house, for example, may host 12 occupants.
- Fines for non-compliance have increased – Owners are subject to fines of up to $1,000/day for operating without valid registration.
How To Get Compliant – An Overview Guide
Step One – Know Your (Property) Rights
In order to rent short term, it needs to be allowed by the 1) City and 2) HOA / Board (if applicable). Confirm eligibility via zoning maps and HOA documents if applicable.
If you’re unsure, contact us at compliance@happypalmstays.com or (321) 587-0869 and we can confirm it for you.
Step Two – Complete the required steps
Each city has unique requirements. Below is an overview of what you’ll likely need to do. Always confirm specifics with your city.
If you work with Happy Palm Stays, we handle this for you.
Compliance Checklist
- Secure DBPR State License
- Obtain City Business Tax Receipt
- Obtain County Business Tax Receipt
- Ensure Fire Safety Compliance & Schedule Inspection (if applicable)
- Complete RS1 and/or Deckard Forms (if applicable)
- Create / Post Egress Map & Emergency Pamphlet (if applicable)
Step Three – Maintain Compliance
Stay in good standing with the following:
- Submit monthly State & local tourist tax forms & remit tax payments
- Ensure renters are respectful of bylaws
- Renew licenses and schedule inspections as required
- Stay current with regulation updates
Why Compliance Matters
Compliance is key to avoiding fines or shutdowns. It may feel tedious, but it saves you major issues in the long run. If you’d rather not deal with it, we’re here to help.
Happy Palm Stays Compliance Team
Our local team can guide you through the entire process, ensuring you meet all local regulations for total peace of mind.
Reference Links
| Brevard County | Zoning Map |
| Cape Canaveral | Zoning Map |
| Cocoa | Zoning Map |
| Cocoa Beach | Zoning Map |
| Indian Harbour Beach | Zoning Map |
| Indialantic | Zoning Map |
| Melbourne | Zoning Map |
| Melbourne Beach | Zoning Map |
| Palm Bay | Zoning Map |
| Merritt Island | Zoning Map |
| Rockledge | Zoning Map |
| Satellite Beach | Zoning Map |
| Sebastian | Zoning Map |
| Indian River County | Zoning Map |
| Indian River Shores | Zoning Map |
| Orchid | Zoning Map |
| Vero Beach | Zoning Map |
| Fort Pierce | Zoning Map |
| St Lucie County | Zoning Map |
| St Lucie Village | Zoning Map |
