This guide covers Daytona Beach, Florida only. Neighboring markets often confused with Daytona Beach include:
- Ormond Beach: Separate city north of Daytona Beach with its own STR restrictions, often stricter in residential zones.
- Holly Hill: Small city adjacent to Daytona Beach, with distinct zoning and enforcement for STRs.
- South Daytona: Incorporated city south of Daytona Beach, generally more restrictive on short-term rentals.
- Port Orange: Large city to the south, bans STRs in most residential zones; not governed by Daytona Beach ordinances.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal only in Daytona Beach’s Tourist and designated Redevelopment zoning districts. STRs are banned in most residential zones. Both city and state licenses are required, and enforcement is strict during special events.
- Legality Status: 2/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 3/5
- Regulatory Stability: 3/5
- Enforcement Climate: 2/5
TL;DR
Daytona Beach defines STRs as rentals under 30 days, legal only in Tourist and certain Redevelopment zones. Both a city business tax receipt and a Florida DBPR license are required. The total lodging tax is 12.5%. No citywide occupancy or parking rules, but zoning is the main constraint. The biggest investor risk: most residential zones prohibit STRs outright—zoning due diligence is critical.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Rental of a dwelling for less than 30 days LegalClarity |
| Registration Required | Yes, city business tax receipt + Florida DBPR vacation rental license Business Licensing DBPR |
| Permit Cost | [needs verification — call Permits and Licensing Department at (386) 671-8140 or visit https://www.daytonabeach.gov/258/Permits-Licensing.] |
| Annual Renewal | Yes, both city and state licenses renew annually Business Licensing DBPR |
| State Sales Tax | 6% Florida Short Term Rental Taxes |
| County Tourist Development Tax | 6.5% Airbnb Community Forum |
| City Lodging/Accommodations Tax | Not imposed Avalara |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 12.5% (state + county) Airbnb Community Forum |
| Airbnb Tax Collection | Airbnb collects state tax only; hosts must remit county tax directly Airbnb Community Forum |
| Permitted Zones | Tourist zoning districts, designated Redevelopment districts My Florida Legal |
| Prohibited Zones | All other zoning districts (most residential) My Florida Legal |
| Occupancy Cap | Not codified — no citywide maximum occupancy in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| Minimum Night Stay | Not codified — no citywide minimum in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — no citywide rule in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| Local Contact Requirement | Not codified — no citywide rule in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| Primary Residence Rule | Not codified — no owner-occupancy requirement in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — private associations may restrict Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| Density Limits | Not codified — no citywide cap in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| Inspection Requirement | Not codified — no city inspection required in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code |
| License Cap / Transferability | [needs verification — call Permits and Licensing Department at (386) 671-8140 or visit https://www.daytonabeach.gov/258/Permits-Licensing.] |
| Enforcement Penalties | State DBPR fines for unlicensed operation; city fines not separately codified LegalClarity |
| Last Updated | May 22, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Underwriters should model compliance costs at 3.9% of gross revenue, with median Daytona Beach STRs earning $31,173 at an average daily rate of $211 and 45% occupancy. The binding constraint is zoning: STRs are only legal in Tourist and designated Redevelopment districts, with most residential areas off-limits. Both city and state licenses are required, and the total lodging tax stack is 12.5%. Enforcement is strict during special events, and investors must verify zoning before acquisition. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Daytona Beach?
A short-term rental is any rental of a dwelling for less than 30 days or one calendar month LegalClarity.
Are short-term rentals legal in Daytona Beach?
Yes, but only in Tourist and designated Redevelopment zoning districts. STRs are banned in most residential zones My Florida Legal.
Can I operate an STR in a residential neighborhood?
No, most residential zones prohibit STRs. Only Tourist and certain Redevelopment districts allow them My Florida Legal.
Licensing
What licenses are required to operate an STR?
You need a Daytona Beach business tax receipt and a Florida DBPR vacation rental license Business Licensing DBPR.
How often do I need to renew my STR licenses?
Both city and state licenses must be renewed annually Business Licensing DBPR.
What is the cost of the city business tax receipt?
[needs verification — call Permits and Licensing Department at (386) 671-8140 or visit https://www.daytonabeach.gov/258/Permits-Licensing.]
Is there a cap on STR licenses or are they transferable?
[needs verification — call Permits and Licensing Department at (386) 671-8140 or visit https://www.daytonabeach.gov/258/Permits-Licensing.]
Taxes
What taxes apply to STRs in Daytona Beach?
A 6% Florida state sales tax and a 6.5% Volusia County Tourist Development Tax apply, totaling 12.5% Airbnb Community Forum.
Does the city charge an additional lodging tax?
No, Daytona Beach does not impose a separate city lodging or accommodations tax Avalara.
Does Airbnb collect and remit all required taxes?
Airbnb collects the state tax, but hosts must remit the county tax directly Airbnb Community Forum.
Do I need to register for a sales tax certificate?
Yes, unless your platform collects and remits state tax, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue Florida Short Term Rental Taxes.
Operations
Is there a minimum night stay or occupancy cap?
No citywide minimum night stay or occupancy cap is codified Daytona Beach Land Development Code.
Are there parking or local contact requirements?
No citywide parking or local contact requirements are codified Daytona Beach Land Development Code.
Can HOAs or condos restrict STRs?
Yes, private associations may impose their own restrictions, even if city code does not Daytona Beach Land Development Code.
Is an inspection required before operating?
No city inspection is required for STRs in available sources Daytona Beach Land Development Code.
Enforcement
What are the penalties for illegal STR operation?
Florida DBPR may fine, suspend, or revoke licenses for unlicensed activity; city fines are not separately codified LegalClarity.
How strict is enforcement in Daytona Beach?
Enforcement is aggressive during special events, with zero-tolerance policies and increased penalties ClickOrlando News.
Are there special enforcement periods?
Yes, special event zones with increased penalties and curfews are enacted during events like spring break City of Daytona Beach.
Who enforces STR rules?
Both city code enforcement and the Florida DBPR enforce STR regulations LegalClarity.
Permit Process
Operating a short-term rental in Daytona Beach requires a city business tax receipt and a Florida DBPR vacation rental license. The city license is issued by the Permits & Licensing Department and must be renewed annually, expiring each September 30. The state license is obtained from the DBPR and also renews annually, with fees based on unit count. There is no separate STR permit program beyond these requirements Business Licensing DBPR.
Zoning
Daytona Beach strictly limits STRs to Tourist zoning districts and specifically designated Redevelopment districts. All other zoning districts, including most residential areas, prohibit vacation rentals unless an overlay district is adopted. Zoning is the primary constraint for investors, and due diligence is essential before acquisition My Florida Legal.
Taxes and Remittance
STRs in Daytona Beach are subject to a 6% Florida state sales tax and a 6.5% Volusia County Tourist Development Tax, totaling 12.5%. The city does not impose an additional lodging tax. Airbnb collects the state tax, but hosts must remit the county tax directly. Hosts must also register with the Florida Department of Revenue unless the platform handles state tax remittance Airbnb Community Forum.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Enforcement is complaint-driven most of the year, but becomes aggressive during special events. In March 2026, the city enacted a special event zone with increased penalties and curfews following public safety incidents. The Florida DBPR enforces state licensing, and unlicensed operation can result in fines or license revocation City of Daytona Beach LegalClarity.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
A 2024 bill that would have expanded state preemption and created a statewide STR registry was vetoed, so Daytona Beach retains local control. The city has not amended its core STR zoning rules since, but continues to use special event ordinances for enforcement during high-traffic periods Avantio.
Comparable Markets
- Orlando, FL: Consider if you want a large, year-round STR market with more permissive zoning.
- St. Augustine, FL: Consider for historic district tourism and a different regulatory mix.
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: Consider for urban beach STRs with a robust permitting process.
- Tampa, FL: Consider for a metro market with evolving STR rules.
Sources
- Business Licensing | Daytona Beach, FL – Official Website
- Permits & Licensing | Daytona Beach, FL – Official Website
- DBPR Form HR 5025-753 2022 January Vacation Rentals & Timeshare Projects
- Daytona Beach Land Development Code – Municode Library
- My Florida Legal (AGO 2022-01)
- City of Daytona Beach (Emergency Ordinance No. 2026-94)
- Florida Short Term Rental Taxes: A Complete Guide
- Airbnb Community Forum (Volusia county Florida local tax)
- Avalara Daytona Beach, Florida Sales Tax Calculator & Rate
- LegalClarity (Florida Short-Term Rental Laws: Licensing, Taxes & Penalties)
- Avantio (Florida Short-Term Rental Laws 2026)
- ClickOrlando News (WKMG)
- Shoreline Realty (Local Real Estate Guide)
- Coastal Volusia Homes
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida.
Ready to evaluate Daytona Beach as an STR market?
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