Destin is one of Florida’s most popular beach vacation destinations, and getting licensed here requires navigating three separate registrations: the Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License, the City of Destin Annual Registration ($500), and an Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt. The city’s late fee schedule is steep — $100 if you miss the March 31 deadline, $500 if you miss the June 1 deadline. Start early.
Active hosts in Destin average $68,657/year in gross rental revenue (AirDNA, 2026).
📋 Destin STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | City of Destin Annual Short-Term Rental Registration + FL DBPR License |
| Application Fee | $500 (city) + $300–$400 (FL DBPR) |
| Annual Renewal | $500 (city, by March 31) + $100–$200 (DBPR) |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks (FL DBPR); 1–2 weeks (city) |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Moderate |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Destin?
Destin requires three separate registrations for short-term rental operators. First, a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state-level, required for any rental under 30 days). Second, a City of Destin Annual Short-Term Rental Registration ($500/year, resets January 1). Third, an Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt. The city registration must be renewed by March 31 each year; late fees apply: $100 if paid after March 31 but before June 1, and $500 if paid after June 1. If you’re converting a property from another use, a Change of Use fee of $2,000 applies. The DBPR license requires a safety inspection before issuance.
How to Get a Destin Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Apply for a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License at myfloridalicense.com. Select Vacation Rental Dwelling or Vacation Rental Condominium as appropriate. Pay the $300–$400 fee and schedule the required safety inspection.
- Register with the City of Destin for your Annual Short-Term Rental Registration at cityofdestin.com. Pay the $500 annual fee. If converting a non-rental property to STR use, pay the additional $2,000 Change of Use fee.
- Register for an Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt through the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s office.
- Register for Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collection at okaloosatax.com.
- Display your DBPR license number and City Registration number on all listing platforms.
- Renew the city registration by March 31 each year to avoid late fees. DBPR renewal is annual on its own cycle.
Destin Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FL DBPR License (initial) | $300–$400 | One-time + annual renewal |
| City of Destin Annual Registration | $500 | Annual (by March 31) |
| Late fee (after March 31) | $100 | If renewed after March 31 |
| Late fee (after June 1) | $500 | If renewed after June 1 |
| Change of Use fee | $2,000 | One-time (property conversion) |
The city registration resets every January 1 — regardless of when you initially registered, the $500 fee is due again for the following calendar year.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Destin Hosts
- Both a DBPR license and a City of Destin Registration are required — neither substitutes for the other.
- Renew the city registration by March 31 to avoid late fees.
- If converting a property to STR use, pay the $2,000 Change of Use fee.
- DBPR safety inspection must be passed before the state license is issued.
- Display both license/registration numbers on all platforms.
- Okaloosa County TDT must be collected and remitted.
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Destin
Florida state sales tax: 6%. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax (TDT): 5%. Total: 11%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit FL state and Okaloosa County TDT automatically.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Destin
Operating without a DBPR license: state fines starting at $1,000/day. Operating without a City of Destin Registration: city fines up to $500/day. Late city renewal fees: $100 (after March 31) or $500 (after June 1). Missing both deadlines entirely: potential permit denial for the remainder of the calendar year.
How HostStarter Handles Destin STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Destin’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Destin revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Destin?
Yes. Destin requires both a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License (state) and a City of Destin Annual Short-Term Rental Registration. You also need an Okaloosa County Business Tax Receipt.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Destin?
The city registration is $500/year. The DBPR license is $300–$400 initially and $100–$200 for annual renewal. A $2,000 Change of Use fee applies if you’re converting a property to STR use for the first time.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Destin?
DBPR processing takes 2–4 weeks; City of Destin registration takes 1–2 weeks. Budget 4–6 weeks to complete both before your first rental.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Destin?
Destin hosts owe Florida state sales tax (6%) and Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax (5%) — totaling 11%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit these automatically.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Destin?
Operating without a DBPR license triggers state fines starting at $1,000/day. City late renewal fees are steep: $100 after March 31, $500 after June 1. Missing both deadlines can result in permit denial for the remainder of the year.