Short-Term Rental Business License
The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners offers an online Short-Term Rental (STR) Business License Portal for property owners and property managers.
The portal allows users to:
- Create and submit STR license applications
- Renew existing STR licenses
- View application and license status
- Pay invoices online
- Manage account information
- Access important licensing information
To register for an account or apply for a Short-Term Rental Business License, please click the link below:
If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact the Gulf County Short-Term Rental Office at (850) 229-7800 ext. 7803 or email STRLicense@visitgulf.com.
Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
The Gulf County Short-Term Rental Business License Ordinances and related documents can be found using the links below.
Short-Term Rental Inspection Checklist
Information on Gulf County Short -Term Rental Waste Services
Short-Term Rental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Annual Renewals
I file Bed Tax every month. Do I still need to renew my STR License?
Yes.
Filing Florida Sales Tax and Gulf County Tourist Development Tax (Bed Tax) does not renew your Gulf County Short-Term Rental (STR) License.
All STR Licenses must be renewed annually.
- Renewal reminder emails are sent beginning October 30
- Renewal applications open November 1
- An annual inspection is required for every renewal
- Licenses expire December 31 each year
Tip: Set a phone or calendar reminder for October 30 so you don’t miss the renewal period.
Do I have to renew my STR License every year?
Yes. All STR Licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed annually.
As part of the renewal process, every property is required to pass an annual inspection before a new STR License can be issued. Scheduling early helps avoid delays and ensures compliance before expiration.
When does the renewal process begin?
Renewal reminder emails are sent beginning October 30, and renewal applications open November 1.
Will Gulf County send me a reminder?
Yes. Reminder emails are sent beginning October 30. However, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the license is renewed before expiration.
Before You Access the STR Portal
Am I a new applicant or renewing an existing license?
New Applicant:
Create a new STR application.
Renewing an existing license:
Do not create a new application. Log in to your existing STR Portal account and renew your current license.
Creating a duplicate application may delay processing and must be manually closed by the STR Office.
If you are unable to locate your account, contact the STR Office before proceeding.
Licensing
What is considered a short-term rental?
A property rented for less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less.
Do I need a Gulf County STR License?
Yes. If your property is located in a zoning district where short-term rentals are permitted and you intend to operate as a short-term rental, you must obtain a Gulf County STR License.
Taxes
Do I need to register for Florida Sales Tax?
Yes. You must register with the Florida Department of Revenue before applying.
Do I need a Tourist Development Tax (TDT) account?
Yes. You must register with the Gulf County Tax Collector’s Office and obtain a TDT account number before your STR License can be issued.
Does filing Bed Tax replace my STR License?
No. Filing Bed Tax and Sales Tax does not replace the requirement to obtain and renew a Gulf County STR License.
Property Ownership & Transfers
I purchased a property that already has an STR License. What should I do?
In some cases, an STR License may be eligible for transfer.
Before creating a new application, contact the STR Office to determine eligibility.
If eligible, the new owner must:
- Obtain a TDT account number
- Obtain a FEIN
- Create an account in the STR Portal only
- Wait for instructions before submitting a new application
I changed property management companies. Do I need to notify Gulf County?
Yes. Please contact the STR Office so your account can be updated.
Inspections
Do I need an inspection?
Yes. All properties are required to pass an annual inspection as part of the STR License renewal process. An inspection is required before a license can be issued.
When should I schedule my inspection?
After submitting your renewal application and payment, schedule your inspection as soon as possible.
Your STR License cannot be issued until the property has passed inspection.
How do I schedule my inspection?
Contact the STR Inspector after submitting your renewal application and payment or schedule directly through the portal.
STR Inspector
Phone: (850) 227-6899
Zoning & Local Requirements
How do I determine my zoning or taxing district?
Search your property address on GulfPA.com to determine zoning and taxing district.
Exemptions
Properties located in Taxing District (Zone) 3 and Zone 5 are exempt from the Gulf County STR Business License requirement.
These properties are still responsible for applicable state and local requirements, including Tourist Development Tax (TDT) registration.
Do I need a city business license?
If your property is located within the City of Port St. Joe, you may be required to obtain a city business license in addition to county requirements
City of Port St. Joe Business License
If your property is within the City of Port St. Joe, contact:
City of Port St. Joe
Phone: (850) 229-8261
Website: https://www.cityofportstjoe.com/
How do I know if I am within city limits?
If you are unsure whether your property is within city limits or what taxing district it is located in, search your address on GulfPA.com or contact the STR Office.
Tourist Development Tax (TDT)
Who do I contact for TDT questions?
Gulf County Tax Collector’s Office:
- Register for a TDT account
- File monthly Bed Tax returns
- Account questions
- Reporting assistance
Phone: (850) 227-2318
Website: https://gulftaxcollector.com/tourist-development-tax
General Questions
What happens if I do not renew my STR License?
Operating a short-term rental without a valid STR License may result in non-compliance and enforcement action under Gulf County Ordinance.
