STR Regulations in Florida

[Eric P.]

Does anyone know the legality & general atmosphere with respect to STR in these 4 areas? Specifically with respect to out-of-state investors looking to purchase and rent out entire properties at a time? In addition to current regulations (which are google-able), it's important to know about general attitudes toward STR in these places as well (which aren't always google-able), so I greatly appreciate any and all insight that locals can provide! I'd hate to buy some properties in an area only to find out later that most locals knew an STR restriction was coming soon!

1) Broward County in South Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, etc): seems like they're pretty STR-friendly? Are there any restrictions or negative attitude toward STRs here? I can't seem to find any

2) Palm Beach County / West Palm Beach (including Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, etc): I’ve heard mixed things on this one. Some people say there’s a 7-day minimum stay requirement in STRs in Palm Beach County but I can’t find anything in writing. Anyone know for sure?

3) Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach (West Coast of Florida): I can't seem to find anything about the attitudes toward STR here. It looks like Sanibel, Captiva and Cape Coral have been restricting STRs, but how about Fort Myers & Fort Myers Beach?

4) Florida Panhandle (Navarre, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Miramar Beach, etc): The Panhandle seems very STR-friendly from what I can tell. The only issue I've found so far is that Destin only permits STRs south of Hwy 98. Any other restrictions or negative attitude toward STRs on the Panhandle?

[Matt "Roar" Gardner]

Eric, I'm an investor and Realtor in the area with a STR in Destin. I'm also planning one buying one or two more this year. You nailed the current restrictions north of 98. They also restrict your max occupancy to 2 per bedroom plus 4 (i.e. my five bedroom beach house can only sleep 14 people). Beyond that, the STR market here is welcome and can cash flow well! I'm more than happy to help you with any investor advice or realtor services along the Emerald Coast :)