Short-Term Rental (STR) Rules in Brevard County, Florida
Disclaimer: This page is provided as an informational resource only. Short-term rental rules and regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the applicable city, county, or governing body before making investment or property management decisions.
Understanding Brevard County short-term rental rules
Whether you’re considering listing your home on Airbnb, Vrbo, or another vacation rental platform, or simply exploring the possibility of mid-term corporate housing, it’s essential to understand the layers of regulation that apply.
Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated at multiple levels:
State of Florida – statewide rules and statutes governing vacation rentals.
County (Brevard County) – ordinances that apply in unincorporated areas or where municipalities do not have their own.
Cities & Municipalities – local zoning, permitting, and registration requirements.
Neighborhood/HOAs/Condos – private covenants and deed restrictions that can be stricter than state or city rules.
Because these rules can change, we’ve built this page as a single-source reference guide for short-term rental feasibility across Brevard County. Each section includes links to the official ordinance or city code and a “last checked” date for transparency.
State of Florida Rules
Florida law allows local governments to regulate zoning, safety, and registration, but prohibits cities/counties from banning vacation rentals outright (with exceptions for grandfathered ordinances before June 1, 2011).
Registration with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) may be required depending on the property type.
Collecting and remitting state sales tax and county tourist development tax is required.
🔗 Florida Vacation Rental Statute (Chapter 509, Florida Statutes)
📅 Last Checked: 9/23/2025
STR Score: ✅ Allowed (state-regulated)
City-by-City Breakdown
Jump to:
Cape Canaveral | Cocoa | Cocoa Beach | Grant-Valkaria | Indian Harbour Beach | Indialantic | Malabar | Melbourne | Melbourne Beach | Melbourne Village | Merritt Island | Palm Bay | Palm Shores | Port St John | Rockledge | Satellite Beach | South Patrick Shores | Titusville | Unincorporated Brevard County | Viera | West Melbourne |
Some towns listed above are Unincorporated Townships (Most follow Brevard County’s Rules for Short-Term Rentals), or Master Planned Communities (Which follow HOA and Community Guidelines and the County Rules)
Brevard County short-term rental rules
Applies to unincorporated Brevard County.
Tourist Development Tax required through Brevard County Tax Collector.
Zoning restrictions apply in certain residential areas.
Brevard County Code of Ordinances – Rentals
Last Checked: 9/23/2025
STR Score: 
Allowed with restrictions (check zoning)
Cape Canaveral, FL
Rules:
Short-term rentals (classified as Vacation Rentals under the City Code) are permitted as a special dwelling use in certain zoning districts under Section 110-486 of the zoning code.
Key highlights:
Registration Required: All vacation rentals must be registered with the City of Cape Canaveral. A valid Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is required to operate.
Local Contact: Each property must have a 24-hour local contact person responsible for responding to complaints or emergencies within one hour.
Occupancy Limits: Maximum overnight occupancy is determined by the number of bedrooms and available off-street parking as listed in the approved application.
Parking: Adequate off-street parking must be provided; on-street parking is generally prohibited for rental guests.
Noise & Conduct: Guests must comply with all City noise and property maintenance ordinances.
Inspections & Enforcement: The City conducts regular inspections, and violations can result in fines or suspension/revocation of the rental registration or business tax receipt.
Summary:
Short-term rentals are allowed and regulated in Cape Canaveral. Operators must maintain active registration, meet parking and occupancy limits, and provide a reliable local contact. The city enforces its STR ordinances rigorously—proper compliance and management are essential for hosts and investors.
🔗 City of Cape Canaveral Vacation Rental Ordinance – Sec. 110-486 (Official)
🔗 City of Cape Canaveral Vacation Rentals Information Page (Official)
📅 Last Checked: 10/24/2025
STR Score: 🟢 Green (Allowed and regulated)
(City of) Cocoa, FL
Rules: Currently Unregulated
Like Palm Bay, and the City of Melbourne does not appear to have any specific ordinances governing short-term rentals (STRs). At this time, STRs are neither explicitly allowed nor prohibited.
Important notes:
Always verify directly with the City of Cocoa, as regulations could change.
Be cautious when researching online — search results often mix Cocoa Beach with The City of Cocoa, which have very different rules.
Summary:
Short-term rentals are currently unregulated in The City of Cocoa. This presents an opportunity for STR investors, but the ambiguity means careful due diligence is critical. As with all unregulated markets, there is a risk that future ordinances could impose stricter requirements or restrictions.
City of Cocoa Code of Ordinances (Official) Last Checked: 10/14/2025
STR Score: 
Green — Wide Open (Proceed with Caution)
Cocoa Beach, FL
Rules:
Short-term rentals are allowed and popular in Cocoa Beach, but they are tightly regulated.
New Ordinances (No. 1695 & 1697, March/April 2025):
Increased registration fees and stricter oversight for all STRs.
Fee Structure:
Condos / Multi-Family: $146.30 × approved guest capacity (annual).
Single-Family Homes: $219.45 × approved guest capacity (annual).
Occupancy Limits: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional guests (e.g., a 5-bedroom home = max 12 guests).
Fines: Up to $1,000 per day for operating without valid registration or violating requirements.
STR owners must maintain active registration and remain in compliance to avoid penalties.
Summary: Short-term rentals are permitted, but regulations are strict and enforcement is aggressive. Cocoa Beach is STR-friendly for compliant investors, but oversight is strong.
🔗 City of Cocoa Beach Vacation Rental Ordinances (Official)
📅 Last Checked: 9/24/2025
STR Score: 🟢 Green (Allowed, heavily regulated)
Indialantic, FL
Rules:
Short-term rentals are permitted in specific zoning districts in Indialantic — but the regulations are not universal across the whole town. Similar to unincorporated Brevard County Beachside, and according to local zoning interpretations, STRs are generally allowed on the east (ocean) side of A1A in the Tourist District, while they are prohibited in residential areas west of A1A.
Key Highlights:
Tourist/Zoning Restriction: Indialantic’s code allows short-term vacation rentals primarily within its tourist zoning district east of A1A along the oceanfront.
Residential Zones: STRs are not permitted in standard residential districts west of A1A unless a zoning change or variance is approved.
HOA & Private Rules: As always, community/HOA covenants can still restrict rentals even where the town permits them (e.g., beachfront condo or subdivision rules).
State & County Tax/License Obligations: Regardless of local zoning, all STRs must comply with Florida’s DBPR vacation rental licensing and collect/remit state sales tax (6%) plus Brevard County Tourist Development Tax (5%) for rentals under six months.
Summary:
Indialantic does allow short-term rentals, but only in designated tourist/zoned areas on the ocean side of A1A. STRs are not generally permitted in non-tourist residential zones. Prospective hosts and investors should confirm a property’s zoning designation with the Town Planning Department before purchase or listing and verify compliance with state and county licensing/tax rules.
🔗 Official Zoning Map – Town of Indialantic
https://www.townofindialantic.com/DocumentCenter/View/153/Zoning-Map
🔗 Town of Indialantic Code of Ordinances (Municode)
https://library.municode.com/fl/indialantic/codes/code_of_ordinances
Within Municode, focus on:
Chapter 12 – Zoning
Tourist (T) District
Permitted Uses & Conditional Uses
The Tourist District section outlines lodging-related uses that are not permitted in standard residential districts.
🔗 Indialantic Planning & Zoning Page
https://www.townofindialantic.com/149/Planning-Zoning
📅 Last Checked: 12/15/2025
STR Score: 🟡 Yellow — Restricted/Permitted but zoning-restricted
Indian Harbour Beach, FL
Rules:
Short-term rentals (also called vacation rentals) are regulated and require registration with the City of Indian Harbour Beach. The city administers a Vacation Rental Registration Program to ensure properties meet minimum housing and life-safety standards under Article V of the City Code.
Key requirements include:
Vacation Rental License: A short-term rental permit is required before advertising or renting a property for periods of less than 30 days.
Annual Registration & Fees: Owners must register each rental and pay applicable fees (initial and renewal), plus an annual fire safety inspection. Indian Harbour Beach
One License per Property: Each dwelling unit must have its own STR license — you cannot use one permit for multiple properties. Indian Harbour Beach
Posting Requirements: The STR license must be posted visibly inside the rental unit, and lease and compliance documents must include required local information. Indian Harbour Beach
Safety Standards: All vacation rentals must pass a fire safety inspection and comply with City life-safety code. Indian Harbour Beach
Compliance Enforcement: Operating a vacation rental without proper registration after the ordinance went into effect (2018) is a code violation subject to enforcement. Indian Harbour Beach
Registration & Fees:
To operate a short-term rental legally you must submit a vacation rental registration and pay the required fees. These include: indianharbourbeach.gov
Vacation Rental Application & Registration Fee: $750 (new)
Annual Renewal Fee: $500
Annual Fire Safety Inspection Fee: $85
No-Show or Re-Inspection Fee: $25
Change of Ownership Fee: $750
Modification of Existing Registration: $250
Permanent Responsible Party Transfer: $100
Temporary Responsible Party Transfer (up to 30 days): $25
Late Renewal Fee: $100
Penalty for Operating Without Registration: $125
All licenses are valid for one year from the registration date. indianharbourbeach.gov
Inspection & Compliance:
A Fire Safety Inspection is required annually for all registered vacation rentals. Contact the City Fire Marshal to schedule. Indian Harbour Beach
The City enforces the vacation rental ordinance — operating without registration after October 1, 2018 is a violation and subject to fines. Indian Harbour Beach
Summary:
Indian Harbour Beach actively regulates short-term rentals. Properties rented for periods under 30 days must be licensed, registered, inspected for safety, and compliant with life-safety standards. Each unit requires its own permit, and visible documentation is required inside the rental. This structured registration and inspection process helps ensure guest safety and neighborhood compatibility.
🔗 Indian Harbour Beach Vacation Rental Registration (Official) Indian Harbour Beach
🔗 City Vacation Rental Inspection & Compliance Info Indian Harbour Beach
📅 Last Checked: 12/16/2025
STR Score: 🟢 Green — Regulated and Permitted
Melbourne, FL
Rules: Currently Unregulated
Like Palm Bay, the City of Melbourne does not appear to have any specific ordinances governing short-term rentals (STRs). At this time, STRs are neither explicitly allowed nor prohibited.
Important notes:
Always verify directly with the City of Melbourne, as regulations could change.
Be cautious when researching online — search results often mix Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Beach, which have very different rules.
Summary:
Short-term rentals are currently unregulated in Melbourne. This presents an opportunity for STR investors, but the ambiguity means careful due diligence is critical. As with all unregulated markets, there is a risk that future ordinances could impose stricter requirements or restrictions.
Melbourne Code of Ordinances (Official) Last Checked: 9/24/2025
STR Score: Green — Wide Open (Proceed with Caution)
Melbourne beach, FL
STILL BEING INVESTIGATED
Rules:
Melbourne Beach does not regulate short-term rentals through a single, standalone STR ordinance. Instead, vacation rental use is governed through a combination of zoning regulations and a Town-administered Vacation Rental registration program.
Short-term or vacation rentals are not permitted by default in residential zoning districts. In Melbourne Beach, land uses must be expressly allowed by zoning; if a use is not listed as permitted or conditional, it is not allowed. Lodging-type or transient uses are treated separately from standard residential use and must meet zoning and approval criteria.
The Town does maintain a Vacation Rental program, which allows qualifying properties to operate as vacation rentals only if they are properly zoned and registered with the Town. This program does not create universal eligibility and does not override zoning restrictions.
Important Notes:
Zoning-Driven: Vacation rental eligibility is determined first by zoning, not by registration alone.
Registration Required: Properties that qualify must be registered through the Town’s Vacation Rental program and comply with operational requirements.
Listings Online ≠ Allowed Use: The presence of vacation rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo does not indicate town-wide permission. Some properties may be grandfathered or located in compatible zoning districts.
Verification Required: Buyers and owners should confirm zoning eligibility in writing with the Town prior to purchase or listing.
Summary:
Melbourne Beach is highly restrictive but not an outright prohibition. Short-term rentals are limited, zoning-dependent, and approval-based. Most residential properties will not qualify for vacation rental use unless they meet specific zoning criteria and are formally registered with the Town. This market requires careful due diligence and direct verification before pursuing an STR strategy.
🔗 Town of Melbourne Beach – Vacation Rentals (Official)
https://www.melbournebeachfl.org/Departments/Vacation-Rentals
🔗 Town of Melbourne Beach – Official Zoning Map
https://www.melbournebeachfl.org/files/content/city/v/12/forms-and-documents/official-zoning-maplpms_5-31-2012.pdf
📅 Last Checked: 12/18/2025
STR Score: 🟡 Yellow — Limited, Zoning- & Approval-Based (High Due Diligence Required)
Merritt Island, FL
Rules:
Merritt Island is an unincorporated area of Brevard County, meaning it falls entirely under Brevard County zoning and ordinances rather than its own city government. Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated by county code — not by a separate municipal authority.
Key highlights:
Zoning Matters: STRs are only permitted in certain zones, most notably those designated as Resort Dwelling (RD) or similarly approved for transient use.
General Restriction: In most standard residential zones, rentals under 90 days are not allowed unless the property has an approved conditional use or falls within an RD zone.
Licensing & Taxes: All short-term rentals (182 days or less) must comply with state requirements, including DBPR licensing, 6% Florida Sales Tax, and 5% Brevard County Tourist Development Tax.
Enforcement: STRs in unincorporated Brevard County are enforced by county code compliance officers and subject to fines for unlicensed or improper operation.
Summary:
Merritt Island is unincorporated and follows Brevard County’s STR rules. Short-term rentals are allowed only in properly zoned Resort Dwelling or transient-use districts. Most residential areas are limited to longer-term rentals (90+ days). Proper due diligence and zoning verification are essential before operating or investing in STRs here.
🔗 Brevard County STR Rules
📅 Last Checked: 10/30/2025
STR Score: 🟡 Yellow — Allowed only in designated Resort Dwelling zones
Palm Bay, FL
Rules: Currently unregulated
Palm Bay presents an interesting case. Since there are no specific short-term rental (STR) ordinances or registration programs in place, the city is considered unregulated.
According to a Google AI overview (unverified): Palm Bay does not currently have ordinances specific to STRs, but hosts are expected to:
Obtain a City Business Tax Receipt
Pay state and local taxes
Follow Brevard County noise regulations (recently strengthened)
Comply with Florida Building Code and property maintenance standards
A direct search of Palm Bay’s official ordinances for keywords like “transient,” “short-term,” and “vacation” yielded no results.
Summary:
Short-term rentals are neither explicitly allowed nor disallowed in Palm Bay. This creates a wide-open opportunity for STR investors. However, investors should proceed with caution — the lack of current regulation could shift toward tighter restrictions in the future.
🔗 City of Palm Bay Ordinances (Official)
📅 Last Checked: 9/24/2025
STR Score: 🟢 Green – Wide Open
Rockledge, FL
Rules:
Currently unregulated.
Like Palm Bay and the City of Melbourne, Rockledge does not appear to have any specific ordinances governing short-term or vacation rentals (STRs). At this time, STRs are neither explicitly allowed nor prohibited within city limits.
Important Notes:
Always confirm directly with the City of Rockledge Planning & Zoning Department before operating or purchasing an STR, as regulations can change without formal public notice.
All rentals must still comply with state and county laws, including registration with the Florida DBPR and payment of the Brevard County Tourist Development Tax.
STRs located within HOA or condo associations are also subject to private covenants, which may be more restrictive than city or county rules.
Summary:
Short-term rentals are currently unregulated in the City of Rockledge. This creates potential opportunity for STR investors, but also uncertainty. Due diligence is essential—future city ordinances could impose additional requirements or restrictions as the STR market grows.
🔗 City of Rockledge Code of Ordinances (Official)
📅 Last Checked: 10/30/2025
STR Score: 🟢 Green — Wide Open (Proceed with Caution)
Satellite Beach, FL
Rules: Prohibited
Satellite Beach is one of the few Brevard County cities where short-term rentals (STRs) are not allowed. The prohibition is enforceable because the ordinance was on the books before June 1, 2011 — the date when Florida law prevented local governments from newly banning STRs.
Even mid-term rentals are heavily restricted:
Residential properties: Limited to a minimum of 180 days (6 months).
Exception: Properties east of A1A (and HOA-approved) may allow 30-day minimum rentals.
This policy creates frustration for many property owners. As a resident and property manager here myself, I respect a city’s right to regulate, but the 6-month minimum is outdated and overly restrictive. Snowbirds and transient part-time residents often ignore these rules, while full-time locals are left to comply with ordinances that are inconsistently enforced.
Summary:
Short-Term Rentals: 🚫 Not allowed
Mid-Term Rentals: Heavily restricted (180-day minimum; limited 30-day exceptions)
🔗 Satellite Beach Code of Ordinances
📄 City Attorney Memorandum: Short-Term/Vacation Rentals
📅 Last Checked: 9/24/2025
STR Score: 🔴 STOP — Strict Prohibition
South Patrick Shores, FL
Unincorporated Township North of Satellite Beach Proper and South of Patrick Space Force Base. See Brevard County Short-Term Rental Rules.
Titusville, FL
Rules:
Titusville appears to restrict short-term rentals (typically defined as rentals under three months) within most residential zoning districts. This is based on enforcement records and references to an older city ordinance—reportedly originating around 2007—that limits single-family dwellings to a minimum lease term of 90 days.
Although the city’s current online code does not feature a clearly labeled “short-term rental” or “vacation rental” section, enforcement actions and multiple third-party sources confirm that Titusville treats short-term rentals as nonconforming uses in residential zones.
Important Notes:
Minimum Lease Term: ~3 months (90 days) in most residential zones.
Lack of Published STR Ordinance: No standalone STR or vacation rental chapter appears in the online code, but past enforcement actions show the rule is still applied.
Business Tax Receipts: Long-term and standard rental properties still require registration with the City of Titusville.
HOA/Neighborhood Restrictions: As always, local covenants may impose stricter rules.
Summary:
Short-term rentals under three months are generally prohibited in Titusville. While enforcement appears selective, property owners have faced citations for operating Airbnbs. This market should be considered restricted unless the property is zoned or permitted for transient use. Always confirm directly with Titusville Planning & Zoning before pursuing an STR investment.
🔗 City of Titusville Land Development Regulations (Official)
📅 Last Checked: 11/06/2025
STR Score: 🔴 Red — Restricted (Minimum 3-Month Lease Required)
Viera, FL
Rules: See HOA Restrictions
Viera is a master-planned community developed by The Viera Company within unincorporated Brevard County.
It does not have its own city government, mayor, or municipal ordinances.
All land use, zoning, and code enforcement in Viera are handled by Brevard County.
The community’s internal regulations come from its Community Associations (HOAs and CDDs like Viera East and Viera West).
Summary:
Viera = Unincorporated Brevard County (subject to county + HOA rules, not its own city).
Viera East Community Association
Last Checked: 10/24/2025
STR Score: Use Caution and Verify with each specific community
West Melbourne, FL
Rules:
Short-term rentals of less than one week are prohibited in all residential zoning districts. Rentals must be on a weekly, monthly, or longer basis.
Questions may be directed to the City Planning Department at (321) 837-7778.
HOAs may impose stricter rules through their covenants, but the City does not enforce HOA restrictions.
Rentals of a week or more require a City Business Tax Receipt. View Business Tax Receipt information here.
The State of Florida taxes rentals of 182 days or less with:
6% Florida Sales Tax
5% Brevard County Tourist Development Tax
Additional state/federal taxes may apply (e.g., income tax, turnover taxes).
Summary: Overnight and daily rentals are prohibited. Weekly or longer mid-term stays (such as for traveling professionals) are permitted and are the most feasible rental model here.
🔗 City of West Melbourne Code of Ordinances Summary Page (Official)
📅 Last Checked: 9/24/2025
STR Score: 🟡 Yellow (Mid-term only, STR heavily restricted)
