Bay County covers the Panama City Beach area — one of Florida's busiest Gulf Coast vacation rental markets. Both a Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License and Bay County registration are required. Enforcement has intensified significantly since 2022.
Bay County, Florida (Panama City Beach, Panama City, Mexico Beach) requires the same two-layer compliance as other Florida vacation rental markets: a statewide DBPR Vacation Rental License followed by Bay County registration. The county processes registrations through Bay County Growth Management.
Panama City Beach draws millions of spring break and summer visitors annually. The high-volume, high-transient nature of the market has driven the county to intensify enforcement. Since 2022, Bay County code enforcement has added dedicated STR compliance staff and increased platform monitoring frequency.
Apply at myfloridalicense.com. Select Vacation Rental (Dwelling) for single-family homes or Vacation Rental (Condominium) for condo units. Fee: approximately $195–$295 annually. A DBPR inspection is required for new applicants.
After receiving your DBPR license number, contact Bay County Growth Management at (850) 248-8250 to obtain the current registration application and fee schedule. Submit proof of ownership, DBPR license, insurance certificate, and occupancy details.
Properties inside Panama City Beach city limits may be subject to additional city-level regulations beyond the county registration. Verify your property's jurisdiction — the City of Panama City Beach has enacted zoning rules that affect where and how vacation rentals can operate. Properties in unincorporated Bay County follow county rules only.
Bay County levies a Tourist Development Tax. Register with the Bay County Tax Collector. Florida state sales tax applies. Both Airbnb and VRBO remit state sales tax in Florida; verify TDT handling with your specific platform.
This guide is informational only. Requirements in Bay County, Florida are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the local planning or code enforcement office before applying.