City Watch
Short-term rental rules in West Palm Beach, FL
How West Palm Beach regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here are subject to registration, a lodging tax, or a small number of operating rules.
- Thin STR-specific layer only: Ch. 94 zoning defines 'vacation rental, short-term' (minimum 7 consecutive days) at Sec. 94-611, and that definition is the only STR-specific text in the code
- No city STR registration or permit process and no supply device: Ch. 94 has no residential-district exclusion, cap, quota, or STR program; STRs are otherwise governed by the state DBPR license + general BTR
- City Development Services stated in writing (Aug 2026) that STRs are regulated by the State of Florida, not the municipality
Based on: West Palm Beach Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ch. 94 § 94-611 (Definitions) — 'Vacation rental, short-term'.
Summary of the rule
Zoning code § 94-611 defines 'vacation rental, short-term' as a rental 'for a minimum of seven consecutive days' and requires a State of Florida Resort Condominium or Dwelling License. This is a bare use-definition — no district use-table attaches a supply/exclusion device to it. Section-level adoption date not annotated on enCodePlus; immaterial because no operative supply device exists (any post-2011 duration limit would be preempted under §509.032(7)).
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 9, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring West Palm Beach · system last checked Nov 9, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.