Keeping Your Short-Term Rental Code Compliant
Short-term rental properties are subject to applicable City property-maintenance, nuisance, and zoning requirements. Property owners and operators can help prevent Code Compliance violations by routinely inspecting the property, maintaining exterior and interior conditions, managing trash and parking, and providing guests with clear expectations.
Information provided by a booking platform, including occupancy settings or house rules, does not supersede applicable requirements of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code. Because short-term rentals may experience frequent guest turnover, owners should regularly monitor the property for conditions that could result in Code Compliance concerns.
View the Jacksonville Ordinance Code online.
Preventing Common Code Compliance Problems
Inspect the home before it is listed and routinely between stays. Correct small maintenance issues before repeated guest use turns them into larger problems.
- Use a parking diagram. Show the driveway or assigned spaces and state the maximum number of vehicles the property can reasonably accommodate.
- Keep Sidewalks open. No portion of a vehicle should block a public sidewalk. Guests should also avoid driveways, hydrants, restricted areas and neighboring property.
- Do not sacrifice required parking. Keep garages and other approved parking areas available when they are needed to satisfy the property's off-street parking requirements.
Ordinance reference: Jacksonville Ordinance Code 518.412-.413, 518.417 and 518.419-.421
Guest turnover can produce more waste than an ordinary household. Provide enough containers, explain collection rules and arrange extra service when normal collection will not be sufficient.
- Remove waste promptly. Do not allow bags, furniture, broken equipment, bulk items or loose debris to accumulate beside the house, fence, driveway or curb.
- Maintain the yard. Schedule mowing and landscape care even when the property is vacant. Control nuisance vegetation and promptly address dead limbs or other exterior hazards.
- Inspect after checkout. Walk the yard, driveway and nearby frontage for guest litter, overflowing containers, damaged fencing or discarded items.
Ordinance reference: Jacksonville Ordinance Code §§ 518.202, 518.209, 518.415 and 518.431-.432.
Dwelling areas used for sleeping should be consistent with the dwelling's residential layout and applicable space and occupancy requirements. Closets, garages, porches, sheds, utility rooms, and other non-habitable areas should not be used as routine sleeping areas.
- Use appropriate sleeping areas. Beds and sleeping arrangements should be located in areas suitable for residential occupancy. The number of beds shown online should reflect sleeping areas that satisfy applicable residential space, occupancy and maintenance standards.
- Maintain safe passageways. Furniture and sleeping arrangements should not obstruct doors, windows, exits, required passageways, or interfere with normal residential use.
- Inspect between stays. Correct furniture arrangements or other conditions that create overcrowding, obstruct exits, or result in unsuitable sleeping conditions.
Ordinance reference: Jacksonville Ordinance Code §§ 518.420-.421; Chapter 656 requirements applicable to the property's zoning district.
Protecting the Property and the Neighborhood
Tell guests where they may park before arrival. Keep required off-street spaces available for vehicles and do not treat the street, sidewalk or a neighboring property as guaranteed overflow parking.
- Use a parking diagram. Show the driveway or assigned spaces and state the maximum number of vehicles the property can reasonably accommodate.
- Keep sidewalks open. No portion of a vehicle should block a public sidewalk. Guests should also avoid driveways, hydrants, restricted areas and neighboring property.
- Do not sacrifice required parking. Keep garages and other approved parking areas available when they are needed to satisfy the property's off-street parking requirements.
Ordinance reference: Jacksonville Ordinance Code §§ 656.601-.604 and 656.607.
The use of the property should remain consistent with the residential uses permitted by the applicable zoning district. Activities that function as a separate event venue, commercial gathering space, or other nonresidential use may be subject to additional zoning requirements or may not be permitted at the property.
- Set clear expectations for guests. Establish reasonable rules addressing visitors, outdoor activity, parking, trash, and other conditions that could affect neighboring properties.
- Provide a responsive local contact. Owners and operators should have a reliable means of addressing property-related concerns when the property is occupied.
- Address problems early. Respond to litter, parking, lighting, property-maintenance, or other Code Compliance concerns before they become recurring conditions.
Ordinance reference: Jacksonville Ordinance Code Chapter 656, including the permitted-use requirements for the applicable zoning district.
Display the assigned street address so it is clearly visible from the street. Visible address numbers help guests, service providers and emergency responders locate the property. Owners should also keep their mailing address current with the Duval County Property Appraiser because official Code Compliance notices are sent using the property records available to the City.
Ordinance reference: Jacksonville Ordinance Code Chapter 745; City of Jacksonville Code Compliance notification procedures.
Code Violation
Municipal Code Compliance evaluates each property based on the conditions observed and the requirements of the applicable ordinance. Depending on the nature of the violation, the property owner or other responsible party may receive a warning, notice to correct, civil citation, or other enforcement notice.
When a violation is not corrected within the required timeframe, additional enforcement action may be taken as authorized by the Jacksonville Ordinance Code. Depending on the circumstances, this may include additional citations, referral to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board or Special Magistrate, assessment of fines, City abatement action where authorized, recovery of eligible costs, or the recording of a lien.
Conditions involving an immediate health or safety concern may be subject to different or expedited enforcement procedures.
Before Each Guest Arrival: Take a few minutes to inspect the property for potential Code Compliance concerns. Remove accumulated trash or debris, check exterior and landscaping conditions, confirm basic plumbing and electrical fixtures are functioning properly, ensure sleeping areas remain appropriate, review parking expectations with guests, and make sure a responsible contact is available if an issue arises.
A little routine attention between stays can prevent minor property concerns from becoming recurring Code Compliance issues.
Questions or Code Compliance concerns: Call 630-CITY (904-630-2489) or submit a request through MyJax. View the Jacksonville Ordinance Code online.
This guide summarizes common Code Compliance concerns and prevention practices. It does not replace the Jacksonville Ordinance Code, and each property is evaluated based on its specific conditions and applicable zoning.