Cocoa Beach Vacation Rental Laws 2025: What Property Owners Need to Know

Are you a vacation rental owner in Cocoa Beach, Florida? New short-term rental laws passed in 2025 are changing the game for property managers and investors. Whether you’re listing a beachfront condo or a single-family home, these updated regulations impact every vacation rental in Cocoa Beach—and staying compliant is crucial to avoid costly fines.

New Cocoa Beach Vacation Rental Regulations (2025)

The Cocoa Beach City Commission passed Ordinance 1695 in March 2025, introducing city-wide rules for vacation rentals. These updates affect property registration, fees, occupancy limits, and advertising requirements. Here’s what every vacation rental owner needs to know:

1. Vacation Rental Registration is Now Mandatory for All Properties

Previously, only single-family homes needed to register. Now, all short-term rentals, including condos and multi-family units, must be registered with the city. This includes:

• Obtaining a Vacation Rental Registration Certificate
  
• Securing a Business Tax Receipt
  
• Listing a local emergency contact who can respond within 1 hour
  

Source: City of Cocoa Beach Ordinance 1695

2. Updated Vacation Rental Fees (2025)

Cocoa Beach now has one of Florida’s highest fee structures for vacation rentals. Here’s a breakdown:

Example: A home approved for 8 guests would pay $1,755.60 annually.

There was a one-time $500 grace period for registrations submitted before April 20, 2025.

Source: Florida Today – Cocoa Beach Raises Vacation Rental Fees

3. Maximum Occupancy Rules

The city enforces strict limits on guest occupancy:

• 2 guests per bedroom + 2 extra guests per unit
  
• Infants and children count toward the guest total
  
• Advertising higher capacities can result in fines
  

Source: News 6 ClickOrlando

4. Steep Fines for Non-Compliance

Vacation rental owners in Cocoa Beach face serious penalties for violating these rules:

• $1,000 per day for operating without a valid registration
  
• Fines escalate quickly: $250 on Day 1, $500/day (Days 2-5), then $1,000/day
  

Why You Need a Professional Property Manager More Than Ever

With the new Cocoa Beach vacation rental laws, managing a short-term rental has become more complex and time-consuming. Here’s why working with a professional property manager is essential under these regulations:

• Ensure Full Compliance: A professional manager knows the laws inside and out, handling registration, occupancy limits, and required postings.
  
• Avoid Costly Fines: We monitor all legal changes and act quickly to protect you from unexpected penalties.
  
• Handle Guests & Emergencies: Our local team provides 24/7 guest support and meets the city’s emergency contact requirement.
  
• Optimize Your Earnings: We manage everything from marketing to maintenance while keeping your rental legal and profitable.
  

Why Choose Beachside Vacation Rentals?

At Beachside Vacation Rentals, we take the stress out of compliance. We’re local experts in Cocoa Beach vacation rental management, providing hands-on service to keep your property running smoothly. From fee calculations to guest communications, we’ve got you covered.

Need Help Navigating Cocoa Beach’s Vacation Rental Rules?

If you’re unsure how these new rules apply to your property—or you’re looking for a professional management company to handle it for you—contact Beachside Vacation Rentals today. We’re the leading vacation rental management company in Cocoa Beach, helping property owners thrive even in a changing regulatory environment.

Stay Informed

These regulations may evolve throughout 2025 as the city evaluates their impact. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on Cocoa Beach vacation rental laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all vacation rentals in Cocoa Beach need to be registered in 2025?

Yes. As of March 2025, all short-term rentals, including condos and multi-family units, must be registered with the City of Cocoa Beach. Beachside Vacation Rentals ensures your property meets every registration requirement.

2. How much does it cost to register a vacation rental in Cocoa Beach?

Fees are now based on occupancy. Single-family homes pay $219.45 per approved guest, and condos or multi-family units pay $146.30 per guest. Beachside VR calculates and handles these fees for all our managed properties.

3. What happens if I don’t comply with Cocoa Beach’s new vacation rental laws?

Fines start at $250 per day and escalate to $1,000 per day for unregistered rentals. Working with Beachside VR protects you from fines by ensuring full legal compliance.

4. Can Beachside Vacation Rentals help me manage my property under these new rules?

Absolutely. We’re the top choice for vacation rental property management in Cocoa Beach, offering expert guidance, full-service management, and legal compliance support.

5. Why is now the best time to work with a professional vacation rental manager in Cocoa Beach?

Because the laws are stricter and more complex than ever. Beachside Vacation Rentals stays ahead of local regulations so you don’t have to, maximizing your profits while keeping you fully compliant.