The New Short-Term Rental Ordinance: What You Need to Know
The recently enacted Short-Term Rental Ordinances set in place for Panama City Beach, Bay County and Walton County have introduced new requirements for property owners. Navigating these changes can be overwhelming, but compliance is crucial to protect your investment and avoid serious penalties.
Some of the Key Requirements
Designated Responsible Party: You must appoint a Responsible Party who is available 24/7.
Rapid Response: The Responsible Party must be able to respond to any issue at your property within one hour.
Regular Inspections: Properties must undergo regular inspections to ensure they meet safety and compliance standards.
Proper Signage: Your property must display the required signage with the Responsible Party's contact information.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines & Liens Against Property
Potential Court Appearances
Guest Removal From Property
Risk of Losing Your Short-Term Rental License
We Have Your Solution
Island Services: Your Partner in STR Compliance
Don't let the new STR ordinance stress you out. Island Services offers a comprehensive Responsible Party Hosting Program designed to take the burden of compliance off your shoulders. We are local experts with a deep understanding of the ordinance and a proven track record of helping short-term rental owners like you. We have developed a system to streamline your reporting and make compliance easy.
How We Keep You Compliant and Give You Peace of Mind
24/7 Availability & Rapid Response:
Our dedicated team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We guarantee a response to any issue at your property within one hour, meeting the ordinance's strict requirements and ensuring prompt resolution of any problems. Our phones are answered live, by trained professionals, ready to dispatch to your property.
Proactive Property Inspections:
We conduct thorough interior and exterior inspections of your property on a schedule that fits your needs. Our detailed reports, complete with photos, provide you with a clear record of your property's condition and compliance status. Our inspections are loaded in real-time to your owner portal.
Customized Enforcement:
You're in control. We work closely with you to establish enforcement guidelines that align with your preferences. Whether it's a friendly reminder about noise levels or a more direct approach to rule violations, we'll handle it according to your wishes.
Owner-Centric Reporting:
Stay informed with our custom-built online portal. You'll receive real-time updates on all property visits, including the reason for the visit, actions taken, and the outcome. Our transparent reporting keeps you in the loop every step of the way. Access your portal anytime from anywhere to see reporting on your property.
Ordinance Signage:
We provide and install the required signage at your property, clearly displaying our contact information as your designated Responsible Party, ensuring full compliance with the ordinance.
Why Choose Island Services as Your Responsible Party
Choosing a Responsible Party is a critical decision. Here's why Island Services is the right choice for your Panama City Beach property:
Local Expertise: We're deeply familiar with the new local Short-Term Rental Ordinances and have established relationships with local officials.
Proven Track Record: Our experience in the local market ensures your property is managed effectively and efficiently.
Technology-Driven Solutions: Our custom-built online portal provides unparalleled transparency and keeps you connected to your property 24/7.
Customized Service: We tailor our services to your specific needs and preferences, giving you the control you desire.
Peace of Mind: We handle the complexities of compliance so you can relax and enjoy the benefits of owning a short-term rental property.
Avoid relying on friends, neighbors, or vendors who may not be fully committed or equipped to meet the ordinance's demands. Choose a dedicated partner you can trust.
What Services Does The Hosting Program Consist Of
Compliance Services
(Available To Program Members Only)
Property Pre-Inspection & Repairs
Property Risk Assessments
Fire Escape Plans
24/7 Call Hosting - Live Operator
Guest Call Routing for Calls Not Pertaining to Ordinance
1 Hour Response Time
Occupancy Compliance
Guest Ejections
Noise Complaint Resolutions
Emergency Trash Service
Parking Enforcement
Monthly and Weekly Compliance Inspection & Reporting
Body Camera Recording
Sign Printing and Installations
City & County - Fire, Police, and Inspector Meetings
and more...
What Is The Cost Of The Hosting Program
We Have Affordable Solutions for Every Property
We offer flexible monthly plans designed to fit your needs and budget.
Our base Responsible Party Hosting Program covers all the essential compliance requirements, with additional services available as needed.
Contact us today for a personalized quote and discover how we can help you achieve stress-free compliance.
Get Started Today!
Don't risk fines or the loss of your rental license.
Let Island Services ensure your short-term rental is fully
We offer bundle discounts if your property is on our one of our Maintenance Plans.
CONTACT US for more information about how we can help you with your properties !
!! PLEASE NOTE !!
If Island Services is hosting your property, you will receive a dedicated phone number for your signage.
Do NOT list our main office phone number on your STR application. If you have accidentally listed the incorrect phone number we can assist you in filing a corrected application.
Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance Information Resource
Please see the registration fees below. • $250 Registration Fee* • $75 Re-Inspect Fee** • $100 Lock-out Fee***
The council also set penalties for violations. • First offense -- $500 • Second offense -- $1,000 • Third and subsequent violations within a 12-month period - $1,000 and the revocation of the vacation rental certificate for one year. This applies to individual units, not a management company as a whole.
*Any change in property ownership is considered a new application. As such, this change will require the submission of a new registration fee. **Failure to pass inspection will result in a $75 reinspection fee. ***Failure to admit the inspector entry or failure to provide means of entry, will result in a $100 "no-show" or "lock-out" fee.
