Cocoa Beach short-term rental rules: The "15-Minute Rule" and 2025 fees
Essential guide to Cocoa Beach Ordinance 1695, occupancy-based fees, and strict enforcement for property managers.
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Onsite
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Cocoa Beach significantly overhauled its short-term rental regulations in March 2025 with Ordinance 1695.
The new rules apply to the entire city—including condos—and introduce some of the highest registration fees in the state.
The Occupancy-Based Fee Model
Fees are now charged per approved guest: $219.45 for single-family homes and $146.30 for condos. A typical 8-guest home now costs over $1,750 annually just for registration.
Strict Occupancy and the "15-Minute Rule"
- check_circle Hard cap of 8 guests total for all STR properties.
- check_circle Anyone on property for >15 minutes counts as a "guest."
- check_circle Children under 2 years old are excluded from the cap.
- check_circle Maximum of 4 vehicles allowed per property.
- check_circle Minimum of one off-street parking space required.
Manager Accountability (Responsible Party)
The designated responsible party must be available by phone 24/7 and respond to any complaints within 1 hour. Proof of human trafficking awareness training is now mandatory for all managers.
Quick checklist.
Per-guest registration fee paid.
8-guest hard cap understood.
15-minute rule communicated to guests.
Human trafficking training completed.
Landline or 911-dedicated phone installed.
Zoning map verified for STR use.