Short-term rentals (STRs), often referred to as vacation rentals in Bay County, Florida, are legal but come with specific regulations. The Bay County Commission oversees these rentals, requiring owners to obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental Certificate, with the stipulation that the property must meet certain safety and inspection standards. STRs in this area predominantly include beach condos and single-family homes, particularly thriving in tourist-heavy locations such as Panama City Beach, which attracts visitors year-round for leisure and relaxation. The market primarily caters to tourists, as evidenced by a significant number of active listings on platforms like Airbnb, with an average occupancy rate of around 58% and an annual revenue averaging $50,600 per short-term rental. Bay County also imposes a 5% Tourist Development Tax on these rentals, further contributing to the local economy. For detailed information on regulations and requirements, you can visit the official Bay County website at baycountyfl.gov.