Walton County sets October 2026 deadline for vacation rental signage updates

Walton County's Planning Commission made significant strides in addressing short-term vacation rental regulations during their recent meeting on February 6, 2025. A key highlight was the decision to update exterior sign requirements for these rentals, which will now include a hotline number for complaints and issues. This change, effective October 1, 2026, aims to ease concerns from management companies and property owners about frequent sign updates.

The new regulation mandates that all short-term rentals display the Walton County hotline number prominently on their signs. This hotline will operate 24/7, providing a direct line for residents and visitors to report disturbances or issues related to short-term rentals. The decision to delay the implementation from January to October 2026 was made to accommodate the needs of property owners who may frequently change management companies.

Commission members clarified the definition of short-term rentals, confirming that properties rented for less than 30 days fall under this category, aligning with state statutes. This clarity is expected to streamline compliance and enforcement efforts.

Additionally, the commission discussed a new provision allowing homeowners' associations (HOAs) or property owners' associations (POAs) to obtain a single community certificate. This would enable them to post one sign at a common area or entrance, rather than requiring individual signs for each rental property. This concession aims to reduce visual clutter and simplify the process for larger communities managing multiple rentals.

The commission emphasized that while the sign is primarily for community awareness, residents will be informed of the hotline through direct communication from their HOA or POA. This approach is designed to ensure that all community members, whether renters or permanent residents, have access to the necessary contact information for reporting issues.

As Walton County continues to refine its regulations on short-term rentals, these updates reflect a commitment to balancing the interests of property owners, management companies, and the broader community. The anticipated outcomes include improved communication regarding rental issues and a more organized approach to managing short-term vacation rentals in the area.