Marineland Acres: a small neighborhood that rents big.
A quiet strip of homes between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal on A1A — and the only neighborhood we specialize in. Here's what owners and buyers should know.
Where Marineland Acres is
Marineland Acres sits on A1A just south of the Town of Marineland, at the northern edge of Flagler County. Homes carry a Palm Coast mailing address but sit in unincorporated Flagler County, between the ocean and the Matanzas River/Intracoastal Waterway. It's roughly a half-hour drive to historic St. Augustine and a short hop to the Hammock and the rest of beachside Palm Coast.
Why it works as a short-term rental market
- Water on both sides. Uncrowded Atlantic beaches to the east, sunsets and kayaking on the Intracoastal to the west.
- Built-in attractions. River to Sea Preserve (beach boardwalk, trails, kayak launch and a Great Florida Birding Trail site), Marineland's dolphin encounters, the GTM Research Reserve trails and the UF Whitney Laboratory are all within the immediate area.
- Day trips guests ask about. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Fort Matanzas National Monument and its free ferry, Matanzas Inlet, the Hammock's golf, and St. Augustine.
- Golf-cart scale. A golf cart is a genuine amenity here — our own listing offers one, and guests use it for beach, preserve and dolphin-park runs.
- Limited supply. A small neighborhood means fewer directly competing listings than the big beachside condo corridors.
What a Marineland Acres rental can look like
Our managed Luxury Beach Haven — 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, about 1,200 sq ft, with a guest golf cart — averages about $314 a night. Larger oceanfront homes along this coast command considerably more; see live comparisons on our homepage. Every home is different, so treat these as reference points, not projections.
Rules that apply here
Because Marineland Acres is unincorporated, owners deal with Flagler County, not the City of Palm Coast. In practice that means a county short-term vacation rental certificate (with inspection and a 24/7 responsible party), a Florida DBPR license, and monthly filing of the county's 5% tourist development tax, which Airbnb and VRBO do not collect in Flagler County. Our Flagler County vacation rental rules guide walks through each step.
Coastal reality check. Storms have hit this stretch of A1A hard in recent seasons. Budget for insurance, elevation and flood exposure, and storm prep before you underwrite a purchase — we'll tell you what we see on the ground.
Buying here?
We're happy to give you an honest read on a specific address before you make an offer: likely nightly rates and occupancy, what it will need to compete, and the regulatory steps. Jeff is a licensed Florida real estate agent (Freedom Realty · Homes International Florida), so we can help with the purchase itself too.
Marineland Acres FAQ
Can I Airbnb my home in Marineland Acres?
Generally yes, with the right registrations. Marineland Acres is in unincorporated Flagler County, so a whole-home rental normally needs a Flagler County short-term vacation rental certificate, a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, a Department of Revenue registration and a county tourist development tax account. Check any HOA or deed restrictions too. Details are in our rules guide.
Is Marineland Acres part of the City of Palm Coast?
No. Homes in Marineland Acres use a Palm Coast mailing address but sit in unincorporated Flagler County, so county rules — not the city's 2025 short-term rental ordinance — apply. Always confirm a specific parcel with the Flagler County Property Appraiser.
What do guests like about Marineland Acres?
Quiet beaches, the Intracoastal on the other side, River to Sea Preserve and Marineland a short walk or golf cart ride away, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Fort Matanzas nearby, and St. Augustine about a half-hour drive north.
Can you help me evaluate a home before I buy?
Yes. We live and operate here, and Jeff is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Freedom Realty. We can give you a straight read on what a specific home is likely to earn and what it will need before you buy.
Own in Marineland Acres? Let's talk.
We're your neighbors. Start with a free property evaluation — no pressure, just a straight read on the numbers.