Fort Walton Beach Rentals by Owner: Price, Pet-Friendly Options & Where to Book

Key Takeaways

• Vacation rental prices in Fort Walton Beach fluctuate by season: summer rates range from $175–$250/night for one-bedroom condos to $350–$500/night for three-bedroom houses, while winter rates drop to $75–$125 and $175–$300, respectively.

• Some top pet-friendly properties in Fort Walton Beach include Sea Palm 2B, Aqua Villa 405 - 2BD, and The Bay House. 

• Booking Fort Walton Beach rentals directly with hosts through platforms like Emerald Coast By Owner (ECBYO) can save you booking fees compared to other third-party sites.

Pet-Friendly Fort Walton Beach Rentals by Owner

Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach sits between Destin and Okaloosa Island, offering the same sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf waters with a more laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Its position on the Gulf Coast also means easy access to Choctawhatchee Bay, giving travelers the option of beachfront stays or quieter waterfront homes.

Some of the top pet-friendly rentals by owner in the area include Sea Palm 2B, Aqua Villa 405 - 2BD, and The Bay House. From a budget-friendly ground-floor condo to a Gulf-front retreat and a spacious bayfront home with a private dock, these properties give pet owners flexible options across different price points and settings.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what to expect in terms of pricing, amenities, and booking options, and take a closer look at these three standout pet-friendly rentals in Fort Walton Beach.

Top Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals by Owner in Fort Walton Beach

1. Sea Palm 2B

Sea Palm 2B allows pets and charges a pet fee. 

Located in Fort Walton Beach, Sea Palm 2B is a comfortable condo that’s well-suited for travelers seeking affordability, convenience, and pet-friendly accommodations. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit sleeps up to 4 guests and is on the ground floor, making it especially appealing to guests with dogs or anyone who prefers easy, stair-free access. 

One of Sea Palm 2B’s biggest perks is its direct patio access to the complex pool, allowing guests to step straight outside and relax poolside. While the condo is about a 4-mile drive from multiple public beach access points on Okaloosa Island, this location often results in lower nightly rates than beachfront properties, making it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. 

The condo is dog-friendly for pets up to 25 pounds (breed restrictions apply), with a $100 pet fee plus tax. 

2. Aqua Villa 405 - 2BD

Aqua Villa 405 - 2BD offers serene Gulf views and beach access. 

Located directly on the Gulf of Okaloosa Island near Fort Walton Beach, Aqua Villa 405 - 2BD is a pet-friendly beachfront rental by owner that delivers classic coastal comfort. 

This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo sleeps up to 8 guests and offers Gulf views, direct beach access, and a beachfront pool just steps from the unit, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to stay right on the sand without paying luxury-resort prices.

Inside, the condo is clean, spacious, and designed for relaxed group stays. The primary bedroom features a king bed and private bathroom, while the guest bedroom includes both a queen and a full (double) bed, ideal for families or friends traveling together. Guests also have access to a full kitchen for easy meal prep, private Wi-Fi, and a comfortable living area perfect for unwinding after long beach days.

3. The Bay House 

The Bay House allows pets with pre-approval. 

Set along prestigious Bay Drive in Fort Walton Beach, The Bay House offers quiet luxury, sweeping water views, and pet-friendly comfort. Positioned on a half-acre of prime waterfront along Choctawhatchee Bay, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers panoramic views stretching from Shalimar to Destin.

Designed for guests who prefer serenity to crowds, The Bay House offers a refined alternative to Gulf-front condos, just minutes from multiple beach access points. Its private dock is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, or simply watching dolphins and sailboats drift by. 

Pets are welcome with pre-approval, making this property an outstanding choice for travelers searching for Fort Walton Beach rentals by owner that combine pet-friendly policies, waterfront privacy, and upscale living.

Fort Walton Beach Rentals by Owner: Summary Table

What You'll Pay for Fort Walton Beach Vacation Rentals

Prices vary significantly based on several factors, including property size, location, amenities, and most importantly, season. 

Here's an estimated breakdown of what to expect when paying for rental properties in Fort Walton Beach. 

Average Nightly Rates by Season

• Summer: Peak summer months from June through August command the highest rates, with one-bedroom condos averaging $175–$250 per night, three-bedroom houses averaging $350–$500 per night, and luxury properties averaging $500–$1,200 or more per night. 

• Spring: Rates from March through May drop moderately, with one-bedroom condos at $125–$200, three-bedroom houses at $275–$400, and luxury options at $400–$900 per night.

• Fall: The most budget-friendly windows for long-term renters are fall and winter. From September through November, expect to pay $100–$150 for a one-bedroom condo, $225–$350 for a three-bedroom house, and $350–$750 for a luxury property. 

• Winter: The winter months, from December through February, offer the lowest rates across the board. One-bedroom condos start at $75–$125 per night, three-bedroom houses at $175–$300 per night, and luxury properties at $300–$600 per night.

Beachfront vs. Inland Property Costs

Beachfront properties command a significant premium, typically 30%–50% above comparable properties just a block or two from the Gulf. This premium reflects the unparalleled convenience and views offered by direct beach access.

On the other hand, inland properties in Fort Walton Beach provide exceptional value, especially for families who plan to split their time between the beach and other attractions. Properties within a 5–10-minute drive to the beach often cost less than their beachfront counterparts, while still providing easy access to all that Fort Walton has to offer.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Cleaning fees typically range from $100–$250, depending on property size, and most hosts require a refundable security deposit of $200–$500. Administrative or booking fees may add $50–$100 to your total. However, booking fees are often waived when booking directly with hosts through platforms like Emerald Coast By Owner.

Some other hidden fees can include parking fees at some condominium complexes, amenity fees for resort facilities, or premium charges for high-speed internet access. Also, be aware that some properties may require purchasing vacation rental insurance instead of a traditional security deposit, which typically costs $59–$99, depending on the property's value.

Book Your Perfect Fort Walton Beach Getaway Today with Emerald Coast by Owner

Emerald Coast by Owner’s platform hosts over 10,000 vacation rentals spanning the Gulf Coast.

Emerald Coast by Owner (ECBYO) specializes exclusively in direct-by-owner vacation rentals, including a comprehensive selection of Fort Walton Beach properties. Our platform eliminates booking fees by connecting travelers directly with verified hosts, potentially saving hundreds of dollars on your vacation. 

Beyond the savings, we specialize exclusively in Gulf Coast destinations, from Texas to Florida's West Coast, with every listing managed by hosts and local managers who know Fort Walton Beach inside and out. That means you can ask about the best beach access near the property, confirm pet policies, negotiate longer-stay discounts, and get personalized recommendations.

Our vacation rentals are organized by city and community, with built-in filters for pet-friendly and beachfront properties. Additionally, our booking model puts your money directly into the hands of local families and small businesses rather than corporate middlemen.

Find Your Perfect Fort Walton Beach Rental House Now →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Fort Walton Beach better than Destin for vacation rentals?

Fort Walton Beach rentals are typically priced lower than those in Destin. The beaches feature the same stunning white sand and emerald waters but tend to be less crowded, particularly during peak season. 

Fort Walton Beach has a more laid-back, family-oriented atmosphere than Destin's more commercial environment, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing beach experience without sacrificing proximity to attractions.

What's the best time of year to visit Fort Walton Beach?

Late April through May and September through October are the sweet spots for Fort Walton Beach visits, offering ideal weather, lower crowds, and lower rates than during peak summer months. 

Water temperatures remain comfortable for swimming during this shoulder season, while daytime air is less humid than in summer. 

How far in advance should I book a Fort Walton Beach rental?

For prime summer weeks (late June through early August) and holiday periods, booking 6–8 months in advance is strongly recommended. Spring Break periods (March) also book quickly, typically 4–6 months ahead. 

For shoulder-season visits (April–May and September–October), a 3–4-month booking offers a good selection while still allowing early-booking discounts from many hosts.

What's the average security deposit for Fort Walton Beach rentals?

Security deposit practices vary widely among Fort Walton Beach rental properties, with most ranging from $200 to $500 for standard condos and homes. 

Many hosts now offer the option to purchase damage protection insurance instead of a refundable deposit, which can improve cash flow during your vacation.

How does booking through Emerald Coast by Owner benefit pet owners?

At Emerald Coast by Owner, we connect you directly with property hosts. This allows you to confirm specific pet policies, weight limits, breed restrictions, and available amenities, such as fenced yards or pet-friendly beaches, before committing to a booking. 

With our zero guest service fees and transparent host-set pricing, pet owners save more money and avoid the unpleasant surprises that often come with booking pet-friendly stays through larger platforms.

 

*Disclaimer: Rental rates, fees, availability, and policies are subject to change and vary by property, season, and host. Always confirm current details directly with the property owner before booking. For more information, visit Emerald Coast by Owner (ECBYO).