Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Belleair Beach, FL?

Yes, short-term rentals are permitted in Belleair Beach, Florida, but with significant restrictions. Specifically, residential homes within the RL (Residential Low Density) District II may be rented, leased, or occupied through rental agreements with registered owners for a minimum three-month occupancy period. This means traditional short-term rentals of less than 90 days are prohibited, but properties can operate as medium-term furnished rentals with a minimum three-month lease requirement.

Note: This applies specifically to Belleair Beach, Florida. The neighboring Town of Belleair has a more restrictive policy, prohibiting any rentals less than seven months.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Belleair Beach

Starting an STR business in Belleair Beach requires a strategic approach due to the minimum three-month stay requirement. The process involves several key steps:

Market Strategy

• Position your property as a furnished, medium-term rental rather than a traditional vacation rental
• Target tenants seeking extended stays (3+ months) such as traveling professionals, seasonal workers, or relocators
• Consider the seasonal nature of the Pinellas County market and adjust pricing accordingly

Property Preparation

• Ensure the property meets all Florida Building Code and Fire Code requirements
• Furnish the property appropriately for extended stays
• Consider adding amenities that appeal to longer-term tenants (in-unit laundry, reliable internet, workspace)

Legal Compliance

• Register with the registered owner(s) of the property
• Ensure compliance with all local zoning requirements for RL District II
• Obtain appropriate business licensing if required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements (Belleair Beach)

• Business Registration: Registration with the City of Belleair Beach as required for rental operations
• Property Owner Registration: Must be the registered owner(s) of the property
• Zoning Compliance: Property must be located within RL District II zoning
• Minimum Stay Documentation: Written rental agreements specifying minimum three-month occupancy

State-Level Requirements (Florida)

• Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration: For collecting and remitting tourist development taxes, sales surtaxes, and transient rental taxes (if applicable to your specific operation)
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License: As a transient public lodging establishment (if applicable to your business model)

Property Standards

• Compliance with Florida Building Code
• Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance
• Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act compliance (if applicable)

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Belleair Beach Municipal Regulations

Zoning District Requirements:

• RL District II: Residential homes may be rented, leased, or occupied for not less than a three-month occupancy period
• Individual Portion Restrictions: An individual portion of a single-family home shall not be rented, leased, or occupied by a rental agreement with the registered owner(s) on a periodic basis as a separate part of the family unit
• Maximum Tenancies: No more than two separate tenancies at any residential property during any 12-month period (per Ordinance No. 466, 8-4-09)

Operational Restrictions:

• Minimum three-month rental period mandatory
• Only full properties (not individual rooms) may be rented
• Maximum two tenancy periods per year per property

Pinellas County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

While Belleair Beach is an incorporated city with its own regulations, Pinellas County has established standards for STRs in unincorporated areas:

• Maximum Occupancy: No more than two persons per bedroom plus two persons in one common area, not exceeding ten persons total per unit
• Parking Requirements: Minimum one off-street parking space for every three occupants
• Quiet Hours: Observe between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM daily
• Responsible Party Requirements: Property owner or designee must be available to respond to issues
• Information Posting: Required posting of responsible party information, occupancy limits, parking details, noise standards, trash pickup schedule, and nearest hospital location
• Fines: Up to $300.00 per violation, per day

State of Florida Requirements

• Chapter 509, Florida Statutes: Licensure requirements for transient public lodging establishments
• Florida Building Code: All properties must meet current building standards
• Florida Fire Prevention Code: Fire safety compliance required
• Tourist Development Tax: Applicable to rentals of six months or less

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Belleair Beach City Clerk:

• Name: Patti Gentry
• Title: City Clerk
• Email: pgentry@cityofbelleairbeach.com
• Phone: 727-595-4646 ext 124
• Office: City of Belleair Beach

For additional information or clarification:

• Visit Belleair Beach City Hall
• Contact the City Clerk's office during business hours
• Reference municipal code sections 94-213 for rental regulations

Pinellas County Resources (for broader context):

• General Zoning Information: DRS-Help@pinellascounty.org
• Phone: (727) 464-3401
• Website: pinellascotunty.org

Source Pages and Additional Resources

Primary Sources

1. Town of Belleair FAQ: townofbelleair.com/FAQ.aspx

   • Reference for distinguishing Belleair vs. Belleair Beach regulations
   • Building permit information and contact details

2. Pinellas County REALTOR® STR Guide: pinellasrealtor.org/short-term-rentals/

   • Comprehensive listing of all Pinellas County municipality STR regulations
   • Contact information for local authorities
   • Specific Belleair Beach regulations under Sec. 94-213

Additional Resources

• Belleair Beach Municipal Code: Contact City Clerk for specific zoning code details
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: For state licensing requirements
• Florida Department of Revenue: For tax registration requirements

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of STR regulations specific to Belleair Beach, Florida. Investors should verify current regulations with the City Clerk's office before making investment decisions, as municipal ordinances can change and enforcement practices may vary.