Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Clearwater, FL

Short-term rentals are allowed in Clearwater, Florida, but are subject to specific regulations at both the city and county levels. Clearwater operates under a dual regulatory framework where the City of Clearwater has its own STR ordinance, and properties in unincorporated Pinellas County (outside city limits) are governed by Pinellas County's Certificate of Use program.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Clearwater

For Properties Within City Limits

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals
2. Review City Requirements: Check City of Clearwater Community Development Code Sections 1-104.B & 3-919 for specific requirements
3. Obtain Necessary Permits: Follow city permitting requirements for STR operations
4. Tax Registration: Register for and collect applicable taxes

For Properties in Unincorporated Pinellas County

1. Apply for Certificate of Use (COU): Required for all STR properties in unincorporated areas
2. Schedule Inspection: Complete mandatory safety inspection
3. Pay Required Fees: Submit application and inspection fees
4. Annual Renewal: Maintain active COU status with annual renewals

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City of Clearwater Requirements

• Short-term rental business registration
• Compliance with Community Development Code requirements
• Tax registration and collection setup

Pinellas County (Unincorporated Areas) Certificate of Use Requirements

• Certificate of Use Application via Pinellas County Access Portal
• Owner Affidavit confirming compliance with regulations
• Agent Affidavit (if using a property management company)
• Safety Inspection and compliance verification
• Maximum Occupancy Documentation

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Clearwater STR Regulations

• Prohibition Status: The city enforces its short-term rental ordinance in residential districts
• Zoning Restrictions: Only permitted in specific zoning districts
• Operational Requirements: Must comply with city noise, parking, and property maintenance codes
• Safety Standards: Properties must meet building and fire safety requirements

Pinellas County (Unincorporated Areas) STR Regulations

Certificate of Use Program Requirements

• Application Deadline by ZIP Code:
  • Sept. 15, 2025: ZIP codes 34677-34698, 33759, 33761, 33763, 33765
  • Oct. 15, 2025: ZIP codes 33702-33715, 33781, 33782
  • Nov. 15, 2025: ZIP codes 33755, 33756, 33760, 33762, 33764, 33770-33778

Operational Standards

• Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional guests in common areas (maximum 10 total guests)
• Parking Requirements: 1 off-street space per 3 occupants (front lawn parking doesn't count)
• Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily
• Property Information Display: Must post guest information including emergency contacts and property rules

Prohibited Structures

• Sheds without utilities
• Campers and recreational vehicles
• Tents
• Unmodified shipping containers

Fee Structure

• Initial COU Fee: $450 (split into two payments for first year)
• Initial Inspection: $150 ($100 re-inspection fee if fail)
• Annual Renewal: $450
• Biennial Re-inspection: $100

Property Exemptions

• Single Room Rentals: Owner-occupied homes renting individual rooms don't require COU
• Accessory Dwelling Units: Owner-occupied ADUs require COU

Florida State-Level Requirements

Tax Obligations

• ** Tourist Development Tax**: Must collect and remit applicable county tourist taxes
• ** Sales Tax**: Florida state sales tax collection requirements
• Local Option Taxes: Any additional local taxes applicable in Pinellas County

Contact Information

City of Clearwater Code Compliance Division

• Phone: (727) 562-4720
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Address: City of Clearwater Planning and Development Department
• Online Reporting: Through Clearwater Connect system at myclearwater.com

Pinellas County Code Enforcement

• STR Hotline: (727) 353-2436 (24/7)
• Main Phone: (727) 464-4761
• Building Services: (727) 464-3888
• Development Review Help: drs-help@pinellas.gov
• Building Services Email: buildingservices@pinellas.gov
• Address: 631 Chestnut St., Clearwater, FL 33756
• Online Application: Pinellas County Access Portal
• File Complaints: Online STR Complaint Portal

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (for noise complaints)

• Phone: (727) 582-6200

Source Links

• Pinellas County STR Program: pinellas.gov/str/
• Certificate of Use Application: pinellas.gov/access-portal
• Application Instructions: pinellas.gov/strapplicationinstructions/
• STR FAQs: pinellas.gov/short-term-rental-certificate-of-use-faqs/
• City of Clearwater Code Compliance: www.myclearwater.com/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/neighborhoods/documents/code_compliance_handbook.pdf
• Municipal Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/fl/clearwater

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. Jurisdiction Clarity: Always verify whether your property falls within city limits or unincorporated Pinellas County
2. Compliance Deadlines: Meet all application and inspection deadlines to avoid penalties
3. Ongoing Requirements: Maintain compliance with renewal and re-inspection schedules
4. Neighbor Relations: Understand noise, parking, and property maintenance expectations
5. Insurance Considerations: Ensure adequate coverage for STR operations

This guide provides the essential framework for operating a compliant short-term rental in the Clearwater market. Always consult with local authorities for the most current requirements and any property-specific considerations.