Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Clearwater Beach and throughout Pinellas County, Florida, but they are strictly regulated. Properties must obtain a Certificate of Use (COU) to operate legally, with specific requirements for safety, occupancy, parking, and community compliance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Jurisdiction

• Unincorporated Pinellas County: Subject to Pinellas County STR ordinance and Certificate of Use program
• City of Clearwater: Subject to municipal STR regulations (separate from county requirements)
• Other municipalities: Each city may have distinct regulations—verify with local building departments

Step 2: Verify Property Eligibility

Short-term rentals are permitted for:

• Single-family homes
• Duplexes
• Condominiums
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

Prohibited Structures:

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

Step 3: Apply for Certificate of Use (County Properties)

Complete the application through the Pinellas County Access Portal at pinellas.gov/str

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements

1. Certificate of Use Application (via Access Portal)
2. Property Inspection (initial and periodic)
3. Owner or Agent Affidavit
4. Compliance with Florida Building Code

Documentation Checklist

• Owner Affidavit (confirming compliance and responsible party)
• Agent Affidavit (if using property management company)
• Change of Contact Information form (as needed)
• Ceasing Rental notification (when discontinuing operations)

Financial Requirements

• $450 Certificate of Use fee (split into two payments for first year)
• $150 initial inspection fee
• $100 re-inspection fee (if property fails initial inspection)
• $450 annual renewal fee
• $100 re-inspection fee (required every two years)
• All fees are non-refundable

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Pinellas County (Unincorporated Areas)

Safety and Building Standards

• Compliance with Florida Building Code required
• All properties must meet habitability standards
• Egress windows must meet safety requirements
• 12-month compliance period for replacement windows (if not yet replaced)

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum: 2 guests per bedroom
• Plus: Up to 2 extra guests in common areas
• Hard cap: 10 total guests (all ages counted)

Parking Requirements

• 1 off-street space per 3 occupants (rounded up)
• Front lawn parking does not count toward minimum requirements
• Designated parking spaces must be clearly identified

Noise and Community Standards

• Quiet hours: 10 PM to 9 AM daily
• Display key rules and emergency information prominently inside property
• Responsible party must be available to address issues

Trash and Recycling

• Clearly post trash and recycling pickup days
• Maintain clean property appearance

City of Clearwater

The City of Clearwater enforces separate STR regulations under the Community Development Code. Key points include:

• STRs are allowed in residential districts
• City maintains active enforcement of short-term rental ordinances
• Contact Code Compliance Division at (727) 562-4720 for specific city requirements

State-Level Regulations (Florida)

Tourist Development Tax

• 6% Tourist Development Tax on all short-term rentals
• Payments managed through Pinellas County Tax Collector
• Additional county taxes may apply

Florida Building Code Compliance

• All STR properties must meet current Florida Building Code standards
• Regular inspections ensure continued compliance

Contact Information and Regulatory Authorities

Pinellas County STR Program

Building and Development Review Services

• Address: 440 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
• Phone: (727) 464-3888
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM
• Email: drs-help@pinellas.gov
• Building Services Email: buildingservices@pinellas.gov

Code Enforcement Division

• Address: 631 Chestnut St., Clearwater, FL 33756
• Phone: (727) 464-4761
• STR Hotline (24/7): (727) 353-2436
• Online Complaint Portal: pinellas.gov/strcomplaint

City of Clearwater Code Compliance

Planning and Development Department

• Phone: (727) 562-4567
• Code Compliance: (727) 562-4720
• Economic Development: (727) 562-4220

Pinellas County Sheriff (Noise Complaints)

• Non-Emergency: (727) 582-6200
• Combined with STR Hotline: Call both (727) 582-6200 AND (727) 353-2436

Important Deadlines and Timeline

Certificate of Use Application Deadlines (by ZIP Code)

• September 15, 2025: ZIP codes 34677-34698, 33759, 33761, 33763, 33765
• October 15, 2025: ZIP codes 33702-33715, 33781, 33782
• November 15, 2025: ZIP codes 33755, 33756, 33760, 33762, 33764, 33770-33778

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Consequences

• Daily fines for ordinance violations
• Property liens possible for unpaid fines
• Municipal Code Enforcement Board or Pinellas County Court action as last resort
• Notice to Appear citations for repeat violations

Complaint Reporting Process

1. Noise complaints: Call both Pinellas County Sheriff AND STR Hotline
2. General STR complaints: File online or call STR Hotline
3. Property maintenance issues: Contact Code Compliance Division

Source Links and Additional Resources

Official Sources

• Pinellas County STR Program: https://pinellas.gov/str/
• Application Portal: http://pinellas.gov/access-portal
• Application Instructions: https://pinellas.gov/strapplicationinstructions/
• STR FAQs: https://pinellas.gov/short-term-rental-certificate-of-use-faqs/
• Complete Ordinance: https://pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/State-filed-Ordinance-25-15.pdf

Forms and Documentation

• Owner Affidavit: https://pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Owner_Affidavit_Aug-2025_a11y.pdf
• Agent Affidavit: https://pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Agent_Affidavit-form_rev-Aug-2025_a11y.pdf
• Inspection Requirements: https://pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/STR-Requirements-v2025.pdf-final.14-AUG25.pdf
• Property Notice Form: https://pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ADA_STR-Notice-Fillable-One-Pager_rev2025-08-13.pdf

Municipal Resources

• Clearwater Code Compliance: https://www.myclearwater.com/
• Building Departments Directory: https://pinellas.gov/building-departments-in-pinellas-county/

This comprehensive framework provides STR investors with the essential regulatory landscape for operating legally and successfully in the Clearwater Beach and Pinellas County markets. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.