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

YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Dunedin, Florida, but with significant restrictions. The city explicitly permits transient uses and short-term rentals (defined as occupancy for less than 90 days or three calendar months) only within specific zoning districts. Properties located outside these designated zones are prohibited from operating as short-term rentals. This regulatory framework requires careful due diligence before acquiring any property for STR purposes.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Dunedin, FL

Step 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

Before purchasing any property, investors must verify that the subject property is located within an approved zoning district. Dunedin allows short-term rentals in the following zoning categories:

• TF (Tourist Facility)
• GO (General Office)
• NB (Neighborhood Business)
• GB (General Business)
• CP (Commercial Parkway)
• CR (Commercial Recreation)
• DC (Downtown Core)
• FX-M (Form-based Medium)
• FX-H (Form-based High)
• LI (Light Industrial)

Critical Action Item: Use the city's GIS mapping system to confirm zoning compliance before acquisition: dunedin-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5590c8f613394a9c99b83960b839ef5c

Step 2: Registration Process

1. Complete the Short Term Vacation Rental Application for Registration
2. Submit to the Community Development Department for review and approval
3. Each approved unit receives a unique registration number
4. Registration number must appear in all advertisements

Step 3: State-Level Compliance

Obtain all required state registrations and licenses before applying for city registration.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

1. Florida Department of Revenue Registration

• Sales tax collection registration
• Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax registration
• Certificate of registration required for submission

2. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License

• Vacation Rental license required
• Must be obtained prior to city registration

City of Dunedin Requirements

3. Business Tax Receipt

• City of Dunedin Business Tax Receipt required
• Annual renewal mandatory

4. Insurance

• Proof of General Liability insurance required
• Minimum coverage amounts not specified in provided documents

5. Fire Inspection

• Initial Business Tax Receipt fire inspection required
• Annual inspection may be required

6. Registration Fee

• $200.00 per rental unit (annual registration fee)
• Non-refundable fee

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Restrictions

• Prohibited Occupants: Vacation rental units may NOT be rented or occupied by convicted sexual offenders or sexual predators
• Maximum Occupancy: Governed by Florida Building Code and local ordinances (specific limits not detailed in provided documents)

Parking Requirements

Critical Compliance Standards:

• Minimum Parking: One off-street parking space for each bedroom
• Prohibited Parking: Recreational vehicles and accessory trailers not permitted in driveways or designated parking areas
• On-Street Parking: Prohibited for guests
• Alternative Sleeping: No recreational vehicles or motor vehicles may be used for sleeping accommodations
• General Compliance: All vehicles must comply with City of Dunedin Code of Ordinances

Noise Regulations

• Maximum Sound Levels: Must comply with Section 107-41, Noise, of the City Code
• No specific quiet hours provided in documents
• Responsible for monitoring: Property owner or designated responsible party

Waste Management

Strictly Enforced Schedule:

• Placement Restrictions: No solid waste containers at curb before 6:00 PM the day prior to pickup
• Removal Requirements: Containers must be removed before midnight on pickup day
• Authorized Storage Only: Garbage and litter must be stored in authorized receptacles

Trespassing Compliance

• Must comply with Florida trespassing laws
• Responsible party must address unauthorized entry situations
• Property must be secured against unauthorized occupancy

General Compliance Requirements

Property owners must comply with all applicable:

• City ordinances
• County regulations
• State statutes
• Federal regulations

Responsible Party Requirements

Designation and Qualifications

• Natural Person Requirement: Must be a natural person (individual, not company)
• Geographic Restriction: Must reside within 25 miles of the vacation rental property
• 24/7 Availability: Must maintain phone availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Response Time: Must respond to emergency calls within two hours of notification

Primary Duties

1. Compliance Monitoring

• Maintain properties in compliance with occupancy limits
• Ensure adherence to Florida Building Code and local ordinances
• Promptly address violations of laws or regulations

2. Emergency Response

• Respond to emergency calls within two-hour requirement
• Manage issues arising from short-term rental use
• Serve as primary contact for law enforcement and city officials

3. Property Maintenance

• Maintain entire property free of garbage and litter
• Ensure authorized waste receptacle storage only
• Regular monitoring to ensure continued compliance

Change Notification Requirements

• Must notify City Clerk of any responsible party changes within 15 days
• Initial designation required with registration application
• Service of notices to responsible party constitutes sufficient notice to owner

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

• Name: Rebecca Schlichter
• Title: City Clerk
• Email: rschlichter@dunedinfl.net
• Phone: 727-298-3039

Physical Address: Community Development Department 737 Louden Avenue, Suite 137 Dunedin, FL 34698 Phone: 727-298-3210

Planning Department Contact: (For zoning verification and development questions) Phone: 727-298-3210

Source Pages and Additional Resources

Primary Regulatory Documents:

1. Short Term Vacation Rental Application for Registration: www.dunedingov.com/files/assets/city/v/2/community-development/documents/planning-amp-zoning/short-term-vacation-rental-application-for-registration-revised-06-10-2024.pdf

2. Ordinance 24-09 (2024 amendments to STR regulations): www.dunedingov.com/files/assets/city/v/1/city-clerk/documents/dori/ordinances/2024/ord-24-09-amend-ch-103-short-term-vacation-rentals-06.06.24.pdf

3. Pinellas County STR Restrictions Summary: pinellasrealtor.org/short-term-rentals/

Zoning Verification Tool: Dunedin GIS Mapping System: dunedin-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5590c8f613394a9c99b83960b839ef5c

Important Note for Investors: All ordinances and regulations are subject to change. The provided information represents the regulatory framework as of the documents' creation dates. Investors should verify current requirements with city officials before making investment decisions. State-level preemptions under Florida Statute 509.032(7) may limit local regulatory authority, requiring consultation with legal counsel familiar with current Florida vacation rental law.

Enforcement Actions: Violations of Dunedin's STR regulations can result in application denial, registration revocation, and legal action. The registration fee is non-refundable, and operators must maintain continuous compliance with all applicable regulations.