Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?
Yes, short-term and vacation rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Fort Pierce, Florida. The city adopted Ordinance 21-019 in 2021, establishing standards for rentals under six months. STRs are a permitted use subject to registration, fees, and compliance with city regulations.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Follow these steps to launch a compliant STR:

1. Verify Zoning: Confirm your property is in a zone permitting STRs.
2. Register the Property: Complete registration via the city’s online portal.
3. Pay Fees:
   • Initial registration: $350/unit
   • Annual renewal: $200/unit (requires prior 12-month registration).
4. Obtain Required Documents: See Section 2 below.
5. Designate a Local Contact: Provide a responsible party who can respond to issues within 24 hours.
6. Maintain Compliance: Enforce safety, noise, and occupancy rules.

2. Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Ensure you have:

• City STR Registration Certificate (mandatory for all rentals <6 months).
• Certificate of Use (replaced Business Tax Receipts as of July 1, 2024).
• Florida DBPR License: Required for rentals <30 days rented >3 times/year.
• St. Lucie County Tourist Development Tax Registration: For county taxes.
• Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage per city ordinance.
• Safety Compliance: Smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, pool safety (if applicable).

3. City, County, and State Regulations

City of Fort Pierce (Chapter 22, Article X)

• Occupancy Limits: Calculated via city worksheets.
• Parking: Follow parking calculation rules.
• Safety: Full compliance with fire codes and Chapter 515 (pool safety).
• Local Contact: Required 24/7 availability.
• Advertising: Must include registration number in listings.

St. Lucie County

• Tourist Development Tax: 5% on gross receipts (collected with state sales tax).

Florida State

• DBPR Licensing: Mandatory for rentals <30 days.
• Sales Tax: 6% state tax + 1% county = 7% total rate.

4. Enforcement & Penalties

• Monitoring: Host Compliance/Granicus identifies unregistered STRs.
• Reporting: File violations via:
  • 24-Hour Hotline: 772-227-1580
  • Online Complaint Form
• Violations: Unregistered units face fines; tax non-payment risks liens/revocation.

5. Key Contacts & Resources

| Authority | Contact Details |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| City Clerk (STR Reg.) | Phone: 772-467-3065; Email: cityclerk@cityoffortpierce.com |
| General City Info | Phone: 772-467-3000; Contact Portal |
| STR Registration Portal | Online Portal |
| Code of Ordinances | Chapter 22, Article X |
| St. Lucie County Tax Collector | Phone: 772-462-1000 |

6. Source Links for Verification

• City STR Registration Page (most current).
• Code of Ordinances.
• Host Compliance Complaint Portal.
• Occupancy/Parking Calculation Worksheets (legacy page).

Critical Notes for Investors:

• Fee Updates: The initial $600 fee (2021) was reduced to $350 in July 2023.
• Business Tax Receipt: Discontinued July 1, 2024; replaced by Certificate of Use.
• Zoning: Verify allowance with the Planning Department before purchase.
• Insurance: Required but specifics vary; consult an insurer specializing in STRs.

This framework ensures full compliance while capitalizing on Fort Pierce’s thriving tourism market. Always verify updates with the City Clerk’s office.