Fort Pierce Shores, Florida Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Short-Term Rental Allowance Status

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Fort Pierce, FL. The City Commission adopted comprehensive regulations through Ordinance 21-019 on July 19, 2021 (effective August 3, 2021), establishing standards, regulations, and enforcement for short-term and vacation rentals within City limits. The city has replaced the previous conditional use permit system with a streamlined registration process, making it more accessible for property owners to operate legally.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fort Pierce

Step 1: Property Verification and Zoning Compliance

Verify your property zoning allows short-term rentals
Check for HOA or condominium association restrictions
Confirm property meets all safety and building code requirements
Research any special overlay districts that might affect operations

Step 2: Registration and Licensing Process

Complete STR registration through the city's online portal
Pay initial registration fee of $350.00 per unit
Obtain required state licensing if applicable
Secure Certificate of Use (replaces Business Tax Receipt as of July 1, 2024)

Step 3: Tax Registration and Compliance

Register with Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax
Register with St. Lucie County Tax Collector for tourist development tax
Set up proper tax collection and remittance systems

Step 4: Safety and Operational Setup

Install all required safety equipment
Designate local contact person
Create guest information and house rules
Establish cleaning and maintenance protocols

Step 5: Launch and Ongoing Compliance

Create compelling listings highlighting local attractions
File taxes monthly (typically by 20th)
Renew annual registration at $200 per unit
Maintain compliance with all regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

STR Registration Certificate - Current registration displayed as required ($350 initial, $200 renewal)
Certificate of Use - Required for all business operations (effective July 1, 2024)
Local Contact Designation - Written designation of responsible local contact
Safety Compliance Documentation - Records of required safety equipment and inspections

State-Level Requirements

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) License - Required for properties rented more than three times annually for periods under 30 days
Florida Sales Tax Certificate - For proper tax collection and remittance
Florida Transient Rental Tax - Additional state requirements may apply

County-Level Requirements

St. Lucie County Tourist Development Tax Registration - Required for county tax compliance
5% Tourist Development Tax - On gross rental receipts for accommodations rented six months or less

Safety Requirements

Smoke detectors in bedrooms and common areas
Carbon monoxide detectors where applicable
Fire extinguishers on each level
Clear emergency contact information posted
Pool safety equipment (if applicable)
Hurricane preparedness information for guests
Beach and water safety guidelines

Helpful Forms Available

Good neighbor brochure
Parking calculation worksheet
Occupancy calculation worksheet

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Fort Pierce Regulations (Chapter 22, Article X)

Registration Requirements:

All STRs for periods less than six months must be registered
No conditional use permit required (eliminated August 2, 2021)
Business Tax Receipts no longer required (effective July 1, 2024)

Fee Structure:

Initial registration: $350.00 per unit
Annual renewal: $200.00 per unit (only eligible if valid registration for preceding 12 months)
Fees modified via Resolution 23-R39 (effective July 1, 2023)

Zoning:

STRs generally allowed in commercial districts, mixed-use zones, certain residential zones, and tourism-oriented areas
Conditional use zoning process eliminated for dwelling rentals

St. Lucie County Regulations

Tourist Development Tax:

5% on gross rental receipts for accommodations six months or less
Collected in addition to state sales tax
Monthly filing required
Registration required before beginning operations

Tax Rates:

Florida Sales Tax: 6%
St. Lucie County Sales Tax: 1%
Combined total: 7.0%

State of Florida Regulations

DBPR Licensing:

Required for properties rented more than three times annually for periods under 30 days
Additional state safety and operational requirements apply
Registration with Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Fort Pierce - Primary STR Authority

City Clerk's Office

Phone: (772) 467-3065
Email: cityclerk@cityoffortpierce.com
Address: 100 N U.S. Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Main Phone: (772) 467-3000
Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com/970/Short-Term-and-Vacation-Rentals

Registration Portal: fortpiercefl-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home

Code Enforcement and Complaints

24-Hour STR Hotline: (772) 227-1580

For reporting unregistered units or violations
Available any time of day or night

Online Complaint Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/complaints/type

St. Lucie County Tax Collector

Tourist Development Tax: (772) 462-1000
Website: tcslc.com
Fort Pierce Office: 2300 Virginia Avenue

Florida State Agencies

Department of Revenue

Taxpayer Services: (800) 352-3671
Website: floridarevenue.com

Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Vacation Rental Licensing: (850) 487-1395
Website: myfloridalicense.com

Enforcement and Compliance

Monitoring Systems

City contracts with Host Compliance/Granicus for identification and monitoring
High-efficiency rating for identifying unregistered properties
Active monitoring of online listings
Increased enforcement efforts to identify unregistered STRs

Common Violations

Operating without proper registration
Tax collection/remittance failures
Exceeding occupancy limits
Noise/nuisance complaints
Safety code non-compliance
Failure to maintain local contact requirements

Penalties

Daily fines for unregistered operations
Registration suspension or revocation
Tax liens for unpaid obligations
Prohibition from future STR operations

Source Links

Official City Resources

Enforcement Resources

County and State Resources

This comprehensive guide provides all essential information for operating a legal and successful short-term rental in Fort Pierce, FL. The city's balanced regulatory approach supports tourism while maintaining community standards, creating a stable environment for long-term investment success. Always verify current regulations and consult with local legal and tax professionals before making investment decisions.

Fort Pierce, Florida, a coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean, offers a quintessential Floridian experience with a small-town feel. The population of Fort Pierce is approximately 47,297 residents as of 2020, providing a tight-knit community atmosphere. The city is located about 125 miles southeast of Orlando, making it relatively accessible to a larger urban center while retaining its unique coastal charm.

Fort Pierce features several notable landmarks and attractions that contribute to its appeal for short-term rentals:

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park: This park offers beautiful sandy beaches and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It’s a natural haven for visitors wanting to experience Florida's outdoors. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Heathcote Botanical Gardens: These gardens provide a serene escape with a variety of tropical plants, as well as the largest public display of tropical bonsai trees in the U.S. Heathcote Botanical Gardens
Downtown Fort Pierce: The historic downtown area, known for its delightful array of shops, restaurants, and the Sunrise Theatre, combines cultural enrichment and entertainment. Sunrise Theatre
Smithsonian Marine Station: An extension of the Smithsonian Institution, it offers educational opportunities and insights into marine science and coastal ecosystems. Smithsonian Marine Station
Manatee Observation and Education Center: This eco-center allows visitors to learn about and observe Florida’s gentle manatee in their natural habitat. Manatee Observation and Education Center

Fort Pierce’s convenient location along the Treasure Coast, coupled with its scenic beauty and educational attractions, creates an inviting environment for short-term rentals. Visitors can enjoy a blend of relaxation, nature, and culture, making it a compelling destination for a range of travel preferences.

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