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

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

State-Level Requirements

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

County-Level Requirements

1. St. Lucie County Tourist Development Tax Registration - Required for county tax compliance
2. 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

• Fort Pierce STR Registration Portal
• City STR Information Page
• Code Enforcement STR Information
• Fort Pierce Code of Ordinances

Enforcement Resources

• STR Complaint Hotline
• Online Complaint Form
• Good Neighbor Brochure
• Parking Calculation Worksheet
• Occupancy Calculation Worksheet

County and State Resources

• St. Lucie County Tax Collector
• Florida Department of Revenue
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

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.