Executive Summary

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Indian Rocks Beach, FL, but they are subject to comprehensive regulations under Short-Term Rental Ordinance 2023-02, which took effect on August 1, 2023. The city has implemented a robust permitting system with strict compliance requirements to balance the economic benefits of vacation rentals with neighborhood quality of life.

Overview: STR Status in Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach explicitly allows short-term rentals through a structured regulatory framework. The city adopted Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2023-02) on May 9, 2023, with the official implementation beginning August 1, 2023. The city maintains an active STR registry and conducts monthly code enforcement reporting to ensure compliance.

Key Points:

• STRs are permitted in residential zones subject to registration and compliance
• Owner-occupied vacation rentals may qualify for exemptions from certain provisions
• The city maintains an active enforcement program with regular inspections
• Recent legislative activity (February 2025) suggests potential rule modifications are under discussion

Starting Your STR Business in Indian Rocks Beach

Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation

1. Property Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals
2. Building Compliance Review: Ensure the property meets Florida Building Code and Fire Prevention Code standards
3. Homestead Exemption Assessment: If claiming homestead exemption, understand you cannot rent the property
4. Insurance Evaluation: Secure appropriate liability and property insurance coverage

Phase 2: Licensing and Registration

1. State-Level Registration: Obtain required state lodging licenses
2. City Registration: Complete the vacation rental registration process
3. Business Tax Receipt: Apply for and maintain annual city business tax receipt
4. Tax Registration: Register with Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection

Phase 3: Operational Setup

1. Designated Contact Establishment: Appoint a 24/7 responsible contact person
2. Safety Equipment Installation: Install required safety features (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit signage)
3. Welcome Book Preparation: Create a comprehensive guest information packet
4. Marketing Compliance: Ensure advertising meets city requirements

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City-Level Requirements

1. Vacation Rental Registration Application (Required annually)
2. Business Tax Receipt Application (Required annually)
3. Vacation Rental Registration Affidavit (For owner-occupied exemption)
4. Condominium/Townhome Authorization Form (If applicable)

State-Level Requirements

1. Lodging License (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
2. Sales Tax Registration (Florida Department of Revenue)

Renewal Requirements

1. Vacation Rental Registration Renewal Application (Annual)
2. Business Tax Receipt Renewal (Annual)

Supporting Documentation

1. Property Ownership Proof
2. Insurance Certificates
3. Floor Plans and Occupancy Calculations
4. Safety Equipment Installation Documentation

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Indian Rocks Beach City Regulations

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum occupancy determined by available habitable living spaces
• Generally limited to 10-12 people depending on living space configuration
• Each bedroom requires designated parking space
• Living spaces include bedrooms and other habitable areas (dining rooms may count as bedrooms)

Safety Requirements

• Smoke detectors on every level and in all bedrooms
• Carbon monoxide detectors as required by Florida Building Code
• Fire extinguisher on each floor
• Clear exit signage and evacuation maps
• Battery-powered emergency lighting near exits

Noise and Quiet Hours

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Decibel limits enforced throughout the day
• Amplified sound requires additional monitoring and control measures

Parking Requirements

• Single-Family/Two-Family Dwellings: One on-site parking space per bedroom
• Multifamily Dwellings: Two parking spaces for 1-2 bedroom units; one space per additional bedroom for larger units
• Parking spaces must be accessible, clearly designated, and maintained

Waste Management

• Designated trash containers required
• Recycling separation mandatory
• Placement for collection on specified days
• Special requirements for condominiums and multifamily properties

Advertising Regulations

• All advertisements must include required neighbor courtesy notice
• Event venue advertising prohibited if exceeding occupancy limits
• Advertisements must reflect registered occupancy and parking availability
• No misleading representations of property features or capacity

Pinellas County Regulations

Tourist Development Tax

• Additional tax applied to short-term rentals
• Separate from state sales tax requirements
• Registration required with Pinellas County Tax Collector

Property Tax Considerations

• Rental properties cannot claim homestead exemption
• Property owners should consult Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office
• Violation of homestead exemption rules may result in multiple years of additional property taxes

Florida State Regulations

Licensing Requirements

• State lodging license required through DBPR
• Compliance with Florida Building Code mandatory
• Fire safety standards per Florida Fire Prevention Code

Tax Obligations

• 6% state sales tax on all rental transactions
• Registration with Florida Department of Revenue required
• Monthly or quarterly filing requirements based on volume

Enforcement and Penalties

Compliance Monitoring

• Regular inspections conducted by city code enforcement
• Monthly code enforcement reports published
• Anonymous complaint system in place
• Proactive monitoring of advertised properties

Penalty Structure

• First Violations: Written notice with correction timeframe
• Uncorrected Violations: Fines up to $250 per day
• Repeat Violations: Increased penalties and potential registration suspension
• Severe Cases: Registration revocation and rental prohibition

Due Process

• Right to correction before penalties
• Appeal process available for contested violations
• Graduated enforcement approach prioritizing compliance over punishment

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Indian Rocks Beach

Main Office:

• Address: 1507 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
• Phone: (727) 595-2517
• Website: www.indian-rocks-beach.com

For Short-Term Rental Inquiries:

• Vacation Rental Information: Available through city website
• Code Enforcement: Contact main office number
• Building Permits: Available through permit information section

Pinellas County Property Appraiser

• Phone: (727) 464-3207
• Hearing Impaired: (727) 464-3370
• Website: www.pcpao.org
• Purpose: Homestead exemption and property tax inquiries

Florida Department of Revenue

• Registration Portal: floridarevenue.com/taxes/eservices/Pages/registration.aspx
• Purpose: Sales tax registration and compliance

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants
• Purpose: Lodging license requirements

Sources and Official Documents

Official City Documents

1. City of IRB Vacation Rental Compliance Press Release
2. Short Term Rental Ordinance
3. Vacation Rental Registration Application
4. Business Tax Receipt Application
5. VRR Welcome Book Sample
6. VRR Codes

Registration and Renewal Resources

1. Business Tax Receipt Application Online
2. Vacation Rental Registration Application Online
3. Vacation Rental Registration Renewal
4. Short Term Rental Registry (Updated Monthly)

News and Regulatory Updates

1. FOX 13 News Report on STR Ordinance Delays

Compliance Resources

1. Monthly Code Enforcement Report

Important Note: This guide reflects regulations as of the provided sources. Given the active legislative discussions reported in February 2025, potential changes may be forthcoming. Always consult current city ordinances and contact local authorities for the most up-to-date requirements before making investment decisions.