Note: This guide is based on the provided sources and focuses on St. Petersburg (city) and unincorporated Pinellas County. Always verify current rules before transacting.

Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in St. Petersburg?

Short‑term rentals (rentals of less than 30 days) are effectively prohibited within most of the City of St. Petersburg. The default rule in the city is a minimum 30‑day stay for residential rentals, except within limited zoning contexts and for specific property types:

• Allowed by zoning: Short‑term rentals are generally permitted only in Downtown Center (DC) and Commercial General (CG) zoning districts.
• Not permitted by zoning: Residential Traditional (RT) and Residential Suburban (RS) zoning districts do not allow short‑term rentals.
• Key exceptions within city limits: Condo hotels may operate short‑term rentals; otherwise, the 30‑day minimum applies to most residential uses.
• Unincorporated Pinellas County: Within unincorporated areas that bear St. Petersburg postal addresses (e.g., unincorporated Bear Creek, unincorporated Pasadena, unincorporated Liuman), short‑term rentals are permitted subject to a county Short‑Term Rental Certificate of Use, inspections, and ongoing compliance with occupancy, parking, noise, and tax rules.

Investors should confirm zoning before acquisition and design their business plan accordingly. The city’s restrictions apply to city zoning; county rules apply in unincorporated county pockets, even where the mailing address includes “St. Petersburg.”

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in This Market

1. Confirm land use and legal feasibility

• For properties in the City of St. Petersburg:
  • Verify zoning using the City’s Zoning Map or consult a local real estate attorney.
  • If the zoning is RT or RS, do not pursue short‑term rentals; consider mid‑term rentals (30+ days) or alternative uses.
  • If the zoning is DC or CG, short‑term rentals are generally allowed; proceed to licensing.
  • If the property is a condo hotel, short‑term operations may be permissible; confirm HOA and management rules.
• For properties in unincorporated Pinellas County (St. Petersburg postal addresses):
  • Short‑term rentals are allowed under the county ordinance subject to obtaining and maintaining a Certificate of Use (COU), passing inspections, and complying with operational rules.

2. Secure required licenses and tax registrations

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Vacation Rental license (state requirement for transient public lodging).
• City of St. Petersburg Business Tax Certificate (if operating a rental business in the city; e.g., in DC/CG zones).
• Pinellas County Certificate of Use (required for unincorporated county STRs).

3. Property preparation and inspections (especially for unincorporated county)

• Complete COU application in the Pinellas Access Portal.
• Pass the initial safety inspection and satisfy any re‑inspection requirements.
• Install and maintain required safety equipment (e.g., smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, compliant egress windows where applicable).
• Post the required guest notice with emergency contacts, occupancy, parking, and local rules.

4. Tax setup and guest communications

• Register to collect and remit Tourist Development Tax (TDT) to Pinellas County (online portal available).
• Track all revenue and remit required taxes monthly.
• Provide clear guest information on quiet hours, parking, and trash/recycling schedules.

5. Ongoing compliance

• Renew COU annually (for unincorporated county properties).
• Maintain safety and property standards; respond promptly to complaints.
• Monitor local code changes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of St. Petersburg (within municipal limits)

• DBPR Vacation Rental license (state license for transient public lodging establishments).
• City Business Tax Certificate Receipt (Business Tax Receipts are managed through the city).
• If in DC/CG zones, verify city registration and any local posting requirements (exact city registration procedures were not detailed in the provided content).
• Taxes:
  • Tourist Development Tax: 6% on the total amount charged to guests (excluding sales tax), remitted monthly.
  • State sales tax may also apply; consult current guidance.
• Frequency rule: Do not rent for less than 30 days unless an exception applies (e.g., condo hotel; DC/CG zone).
• Income reporting: Federal income reporting is required for rentals over 14 days per year.

Unincorporated Pinellas County (St. Petersburg addresses, but outside city zoning)

• Pinellas County Short‑Term Rental Certificate of Use (COU).
  • Application via Pinellas Access Portal.
  • Initial inspection and re‑inspection if needed.
  • Fees (see “Specific Regulations” below).
• Posting requirement: Display a prominent STR notice inside the property with:
  • Responsible party’s name, address, and phone number.
  • Maximum occupancy.
  • Parking plan and off‑street space count.
  • Noise/quiet hours.
  • Trash/recycling schedule.
  • Nearest hospital location.
• Taxes: Collect and remit Tourist Development Tax (TDT) to the Pinellas County Tax Collector monthly.

General Florida compliance

• DBPR Vacation Rental license (state).
• Compliance with the Florida Building Code for habitability and safety.

Specific Regulations by City, County, and State

City of St. Petersburg

• Zoning‑based allowances:
  • Short‑term rentals (under 30 days): Allowed in DC and CG zones; generally not permitted in RT and RS zones.
  • Frequency limitation: Do not rent for less than 30 days unless zoning or an exception allows (e.g., condo hotels).
• Licensing: DBPR license + City Business Tax Certificate.
• Taxes: 6% Tourist Development Tax (collected from guests and remitted monthly). State sales tax may also apply.
• Compliance: Follow occupancy, parking, and safety rules associated with the zone and property type. If the property is in a historic district, flood zone, or coastal high‑hazard area, additional rules may apply.

Pinellas County (unincorporated areas)

• Definition of STR: Rental for less than 30 days, more than three times per year, or advertised for regular guest rentals; includes single‑family, duplexes, condos, and accessory units.
• Certificate of Use (COU): Required for all STRs in unincorporated county.
  • Application: Pinellas Access Portal.
  • Initial safety inspection; compliance with Florida Building Code.
  • Re‑inspection required if the initial inspection is not passed.
• Fees:
  • $450 COU fee (first year, split into two payments).
  • $150 initial inspection fee; $100 re‑inspection fee if applicable.
  • Annual renewal: $450; re‑inspection fee of $100 every two years.
  • Fees are non‑refundable; ensure eligibility before applying.
• Occupancy limits:
  • Two guests per bedroom plus up to two additional guests in one common area.
  • Maximum of 10 guests total (all ages count as occupants).
• Parking requirements:
  • Provide one off‑street parking space for every three occupants, rounded up.
  • Parking on the front lawn does not satisfy the minimum.
• Noise and behavior:
  • Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily.
• Posting and guest information:
  • Display a one‑page STR notice with rules and emergency information.
• Complaint reporting:
  • General STR complaints: File online or call the STR Hotline at 727‑353‑2436.
  • Noise complaints: Call the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at 727‑582‑6200 and the STR Hotline at 727‑353‑2436.
• Disallowed structures:
  • Sheds without utilities, campers/RVs, tents, and unmodified shipping containers cannot be used as STRs.

Florida (state‑level)

• DBPR Vacation Rental license: Required for transient public lodging establishments (e.g., short‑term rentals).
• Taxes:
  • Tourist Development Tax (varies by county; Pinellas is 6% for short‑term rentals).
  • State sales tax may also apply to transient rentals.
• Building and safety: STRs must comply with the Florida Building Code and local safety standards.

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

City of St. Petersburg (municipal operations, business tax receipts)

• St. Petersburg City Hall: (727) 893‑7111
• City website (Business Tax Certificates): www.stpete.org/business/business_assistance/business_tax_certificates.php

Pinellas County (STR Certificate of Use, inspections, and complaints)

• Code Enforcement (physical address): 631 Chestnut St., Clearwater, FL 33756
• Code Enforcement phone: (727) 464‑4761
• Development Review Services help email: drs‑help@pinellas.gov
• Building Services email: buildingservices@pinellas.gov
• Certificate of Use and application portal: Pinellas Access Portal (see references)
• STR Hotline (24/7 complaints): (727) 353‑2436
• STR complaint reporting page (online): see references
• Tourist Development Tax payments: Pinellas County Tax Collector portal (see references)

Florida DBPR (state licensing for vacation rentals)

• Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/

Links to Source Pages (if available)

• What Are the Rules on Short‑Term Rentals in St. Petersburg? (St. Pete Law Group): www.stpetelawgroup.com/what-are-the-rules-on-short-term-rentals-in-st-petersburg/
• Pinellas County Short‑Term Rental (STR) Certificate of Use Program: pinellas.gov/str/
• Pinellas County STR Certificate of Use FAQs: pinellas.gov/short-term-rental-certificate-of-use-faqs/
• STR Inspection Requirements (PDF): pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/STR-Requirements-v2025.pdf-final.14-AUG25.pdf
• STR Inspection Checklist (PDF): pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/STR-Inspection-Sheet-v2.14aug25.pdf
• STR Notice to Guests (Fillable) (PDF): pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ADA_STR-Notice-Fillable-One-Pager_rev2025-08-13.pdf
• City of St. Petersburg Business Tax Certificates: www.stpete.org/business/business_assistance/business_tax_certificates.php
• Florida DBPR (Vacation Rentals): www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/
• STR Complaint Reporting Page (Pinellas County): secure.hostcompliance.com/pinellas-county-fl-uc/complaints/type
• Tourist Development Tax Payments (Pinellas County): pinellas.county-taxes.com/tourist/
• Pinellas Access Portal (Apply/Manage COU): pinellas.gov/access-portal

Practical Notes for Investors

• City vs. county jurisdictional split is common within “St. Petersburg” mailing addresses; always confirm whether the subject property is in the City of St. Petersburg zoning or unincorporated Pinellas County before setting rent length, licensing, and inspection plans.
• For city zoned DC/CG: Pursue DBPR + City Business Tax Certificate; maintain a 30+ day minimum unless you qualify under the condo hotel exception or an alternative city allowance.
• For unincorporated county: Plan upfront capital for