Pinellas County Commission adopts short-term-rental ordinance
New program for unincorporated County promotes owner accountability,
guest safety, neighborhood preservation
Pinellas County Commissioners on Tuesday evening adopted a short-term rental ordinance that will bring greater accountability to short-term rental owner/operators in the unincorporated county and preserve the quality life within residential neighborhoods.
The ordinance was modified after an initial public hearing in February to include stronger protections sought by the community on maximum occupancy, quiet hours, and a sexual predator notice requirement per Florida Statutes. It applies to properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time, more than three times per year. Owner/operators will be required to apply for and receive a Certificate of Use and follow safety, parking, and noise regulations.
“The updated short term rental ordinance addresses resident’s concerns by bringing greater accountability with the requirement of a Certificate of Use, compliance with minimum life safety standards, providing for increased code enforcement staff, and a mechanism for data collection allowing for evaluation of future updates,” said Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott.
The ordinance is targeted to go into effect upon filing with the state and will be enforced by the Code Enforcement division, with support from the Building division. An educational campaign will begin immediately, including the notification of the approximately 2,200 short-term rentals in the unincorporated county.
Key requirements:
- Certificate of Use: Required for all short-term rentals in unincorporated Pinellas County. Short-term rental owners can begin applying for their Certificate of Use starting March 31, and must apply by either May 31, June 30 or July 31, depending on the zip code of their rental property. Owners should visit Pinellas.gov/STR for details.
- Maximum Occupancy: Two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests in the common area, with a maximum of 10 occupants. Guests of all ages are included in the occupancy.
- Parking: One off-street parking space per three guests, rounded up to the next whole number. Parking on front lawns does not count towards the minimum requirement of spaces per number of occupants.
- Noise: Quiet hours are 10 p.m. – 9 a.m.
- Inspections: A safety inspection is required before a Certificate of Use is issued, with re-inspections every two years.
- Renewal: Rental operators must renew their Certificate of Use annually.
Fees:
- Certificate of Use: $450 (split into two payments)
- Initial inspection: $150 ($100 reinspection fee if the property does not pass)
- Annual renewal: $450
- Reinspection (every two years): $100
Residents can report noise complaints to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200 and the Short-Term Rental Hotline at (727) 353-2436. All other general short-term rental complaints can be submitted through the county’s 24/7 Short-Term Rental Hotline at (727) 353-2436 or online at Pinellas.gov/strcomplaint.
Short-term rental operators must display key information inside their rental, including emergency contacts, occupancy limits and local regulations. Compliance helps property owners avoid fines while maintaining positive relationships with neighbors.
For more information visit pinellas.gov/str.