Short-Term Rental (STR) Certificate of Use Program

Welcome to the Pinellas County Short-Term Rental (STR) guide! Whether you’re renting out your property for the first time or you’re a seasoned host, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant, protect your guests and be a great neighbor.

The following applies to STR properties located in unincorporated Pinellas County. Check with your municipality for its short-term rental rules.

Not sure if you live in a municipality or unincorporated Pinellas County? Find out here.

What is a Short-Term Rental?

A short-term rental is any home or unit rented out for short stays of less than 30 days, more than three times per year, or that is advertised as a place for regular guest rentals. This includes single-family homes, duplexes, condos and accessory units.

Why Did Pinellas County Create a Certificate of Use Program?

Pinellas County launched the Certificate of Use program to help keep neighborhoods safe, peaceful and enjoyable for both residents and visitors. The program ensures that short-term rentals in unincorporated Pinellas County follow safety standards and local regulations. It also addresses common issues like excessive noise and parking problems before they start.

When is the deadline to obtain my STR property’s Certificate of Use?

If the short-term rental’s physical address is in one of the following ZIP codes and located in unincorporated Pinellas County:

Zip Codes	Deadline to Apply for Certificate of Use
34677 through 34698; 33759; 33761; 33763; 33765	Sept. 15, 2025
33702 through 33715; 33781; 33782	Oct. 15, 2025
33755; 33756; 33760; 33762; 33764; 33770 through 33778	Nov. 15, 2025

About the STR Ordinance

Pinellas County’s short-term rental ordinance applies to properties rented for less than 30 days at a time, more than three times a year. This includes single-family homes, duplexes, condos and accessory units. Owners must obtain a Certificate of Use which requires rental operators to follow safety rules and local laws. The ordinance sets rules for maximum occupancy, parking, noise and trash to help keep neighborhoods safe and peaceful. Rental operators must pay required state and local taxes. Violating the ordinance can lead to daily fines and penalties.

Key Highlights of the Ordinance

• Certificate of Use: All STR property owners must apply for a Certificate of Use , pass an inspection and pay the required fees.
• Fees:
  • $450 Certificate of Use fee (split into two payments for the first year).
  • $150 initial inspection fee (a $100 re-inspection fee applies if the property does not pass the initial inspection).
  • Annual renewal fee of $450.
  • Re-inspection fee of $100 (required every two years).
  • Fees are non-refundable. Please ensure that you only submit an application if a Certificate of Use is required for your property, and that all supporting information is accurate and complete to avoid unnecessary costs or delays.
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum of two guests per bedroom, plus up to two extra guests in one common area. The total occupancy cannot exceed 10 guests. Guests of all ages are considered occupants.
• Parking Rules: Provide one off-street parking space for every three occupants, rounded up to the next whole number. Parking on the front lawn does not count toward the minimum requirement of spaces per number of occupants. Each marked parking space must be big enough for a standard car that is 8 feet wide and 18 feet long.
• Clear Information for Guests: Display key rules and emergency details prominently inside the property. This fillable form may be completed and posted on your STR property.
  • The name, address and phone number of the short-term vacation rental responsible party
  • The maximum occupancy of the unit (see above)
  • The maximum number of vehicles that can be parked at the unit (see above), along with a sketch of the location of the off-street parking spaces
  • Noise standard (quiet hours listed above)
  • The days of trash pickup and recycling
  • The location of the nearest hospital

Structures That Don’t Qualify for Short-Term Rental Use

To ensure the safety and well-being of guests and neighbors, Pinellas County prohibits the use of certain structures as short-term rentals. These include:​

• Sheds Without Utilities: Structures lacking essential utilities such as plumbing and electricity, or not meeting size requirements for occupancy.
• Campers and Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Mobile units, including RVs and campers, are not permitted.
• Tents: Temporary shelters like tents do not meet the necessary safety and building standards.
• Unmodified Shipping Containers: Shipping containers that have not been properly converted and permitted as habitable structures are not allowed for rental purposes.​

All short-term rental properties must comply with the Florida Building Code and Pinellas County regulations to ensure they are safe and habitable.

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How to Be a Great Neighbor

• Respect the Pinellas County Noise Ordinance and encourage guests to do the same. Remember that quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. every day.
• Ensure parking is confined to your property’s designated spaces.
• Be available as the responsible party to address any issues promptly.