Thinking about buying or listing a place in St. Petersburg for short-term rentals? The rules can feel confusing, especially when condos and single-family homes follow very different playbooks. You want clarity before you invest, renovate, or hit “publish” on a listing.
This guide breaks down how short-term rental rules work in St. Pete and Pinellas County, what changes when you buy a condo versus a detached home, and the steps to take so you stay compliant. You will also get a practical due-diligence checklist you can use today.
Let’s dive in.
How short-term rentals are regulated
Short-term rentals in Florida sit under three layers of control. State law sets the baseline, local governments enforce zoning and business rules, and private associations can add stricter limits. Your plan has to fit all three.
Florida Statutes Chapter 509 covers public lodging and certain health and safety standards for transient stays. Chapter 718 governs condominium associations and their power to regulate rentals. Chapter 720 covers homeowners’ associations for subdivisions. The City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County layer on zoning, local licensing, noise, parking, and tax rules.
The practical takeaway is simple. State law is the floor. Local ordinances and your condo or HOA rules usually decide what you can actually do. Always confirm the latest city and county requirements and review association documents before you act.
Condo vs single-family home: What actually changes
Who sets the rules
- Condos: Your first stop is the condominium declaration, bylaws, and rules. Many condo associations limit or prohibit short-term rentals, set minimum lease terms, require registration, and enforce guest conduct rules. Some buildings cap how often you can rent or how many units can be rented at once.
- Single-family homes: If the home is not in an HOA, city and county codes usually control. If it is in an HOA, the HOA’s covenants can limit or ban short-term rentals on top of city rules.
Typical restrictions you might see
- Minimum stays and frequency limits, such as 30-day minimums or limits on how many times per year you can rent.
- Registration with the association, screening or approval for tenants, and fees or deposits.
- Guest conduct rules around noise, trash, pool use, and parking.
- Occupancy limits tied to bedrooms or square footage.
Condo restrictions are often more detailed and tightly enforced. Single-family homes face more zoning and neighborhood standards, especially around parking and noise.
How enforcement works
- In condos and HOAs: Expect fines, suspension of privileges, denial of common-area use, or legal action if you violate rental rules. Boards may add screening, approval processes, and fines for noncompliance.
- By the city or county: You could face civil fines per violation per day, suspension or revocation of registrations or business tax receipts, and potential liens for repeated violations. Platforms can also remove listings if you do not comply with local rules.
Insurance, lending, and financing
Standard homeowners policies often exclude short-term rental activity. If you plan to host, budget for a dedicated short-term rental or commercial liability policy with higher limits. Lender agreements and association rules can also restrict rentals, which can affect your mortgage options, cash flow, and resale value. Confirm these items before you write an offer or list a property as STR-friendly.
St. Pete and Pinellas: What to verify locally
Local requirements can change, and details matter. In St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, you should confirm:
- Whether registration, a permit, or a business tax receipt is required for short-term rentals, and what documents or inspections are needed.
- Minimum stay rules or overlay zones that affect specific neighborhoods or property types.
- Occupancy, parking, and noise rules that apply to your address.
- Safety requirements like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, egress labeling, and any city inspections.
- Whether a designated local contact is required who can respond to complaints within a set timeframe.
City websites and municipal codes are the best places to check current rules. Because ordinances evolve, verify details before you buy or list.
Taxes and reporting for Pinellas County
Short-term rental revenue typically triggers several taxes:
- Florida state sales tax applies to most short-term stays. You may need to register with the Florida Department of Revenue and file returns.
- Pinellas County levies a tourist development tax, often called a bed tax, on transient rentals. Confirm the current rate, registration steps, and filing timelines with the county.
- A local business tax receipt may be required by the city or county for operating a rental.
- Rental income must be reported for federal and state income tax purposes. Depending on the services you provide, the activity can have different tax implications.
Third-party platforms sometimes collect and remit certain taxes on your behalf, but this varies by platform and location. You are ultimately responsible for correct filing and records. Keep detailed reports of bookings, receipts, taxes collected, and expenses.
Buyer due-diligence checklist for St. Pete
Use this list before you buy or market a property as an STR in St. Petersburg:
Ownership and private documents
- Get the condo declaration, bylaws, and rules. Confirm if short-term rentals are allowed, the minimum stay, how guests are approved, and any rental caps.
- For homes in HOAs, obtain the covenants, conditions, and restrictions and the HOA’s rental policy.
Municipal and county compliance
- Confirm the City of St. Petersburg’s current registration, permit, and business tax receipt requirements and fees.
- Verify Pinellas County’s tourist development tax registration and current rate.
- Check that the property’s zoning district and any overlay zone allow your intended rental use.
Operational and logistics
- Clarify occupancy limits for the address and any association-imposed limits.
- Determine required off-street parking and any guest parking rules.
- Confirm if you need a local contact or property manager available 24/7.
- Check required safety equipment and whether any inspections are needed.
Finance, taxes, and insurance
- Confirm whether platforms collect sales and tourist taxes in your location or if you must register and remit.
- Get a quote for STR-specific insurance coverage and required liability limits.
- Review lender covenants for rental restrictions that could impact financing or refinancing.
Enforcement and history
- Ask the association for any violation history, fines, or complaints for the unit.
- Search local code enforcement records for the property address.
- Ask if the association has pending litigation or planned rental-policy changes.
Listing and platform details
- Align platform listing terms with association rules, especially cancellation, security deposits, and cleaning fees.
- Confirm that your listing settings reflect any minimum stay, occupancy, and parking rules.
Seller and current owner essentials
If you are selling a property that has STR income, gather proof of compliance and documentation a buyer will want to see. Provide association rules, city or county registrations, inspection records, and tax filings. Transparency helps your buyer underwrite the revenue and reduces the risk of a deal falling apart.
Do not advertise a property as STR-ready if you have not verified the rules. Buyers will ask for documents, and associations often require approval steps. If your property’s viability depends on a minimum stay or specific zoning, support the claim with current documents.
Choosing between a condo and a home
Both options can work in St. Pete, but your plan drives the choice.
The right pick is the one that fits your goals, zoning, and the documents that govern your address.
What to do if rules change
Local ordinances and association rules can change. If that happens, review your bookings, cancellation policies, and future revenue impact. Communicate with guests if you need to adjust upcoming stays to comply.
You can also explore longer minimum stays, medium-term rentals, or traditional leasing if short-term rentals become more limited. Update your insurance and tax registrations to match the new operating model.
Ready to move forward?
You do not need to navigate this alone. From reviewing association documents to aligning your numbers with real rules on the ground, you can get a clear plan before you buy or list. If you want a property that fits both your lifestyle and your revenue goals, reach out to The Michelle Ward Group for guidance tailored to St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.
FAQs
What is considered a short-term rental in St. Petersburg?
- Short-term rentals generally involve transient stays of fewer than 30 days under Florida frameworks, but the specific definition and rules come from local ordinances and association documents, so verify them for your address.
Are condos or single-family homes easier for STRs in St. Pete?
- Homes outside HOAs often face fewer private restrictions, but city zoning and noise, parking, and occupancy rules still apply; condos commonly have stricter minimum stays and screening.
Do I need a license or registration to operate an STR in St. Pete?
- Many municipalities require permits or business tax receipts, and Pinellas County and the State of Florida have tax registration requirements, so confirm current steps with city and county offices.
What taxes apply to STR income in Pinellas County?
- Expect Florida state sales tax and a county tourist development tax on transient rentals, plus federal and state income tax reporting on the net income from your rental activity.
How are STR rules enforced for condos versus homes?
- Associations can levy fines, suspend privileges, and take legal action, while city and county enforcement can include civil fines, permit or registration suspensions, and liens for repeated violations.
What should I review before buying a condo marketed as STR-friendly?
- Get the declaration, bylaws, rental rules, and any board resolutions; confirm minimum stays, rental caps, guest approvals, parking, occupancy, and whether any rule changes are pending.
