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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Clearwater, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (less than 31 days or one calendar month) are strictly prohibited in residential zoning districts. In these districts, rentals must be for periods of 31 days or longer; transient lodging such as resort dwellings or bed and breakfasts are regulated separately under specific non-residential classifications.

Regulatory Updates — Clearwater

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2024

Clearwater STR License Compliance Drive

Clearwater's code enforcement division identified hundreds of unlicensed STR listings and issued compliance notices, requiring registration within 30 days.

ProposedJanuary 2025

Pinellas County Unified STR Database Proposal

Pinellas County proposed a shared STR database to coordinate licensing across Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, and other county municipalities.

PassedNovember 2024

Clearwater Beach STR Operational Standards Updated

The city updated operational standards for STRs on Clearwater Beach, including stricter parking requirements and noise curfews.

Official Resources

Official Clearwater STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group for Florida STR managers engaged on SB 280 and local ordinances.

Clearwater Beach AssociationLocal

Local organization representing Clearwater Beach property owners and tourism businesses.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade organization for professional STR managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Clearwater, FL?
Short-term rentals (less than 31 days or one calendar month) are strictly prohibited in residential zoning districts. In these districts, rentals must be for periods of 31 days or longer; transient lodging such as resort dwellings or bed and breakfasts are regulated separately under specific non-residential classifications.
What does Clearwater require to legally operate an STR?
You need a Clearwater business license, an STR-specific operating license, a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, and registration with Pinellas County for tourist development tax purposes.
Can Clearwater ban short-term rentals?
No. Florida's SB 280 preempts local STR bans. Clearwater can regulate how STRs operate — occupancy, parking, noise — but cannot prohibit them outright.
Are STR rules different on Clearwater Beach vs. mainland Clearwater?
Both are subject to city-wide licensing requirements, but Clearwater Beach has additional operational standards including stricter parking rules and noise curfews due to the dense tourist environment.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction