Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Petersburg, FL

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

In City of St. Petersburg residential districts, rentals must be for a minimum period of 30 days or more; rentals for less than 30 days are allowed only up to three times within any consecutive 365-day period. If both a primary residence and an ADU are rented, a City Business Tax Certificate is required.

Regulatory Updates — St. Petersburg

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2023

STR Zoning Restrictions in Residential Districts

St. Petersburg enacted zoning amendments restricting short-term rental activity in single-family residential (RS) zones while maintaining STR access in tourist commercial, waterfront, and higher-density multi-family districts. Properties in restricted zones operating prior to the amendment may be grandfathered under SB 280 provisions.

PassedFebruary 2024

Mandatory STR Registration Program

St. Petersburg requires all vacation rental operators to register annually, designate a 24/7 local contact, pass a safety inspection, and display their registration number in all listings. Unlicensed operations face fines and referral to Florida DBPR for state licensing action.

ProposedJune 2025

City Joins Florida Municipal Coalition on SB 280

St. Petersburg joined other Florida cities in lobbying the state legislature to amend SB 280 to provide municipalities broader authority to regulate STR density in residential neighborhoods without relying solely on pre-2011 grandfathering provisions.

Official Resources

Official St. Petersburg STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FVRMA)Statewide

Statewide trade group defending SB 280 preemption rights against St. Petersburg's zoning approach and providing compliance resources for Pinellas County operators.

St. Pete-Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization representing the Pinellas County tourism industry including vacation rental operators. Tracks STR regulatory developments and provides compliance resources.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy for vacation rental managers in Tampa Bay area markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in St. Petersburg, FL?
Airbnb listings are allowed in St. Petersburg, FL, but with restrictions. In City of St. Petersburg residential districts, rentals must be for a minimum period of 30 days or more; rentals for less than 30 days are allowed only up to three times within any consecutive 365-day period. If both a primary residence and an ADU are rented, a City Business Tax Certificate is required. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Petersburg, FL?
In City of St. Petersburg residential districts, rentals must be for a minimum period of 30 days or more; rentals for less than 30 days are allowed only up to three times within any consecutive 365-day period. If both a primary residence and an ADU are rented, a City Business Tax Certificate is required.
Is Vrbo legal in St. Petersburg, FL?
Vrbo is permitted in St. Petersburg, FL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in St. Petersburg?
Short-term rental hosts in St. Petersburg are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in St. Petersburg?
The most recent tracked change in St. Petersburg is "STR Zoning Restrictions in Residential Districts" (2023-10-01, status: passed). St. Petersburg enacted zoning amendments restricting short-term rental activity in single-family residential (RS) zones while maintaining STR access in tourist commercial, waterfront, and higher-density multi-family districts. Properties in restricted zones operating prior to the amendment may be grandfathered under SB 280 provisions. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Are short-term rentals permitted throughout St. Petersburg?
Not throughout the city. St. Petersburg has restricted STRs in single-family residential (RS) zones through zoning amendments. STRs are permitted in tourist commercial, waterfront, and higher-density multi-family zones. Operators should verify their property's zoning designation through the city's online GIS portal before listing. Properties in non-compliant zones face daily fines, and the city's enforcement program is active.
What permits are required for a St. Petersburg vacation rental?
Operators need a City of St. Petersburg STR registration (annual renewal with safety inspection and 24/7 local contact), a Florida DBPR vacation rental license (biennial renewal), and Pinellas County tourist development tax registration. All license numbers must be displayed in online listings. Properties must be in a compliant zoning district before registration is issued.
What taxes apply to St. Petersburg short-term rental income?
Operators collect Florida state sales tax (6%) and Pinellas County tourist development tax (6%), for a combined rate of approximately 12–13%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both state and Pinellas County taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases. Direct-booking operators must register independently with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Pinellas County Tax Collector.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in St. Petersburg, FL?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction