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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Treasure Is, FL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (Tourist Dwellings) are prohibited in RU-75 and RM-15 zoning districts but permitted in CG, RFM-30, RFH-50, PR-MU Core, and PR-MU Gulf Boulevard zones. Properties in RU-75 with >2 occupancy changes/year or RM-15 with >6 changes/year are presumed to be Tourist Dwellings. Countywide rules apply to rentals <30 days and >3 times/year, requiring a Certificate of Use.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Apply for a Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Certificate of Use via the county portal (pinellas.gov/str), schedule a safety inspection, and pay fees. 2. Obtain a Florida state lodging license (DBPR). 3. Apply for and pay the annual City of Treasure Island Local Business Tax.

Regulatory Updates — Treasure Is

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

RU-75 and RM-15 STR Enforcement Continued

Treasure Island maintained active enforcement of its Tourist Dwelling prohibition in RU-75 and RM-15 zones, using booking platform data to identify properties in prohibited zones and issuing citations and shut-down orders.

PassedJune 2024

FL SB 280 Compliance Review — Zone Prohibition Upheld

Treasure Island's zone-based Tourist Dwelling prohibition was reviewed for SB 280 compliance, with legal counsel confirming it constitutes a permissible zone-and-manner restriction rather than a prohibited blanket ban.

PassedFebruary 2024

Occupancy Change Monitoring in RU-75 Zones

The City began monitoring properties in RU-75 zones for more than 2 occupancy changes per year — a threshold that triggers review for potential Tourist Dwelling violations by properties attempting to operate as de facto STRs.

Official Resources

Official Treasure Is STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Florida's statewide vacation rental trade group monitoring Treasure Island's Tourist Dwelling zone restrictions and SB 280 compliance in the Pinellas County barrier island market.

Statewide real estate association advocating for property owner rights under SB 280 and tracking Treasure Island's Tourist Dwelling zone prohibition.

Local business organization representing the Treasure Island area's tourism and real estate economy, monitoring STR zone policy for its impact on the barrier island's visitor accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Treasure Is, FL?
Short-term rentals (Tourist Dwellings) are prohibited in RU-75 and RM-15 zoning districts but permitted in CG, RFM-30, RFH-50, PR-MU Core, and PR-MU Gulf Boulevard zones. Properties in RU-75 with >2 occupancy changes/year or RM-15 with >6 changes/year are presumed to be Tourist Dwellings. Countywide rules apply to rentals <30 days and >3 times/year, requiring a Certificate of Use.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Treasure Is?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Treasure Is. 1. Apply for a Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Certificate of Use via the county portal (pinellas.gov/str), schedule a safety inspection, and pay fees. 2. Obtain a Florida state lodging license (DBPR). 3. Apply for and pay the annual City of Treasure Island Local Business Tax.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Treasure Is?
1. Apply for a Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Certificate of Use via the county portal (pinellas.gov/str), schedule a safety inspection, and pay fees. 2. Obtain a Florida state lodging license (DBPR). 3. Apply for and pay the annual City of Treasure Island Local Business Tax.
Can I operate a vacation rental in my Treasure Island residential home?
Only if your property is in an eligible zone. Tourist Dwellings are prohibited in RU-75 (standard residential) and RM-15 zones. They are only permitted in CG (commercial general), RFM-30, RFH-50, PR-MU Core, and PR-MU Gulf Boulevard zones. Verify your zone designation before listing.
What is the occupancy change rule in RU-75 zones?
Properties in RU-75 zones with more than 2 occupancy changes per year are flagged for potential Tourist Dwelling violations. This means even if you don't market your property as a vacation rental, high tenant turnover can trigger a compliance review.
Does Florida's SB 280 protect my Treasure Island STR from being banned?
SB 280 prevents a complete ban, but Treasure Island's zone-based prohibition has been upheld as a permissible 'zone and manner' restriction. SB 280 does not guarantee you can operate an STR in an RU-75 or RM-15 zone — only that the city cannot ban STRs entirely across all zones.

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