Clearwater Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply online at myclearwater.com or in person at Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Ave. Verify zoning eligibility before applying. BTR not valid until approved and final payment collected.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13% of gross rental income.

Collection: State sales tax and discretionary surtax: remit to Florida Department of Revenue. Pinellas County TDT: remit to Pinellas County Tax Collector. Major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) typically collect state taxes automatically.

Filing: Monthly (state sales tax to FL DOR); Pinellas County TDT filing schedule set by county

Rental Limits

Clearwater annual day limit: Tourist/Commercial zones only — banned in residential.

Zoning & Restrictions

STRs permitted only in Tourist District (T) and Commercial zones. Prohibited in all residential districts (minimum 31-day stay required in residential zones).

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Clearwater does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Must meet minimum building requirements in Clearwater Community Development Code
• DBPR transient public lodging establishment standards apply

Penalties for Non-Compliance

First offense: $150; second offense: $300; third and subsequent offenses: $500 per violation. Repeat violations can result in liens.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Clearwater:

1. Meet safety requirements. Must meet minimum building requirements in Clearwater Community Development Code. DBPR transient public lodging establishment standards apply.
2. Apply for Business Tax Receipt (BTR). Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Florida Department of Revenue (state taxes); Pinellas County Tax Collector (Tourist Development Tax).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Clearwater?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Clearwater requires a Business Tax Receipt (BTR).

Are there major restrictions on short-term rentals in Clearwater?

Yes — STRs permitted only in Tourist District (T) and Commercial zones. Review the full rules above before listing.

Does Clearwater require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Clearwater allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Clearwater?

Clearwater's annual rental limit depends on the situation: Tourist/Commercial zones only — banned in residential.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Clearwater?

Short-term rental stays in Clearwater are subject to a combined 13% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Florida State Transient Rental Tax + 1% Pinellas County Discretionary Sales Surtax + 6% Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Clearwater?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500 per violation (with potential for cumulative liens).