Clearwater Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Business Tax Receipt (BTR) (Contact city) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | Tourist/Commercial zones only — banned in residential |
| Tax Rate | 13% |
| Max Penalty | $500 per violation (with potential for cumulative liens) |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Business Tax Receipt (BTR)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | Contact city |
| Renewal | Contact city / Annual |
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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Florida State Transient Rental Tax | 6% | Florida Department of Revenue |
| Pinellas County Discretionary Sales Surtax | 1% | Florida Department of Revenue |
| Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax | 6% | Pinellas County Tax Collector |
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
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:
- Meet safety requirements. Must meet minimum building requirements in Clearwater Community Development Code. DBPR transient public lodging establishment standards apply.
- Apply for Business Tax Receipt (BTR). Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Florida Department of Revenue (state taxes); Pinellas County Tax Collector (Tourist Development Tax).
- Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.