Clearwater Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-07
TL;DR
Clearwater requires Business Tax Receipt (BTR) (fee varies) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 13% (6% state + 7% county). Annual day limit: Tourist/Commercial zones only — banned in residential.
⚠ Before you rely on the summary
Short-term rentals are prohibited in many zoning districts here. Whether a specific property qualifies depends on its zone — confirm a property’s zoning allows STR before relying on the figures below.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Business Tax Receipt (BTR) (fee varies)
Primary Residence ✗ Not required
Annual Day Limit Tourist/Commercial zones only — banned in residential
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 7% county)
Max Penalty $250–$1,000 per day (accrues daily; up to $15,000 per irreparable violation)
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

FeeAmount
Initial costfee varies
Renewalfee varies

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

TaxRateAuthority
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

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

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Illegal short-term rentals are enforced by Clearwater's Municipal Code Enforcement Board (Community Development Code Article 7), with fines that accrue DAILY until the violation is corrected. Standard limits are $250/day for a first violation and $500/day for a repeat violation, up to $5,000 for an irreparable violation; the city has adopted enhanced limits of up to $1,000/day (first), $5,000/day (repeat), and $15,000 (irreparable). Because fines accrue daily, cumulative liability can reach tens of thousands of dollars, and unpaid fines can become liens. (Uncontested code-enforcement citations carry a separate escalating civil penalty under Code of Ordinances Sec. 1.12.)

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; Pinellas County Tax Collector.
  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. Hosts are legally responsible; many booking platforms collect and remit them automatically on the host's behalf.
What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Clearwater?
Penalties run up to $250–$1,000 per day (accrues daily; up to $15,000 per irreparable violation).

Official Sources

  1. Business Tax Receipts (BTR) - City of Clearwater
  2. Community Development Code - Article 2 Zoning Districts - City of Clearwater, FL
  3. Florida Sales and Use Tax - Florida Department of Revenue