St Petersburg Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

St Petersburg does not require a specific STR permit at this time. Check with local government for any zoning or business license requirements.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13% of gross rental income.

Collection: Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax is reported and paid directly to Pinellas County; the 6% state sales tax and discretionary sales surtax are reported and paid to the Florida Department of Revenue using Line D. (Transient Rentals) on Form DR-15.

Rental Limits

St Petersburg limits short-term rentals to 3 days per year.

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are not an allowed ongoing use in residential zones; a property may be rented under 30 days a maximum of 3 times per 365-day period. More frequent short-term rentals must operate as a licensed hotel/motel or be located within an approved Resort Facilities Overlay (RFO) district.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

St Petersburg 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.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations are prosecuted under the general Code penalty: a fine not exceeding $500.00 and/or imprisonment up to 60 days. Each day a continuous violation persists is a separate offense, so fines can accrue daily. A penalty does not prevent revocation or suspension of a license, permit, or franchise.

Compliance Checklist

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

1. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Florida Department of Revenue (state sales tax and discretionary sales surtax); Pinellas County (Tourist Development Tax).
2. Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in St Petersburg?

St Petersburg does not require a dedicated short-term rental permit, but you must still register for and remit applicable lodging taxes. Confirm local zoning rules still allow short-term rentals at your property before listing.

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

No. St Petersburg does not impose a primary-residence requirement, so non-owner-occupied rentals are allowed.

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

St Petersburg limits short-term rentals to 3 days per year.

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

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