Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Guide 2025: Complete Compliance Handbook

Last Updated: October 9, 2025

Pinellas County's 2025 short-term rental regulations require strict compliance for all vacation rental properties in unincorporated areas. With new occupancy limits, mandatory inspections, and operational requirements, understanding these regulations is essential for legal operation and avoiding costly penalties.

This comprehensive guide covers the March 2025 ordinance updates, compliance requirements, and actionable strategies to help you navigate Pinellas County's STR landscape successfully.

Key Takeaway: Pinellas County requires a Certificate of Use for all short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, with a maximum occupancy of 10 guests, mandatory safety inspections, and annual fees of $450. The application deadline for 2025 is May 31, 2025.

2025 Pinellas County STR Regulations Summary

Key Requirements

Maximum Occupancy: 10 guests total (2 per bedroom + 2 additional, capped at 10)
Certificate of Use: $450 annual fee required for legal operation
Safety Inspection: $150 initial inspection, $100 re-inspection if needed
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM daily
Parking: 1 space per 3 guests (rounded up)
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

Who Needs Compliance

Properties in unincorporated Pinellas County
Rented for less than 30 days more than 3 times per year
Whole-unit rentals (not room-only in owner-occupied homes)

Occupancy and Parking Requirements

Occupancy Calculation

Formula: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional guests, maximum 10 total

Bedrooms	Calculation	Maximum Guests
1	2 + 2 = 4	4
2	4 + 2 = 6	6
3	6 + 2 = 8	8
4	8 + 2 = 10	10
5+	Still capped	10

Parking Requirements

Formula: 1 parking space per 3 guests (rounded up)

Guests	Required Spaces
6	2 spaces
7	3 spaces
8	3 spaces
9	3 spaces
10	4 spaces

Parking Standards:

Must be paved (driveway or garage)
Lawn parking does NOT count
Must be accessible year-round
Cannot block public right-of-way

Certificate of Use Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Required Documents:

Proof of ownership (deed or property appraiser profile)
Detailed floor plan showing bedrooms and exits
Parking plan with space count and layout
Emergency contact information (within 30 minutes)
Business tax receipt (if applicable)

Step 2: Online Application

Process:

Create account at Pinellas County Access Portal
Navigate to Code Enforcement tab
Select "File/Maintain a Short-Term Rental Certificate of Use"
Complete application with accurate information
Upload all required documents

Step 3: Safety Inspection

What Inspectors Check:

Smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas
Fire extinguisher (2A:10B:C rating minimum)
Emergency egress (properly sized bedroom windows)
Pool safety barriers (if applicable)
Adequate parking spaces
Property condition and safety

Step 4: Certificate Issuance

After Passing Inspection:

Certificate issued within 5 business days
Valid for one year from issue date
Must be displayed prominently in rental
Required for all advertising and listings

Operational Requirements

Mandatory House Rules

Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM daily

Outdoor activities restricted during quiet hours
Amplified sound prohibited
Fines up to $500 per violation

Required Postings:

Emergency contact notice at front door
House rules with occupancy limits and quiet hours
Certificate of Use displayed prominently
Pool safety rules (if applicable)

Advertising Compliance

Listing Requirements:

Maximum occupancy clearly stated
Quiet hours prominently displayed
Emergency contact information provided
Certificate of Use number included

Prohibited Advertising:

Exceeding approved occupancy limits
Misleading property descriptions
False amenity claims
Violating quiet hour restrictions

Common Violations and Penalties

Frequent Violation Types

Violation	Penalty	Description
Occupancy Violations	$500/day	Exceeding 10 guest maximum
Parking Violations	$250/day	Insufficient parking spaces
Noise Violations	$500/day	Loud parties during quiet hours
Documentation Violations	$250/day	Missing required postings

Enforcement Process

Complaint Investigation - County receives complaint from neighbor
Property Inspection - Code enforcement officer investigates
Violation Documentation - Violations documented and photographed
Penalty Assessment - Daily fines until violation corrected
Appeal Process - 15 days to appeal violation notice

Tips for Passing Inspection

Pre-Inspection Checklist

Safety Equipment:

✅ Smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas
✅ Fire extinguisher (2A:10B:C rating minimum)
✅ Carbon monoxide detector if gas appliances present
✅ Emergency lighting in hallways and exits

Egress Requirements:

✅ Bedroom windows meet minimum size requirements
✅ Clear opening width minimum 20 inches
✅ Clear opening height minimum 24 inches
✅ Sill height maximum 44 inches from floor

Pool Safety (if applicable):

✅ Pool barrier minimum 4 feet high
✅ Self-closing, self-latching gates
✅ No gaps larger than 4 inches
✅ Pool alarm system (if required)

Parking Compliance:

✅ Adequate paved parking spaces
✅ Clear access to all spaces
✅ No obstructions or hazards

Cost Analysis

First Year Costs

Certificate of Use: $450
Initial Inspection: $150
Re-inspection (if needed): $100
Insurance Increase: $500-$1,500
Total: $1,200-$2,200

Annual Ongoing Costs

Renewal Fee: $450
Biennial Inspection: $50 (annualized)
Insurance Premium: $500-$1,500
Total: $1,000-$2,000 annually

Revenue Impact

Occupancy Limitations: Maximum 10 guests regardless of property size
May reduce rental income potential for larger properties
Requires careful pricing strategy to maximize revenue
Focus on quality over quantity for guest experience

Compliance Checklist

Pre-Operation Requirements

Verify property is in unincorporated Pinellas County
Check zoning allows short-term rentals
Apply for Certificate of Use by May 31 deadline
Pay required fees ($450 Certificate + $150 inspection)
Schedule safety inspection within 30 days
Obtain business license if operating as business entity

Property Preparation

Install smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas
Install fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10B:C rating)
Ensure emergency egress with properly sized bedroom windows
Verify parking compliance (1 space per 3 guests)
Pool safety barriers if applicable (4-foot barrier, self-closing gates)
Create detailed floor plan showing all rooms and exits

Required Postings

Emergency contact notice posted at front door
House rules with occupancy limits and quiet hours
Certificate of Use displayed prominently
Pool safety rules if applicable

Operational Compliance

Enforce quiet hours (10:00 PM to 9:00 AM daily)
Monitor occupancy (never exceed approved guest limits)
Maintain guest records for minimum 2 years
Register for Tourist Development Tax
Maintain emergency contact (local person available 24/7)
Regular property maintenance and safety checks

Municipal STR Regulations

Largo

Occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional, max 8 total
Parking: 1 space per 2 guests
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM
Fees: $150 annual business tax receipt

Indian Rocks Beach

Occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional, max 10 total
Parking: 1 space per 2 guests, must be paved
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 8 AM
Fees: $200 annual license fee
Special: Local emergency contact within 30 minutes

Clearwater

Occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional, max 8 total
Parking: 1 space per 2 guests
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM
Fees: $100 annual registration fee
Special: Property manager must live within 30 miles

Gulfport

Occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional, max 6 total
Parking: 1 space per 2 guests
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 8 AM
Fees: $150 annual license fee
Special: Owner must live within 25 miles

Investment Considerations

Due Diligence Before Purchase

Verify Zoning - Confirm property allows short-term rentals
Check Parking - Ensure adequate paved parking spaces exist
Assess Property Condition - Factor in required safety upgrades
Review HOA Rules - Some communities prohibit STRs regardless of zoning
Calculate Compliance Costs - Budget for permits, inspections, and ongoing fees

Budgeting for Compliance

Initial Costs: $600-$700 first year (Certificate + inspection)
Annual Costs: $450-$550 ongoing (renewal + biennial inspection)
Insurance Premiums: Expect 20-30% increase for STR coverage
Safety Upgrades: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, egress improvements
Professional Services: Consider hiring local property manager

Maximizing Revenue Within Limits

Focus on Quality - Premium amenities justify higher rates
Target Right Market - Families and groups that fit occupancy limits
Optimize Pricing - Dynamic pricing based on demand and regulations
Enhance Guest Experience - Exceptional service compensates for occupancy caps
Consider Long-term Rentals - Mix of STR and LTR for maximum income

Conclusion

Understanding and complying with Pinellas County's Certificate of Use requirements and ten guest maximum rule is essential for operating a successful short-term rental business. With proper preparation, attention to detail, and ongoing compliance, you can avoid costly violations and build a sustainable rental operation.

The key to success is working with experienced local professionals who understand the regulations, can help with compliance, and provide ongoing support for your STR business.

Ready to comply with Pinellas County's STR regulations? Contact our team for personalized guidance on Certificate of Use applications, compliance requirements, and ongoing operational support.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or regulatory advice. Pinellas County regulations change frequently and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with qualified legal, financial, and regulatory professionals before making compliance decisions.

This guide is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions. For the most current information, contact Troy Nowak directly.

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