STR laws in Pinellas Co Florida

[Dustin Pavlik]

I have read several articles/blogs about the strict STR laws in areas of Pinellas Co. such as Clearwater and St. Pete. However, I have rented weekly in these areas before and clearly people are still doing it. Can someone help me out here on what the actual laws are and is it worth taking the risk? I love the area and would like to buy a STR for myself down there.

[Zach Kidd]

The STR ordinances vary widely by municipality (city/town), and there is also "Unincorporated Pinellas County".

The best, most STR friendly, is Indian Rocks Beach. Yes, it's a beach strip, and yes, it's beautiful. It's also a charming bit of "old Florida" style (for the most part). Condo Association restrictions notwithstanding, the City only requires that you get a permit, around $35-ish and you're in STR mode! But because of this, the demand is increasing more than other areas, and naturally, the prices are too.

Neighboring Belleair Beach? No way. Don't even think about it.

In other areas, it can vary at street level - one section is fine, but not the other side of the street.

I would recommend finding an attraction that suits you. For example, John's Pass Village (Madeira Beach, easy access from Treasure Island). Then target qualified properties in that area. This example will be higher demand, but easier to market, and will command a higher nightly rental rate. Or you can go the other way and go "sleepy beachy town". Or someplace in between.

And then there are the condo-tels. These are essentially individual hotel units that you own, under the umbrella of a condo association. While the sales pitch sounds nice, treat these like wrestling a gator. You don't want to go in without expert help, and be happy to get out of it in one piece. Anything better is a bonus.

I have a list of all of the municipalities and their general ordinances pertaining to STR, but with 25 areas (24 cities plus the county), it's a ton of information.

Although you can potentially skirt the rules, it's a much higher risk without much of a reward. Color inside the lines - there are still plenty of opportunities.