AIR BnB zoning??? county says "no short term"

[Katelyn Atcavage Robideaux]

Hey BP community!

I live in southwest Florida and am working with a few clients specifically looking for air bnb's/ short term rentals. I am having trouble with the zoning. I have spoken to the local gov offices and not only is it time consuming to call each county, but, I am finding this "county restriction" where rentals must be a minimum of 30 days.

Then, I go on air bnb, and what the heck! There are TONS of them. Are people just slipping under the radar with fingers crossed they don't get caught? Has anyone done/ is doing this? Are there ways around it like... changing your property's zoning? Are there permits you can obtain to do short term no matter what the county restriction is? What are the possible offenses if caught? 

Not sure what to do here. My buyers are adamant on St. Petersburg and Sarasota. Both have county restrictions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am definitely at a standstill! Thanks + CHEERS!

[Austin F.]

My city once sent me a very nasty letter threatening the wrath of various agencies if I didn't terminate my illegal STR immediately and send them proof.

After cleaning up my shorts I politely informed them that their google street view was one address off and that my property was completely legal.

That was the last day I ever considered flying under the radar.