How to Airbnb In St. Pete

Question

Hi everyone, I am trying to get started with my first short-term rental property in the St. Petersburg area. I am looking to network with other experienced short-term renters who can speak on some of the things to look out for when renting in this area. From my research, I have gathered that there are stringent zoning laws in the area tied to short term rentals - should I be concerned? Also looking to connect with great brokers and realtors in the area thanks!

Raymond J. Rodrigues · Answer

Hi @William Rondon, fellow native to the area. St.Pete is a bit restrictive in regards to STR. Surrounding areas in Pinellas county do allow for it though. I have assisted a few clients with acquiring STRs in the area with @Nicole Shaw. I highly suggest reaching out to her. She is awesome and can share lots of knowledge and experience with you! I hope this recommendation helps you or anyone else on this forum who are looking to do the same.

Josh Green · Answer

@William RondonI do a lot of STRs in the greater Pinellas county areas and surrounding. As mentioned, there are restrictions in St Pete, the most notable being the minimum night standard being high (30 days). Is that a deal breaker? Absolutely not. Is that followed by most hosts? Absolutely not. There's a few exceptions and depending on your risk tolerance and specific criteria/situation, there are other areas that may be more suitable/profitable for you in the area.Let me know if you'd like to talk and we can do a live Google meets where I can show you some properties that would be great STRs right now, show you how to project their return and key indicators when looking at the market, as well as beyond the purchase as far as amenities list, property management options, and local cleaners/handymen/pool maintenance contacts.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Hey William!We own/manage 40+ in the greater Tampa area, including a few in Saint Pete. I would be happy to share some tips for our success in Saint Pete. Please feel free to shoot me a DM. Best of luck!

Joseph Stern · Answer

@William Rondon hello, long story short you have 3 options basically for airbnb in st pete. In unincorporated st pete (map of this online) you are allowed to do STR. In incorporated st pete you are allowed to do STR 3 times a year with a 7 day min and 30 day max, essentially legally 3 months of the year you can STR a SFH. The third option which I don’t recommend is to list it all year round, seems like many people do it without issue.

Alexi Schreier · Answer

The thing that makes me nervous about STRs in the St Pete area is that regulation can change very quickly. As others previously mentioned in this thread, STRs are not allowed here but it's also not enforced so investors do it any way (that's why you see so many on Airbnb). That is the state of affairs today. That could quickly change in the future though. Especially with the housing shortage that the St Pete area is experiencing causing housing/rent costs to shoot up. It wouldn't surprise me to see the governing bodies come in and start cracking down on STRs at some point.That being said, if you have a backup plan in case STRs do start getting shut down then you're in a much better place. Happy to discuss further with you!

Kristina Kuba · Answer

@William Rondon As others have posted, the STR regulations are very restrictive in St. Pete. Research into forums and you will see code enforcement has recently been very aggressive in cracking down and issuing large fines. However you wish to proceed, make sure you underwrite your deal with multiple holding and exit strategies. I would recommend underwriting it as MTR (midterm rental) and as a LTR …making sure it has cash flows and it makes sense if case code enforcement shuts down your AirBNB.

Luke Rorech · Answer

@William RondonSt. Pete is 30 day min with three (3) less than 30 day stays per trailing 12 months. St. Pete as a municipality is not as strict as others, Clearwater for example, but it only takes one complaint from a neighbor to put you on code enforcement's radar. So proceed at your own risk. If you do decide to "risk it for the biscuit", invest in decibel readers to monitor the noise and monitor parking to ensure guests aren't pissing off your neighbors.

William Rondon · Answer

That brings up a point that I am rather curious on... if you go on the Airbnb app you will see multiple Airbnbs listed in these restricted areas, what is the penalty for establishing an Airbnb in one of these restricted areas?