Tampa/ Hillsborough County STR restrictions

[Ankur Ba]

Hi folks - looking into investment properties in the Tampa area for short-term rental (AirBnB) purpose. I am aware Hillsborough county is more liberal towards 7 days or less STRs but wanted to double check if anyone is aware of any zoning restrictions in specific neighborhoods in the city? Checking into city/ county websites. And will call their offices in AM too. Thanks. 

[J-Ryan Stewart]

Quote from @Luke Rorech:

@Ankur Ba As you said, Hillsborough is technically a 7 day minimum but not really enforced all to much. Another BP member, @Kristina Kuba, informed me that inside city limits of Tampa, there is nothing in the muni code restricting less than 7 day stays and I was able to confirm that. 

Some municipalities in Pinellas County are a bit more stringent on STR rules even though the county itself allows nightly rentals.

Make sure you check to see if property is in HOA or deed restricted communities as those can cause troubles.

 I've dealt with Hillsborough County on this issue, I've even gotten legal counsel on it. They're literally redefining all STRs as "hotels" to get that 7-day minimum rule. The problem is they're not using the whole definition, which is "rented for 7 days or fewer *and having 10 or more bedrooms." 

The word "and" is carrying a lot more weight in this definition than they want to acknowledge. The obscure location of this statute is also a reason you get a different answer on STR from everyone in code enforcement.

On paper this reading of the reg is unenforceable but if you have a neighbor problem & the city comes after you using this post hoc application of an old law having nothing to do with STR - someone eventually has to pony up the cash to fight the city.