St Petersburg, FL- Short Term Rental Laws?

[Carole D.]

I'm hoping someone can help me drill down on understanding the legality of short term vacation rentals in St  Petersburg, FL. I am finding conflicting information online and from people in the area. 

I understand that in Pinellas county at least a few beach cities like Madeira Beach have put a firm ban in place with police and high fines. I have heard that short term rental is illegal in St Petersburg proper but I can't find the actual ordinance, and I see many people renting on AirBnb, VRBO and the like. However, I have also read that the state of Florida made it illegal for cities to ban short term rentals. I have been trying to chase down this information but i'm only coming up with conflicting news articles, can someone point me to where i can find the concrete information?

Thanks in advance!

-Carole