Short-Term Rentals in St. Petersburg, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in St. Petersburg or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. St. Petersburg has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.
Occupancy Limits
St. Petersburg generally limits short-term rental occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two in a common area, capped at ten persons total per dwelling unit, whichever is less.
Key details: Measurement: 2 in. Hard cap of: Hard cap of 10 total occupants per unit. Bedrooms must meet: Bedrooms must meet building code egress standards. Hosts must advertise: Hosts must advertise compliant occupancy. Daytime visitors can: Daytime visitors can also count for nuisance purposes.
Exceeding occupancy limits can result in code violations, fines per occupant overage, and loss of standing for the rental in zoning enforcement reviews.
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
St. Petersburg requires off-street parking for short-term rentals, generally one space per three occupants, and prohibits parking on front lawns or unimproved surfaces in residential districts.
Key details: Vegetation: Minimum one off-street space per three occupants. Prohibition: Front-lawn parking is prohibited. Pool Safety: Garage spaces count if accessible to guests. Vegetation: On-street parking is not counted toward minimum. Requirement: Improved surfaces (driveway/pad) are required.
Violations result in code enforcement citations, towing of improperly parked vehicles, and fines that escalate for repeat offenses at the same address.
Taxes & Fees
St. Petersburg short-term rental operators must collect 7% Florida sales tax plus 6% Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax on stays of six months or less, in addition to paying for the city Business Tax Receipt.
Key details: 13% Combined Lodging: 13% combined lodging tax applies to stays under 6 months. 6% Tourist Development: 6% Tourist Development Tax goes to Pinellas County. Florida Department of: Florida Department of Revenue registration is required. Pinellas County Tax: Pinellas County Tax Collector account is required. Business Tax Receipt: Business Tax Receipt fee is paid annually.
Failure to collect and remit lodging taxes can result in back taxes, interest, penalties up to 50% of unpaid tax, and license revocation by state and county authorities.
This is one of the stricter rules in St. Petersburg's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
St. Petersburg's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming St. Petersburg is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects St. Petersburg's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.