Clearwater vs Seminole
How do permit requirements rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Seminole, FL?
Seminole has fewer restrictions than Clearwater.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater prohibits rentals under 31 days in residential districts and requires a Business Tax Receipt, state DBPR license, and a designated local representative for any qualifying transient rental.
View full Clearwater rules →Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Florida preempts local STR licensing under FS 509.032(7). Seminole cannot require permits beyond state DBPR vacation rental licensing, but must register operators where allowed and may enforce zoning rules consistent with state law.
View full Seminole rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Seminole |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| State preemption | - | FS 509.032(7)(b) |
| Required license | - | DBPR vacation rental |
| Local permit | - | Not allowed beyond state |
| Tax registration | - | FL DOR plus Pinellas County |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Seminole FAQ
Does Seminole require a city short-term rental permit?
No. Florida preempts local STR permitting under FS 509.032(7). You only need a state DBPR vacation rental license plus state and county tax accounts.
Can Seminole ban short-term rentals?
No. Florida law prohibits cities from banning vacation rentals or regulating their duration or frequency unless the ordinance was in place before June 1, 2011.
Compare other topics
See how Clearwater and Seminole compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool