Clearwater vs Tarpon Springs
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
Tarpon Springs has fewer restrictions than Clearwater.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Operators must collect Florida sales tax, the 6 percent Pinellas Tourist Development Tax, and pay city Business Tax Receipt and county Certificate of Use fees for inspection and renewal.
View full Clearwater rules →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Operators must collect Pinellas County's 6% Tourist Development Tax plus state sales and discretionary surtax, hold a DBPR license, and pay city business tax receipts and zoning fees.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Tourist Development Tax | - | 6% Pinellas County |
| State sales tax | - | 6% plus 1% surtax |
| City requirement | - | Business tax receipt required |
| State license | - | DBPR vacation rental |
| Filing platform | - | Pinellas TouristExpress |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Pinellas bed tax automatically?
Airbnb and Vrbo collect Florida sales tax statewide but coverage of Pinellas County's local 6% TDT can vary. Hosts should verify and remit any uncollected portion through TouristExpress.
What happens if I don't register with the Tax Collector?
Unregistered hosts face back taxes, penalties, and interest from Pinellas County, plus possible city code enforcement action for operating without a business tax receipt.
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