Pinellas Park vs St. Petersburg
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Pinellas Park has fewer restrictions than St. Petersburg.
Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Pinellas Park allows home-based businesses in residential zones consistent with Florida Statute 559.955, which preempts overly restrictive local rules. Activities must remain secondary to the dwelling's residential use and not alter neighborhood character.
View full Pinellas Park rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg permits home occupations in residential zoning districts under Section 16.50.180, provided the business stays incidental to the dwelling and meets strict use and traffic limits.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pinellas Park | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| State Preemption | FS 559.955 limits local rules | - |
| Onsite Employees | Two non-resident employees max | - |
| Local Code | LDC Article 15 Zoning | - |
| Use Hierarchy | Residential use must remain primary | - |
| Permit Office | Community Development 727-369-5631 | - |
| Code section | - | Sec. 16.50.180 |
| Where allowed | - | Residential districts |
| Permit required | - | Business Tax Receipt |
| Floor area cap | - | Approximately 25% |
| Enforcement | - | Code Compliance Assistance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Can Pinellas Park ban my home business outright?
No. Florida Statute 559.955 preempts local prohibition of conforming home-based businesses in residential zones. The city may regulate impacts but cannot ban legitimate home-based business activity.
Do I need a Pinellas Park business tax receipt?
Yes, most home-based businesses must obtain a local business tax receipt from the City of Pinellas Park, even though state law limits how the city can regulate operations themselves.
How many employees can work at my home?
Resident employees plus up to two outside employees or independent contractors may work onsite; additional employees must work remotely under FS 559.955.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I run a business from my St. Petersburg home?
Yes, as long as the home occupation complies with Section 16.50.180. The business must be incidental to residential use, conducted indoors by residents only, and produce no external impacts.
Do I need a permit for a home-based business in St. Petersburg?
You must obtain a City of St. Petersburg Business Tax Receipt. Some categories of home business are barred outright, such as auto repair, restaurants, and kennels.
Compare other topics
See how Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg 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