Rent Control: Seminole vs St. Petersburg
How do rent control rules compare between Seminole, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Seminole and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Seminole does not have rent control. Florida Statute 125.0103 preempts local rent control except in declared housing emergencies meeting strict criteria. Landlords set rents based on market conditions and lease terms.
View full Seminole rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg has no rent control ordinance. Florida preempts all local rent control under Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103, and the 2023 Live Local Act (SB 102) eliminated the housing-emergency exception. HB 1417 (Fla. Stat. Sec. 166.0444) further preempted local tenant-protection ordinances. St. Petersburg cannot adopt rent stabilization, rent caps, or any local limit on rent increases. Landlords set rent and increases by lease contract subject only to state notice rules.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Seminole | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Local rent control | Preempted by state | - |
| State law | FS 125.0103 | - |
| Emergency exception | Strict referendum required | - |
| Pinellas referendum | None enacted | - |
| State Preemption | - | Fla. Stat. Sec. 125.0103 + Sec. 166.0444 |
| Live Local Act | - | SB 102 (2023) bans local rent control |
| St. Petersburg Authority | - | None — cannot adopt rent control |
| Notice for Rent Increases | - | Per lease; 30 days for month-to-month |
| Rent Caps | - | No state or local cap |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Seminole FAQ
Is there rent control in Seminole?
No. Florida law preempts local rent control absent a declared housing emergency approved by referendum, and no such ordinance exists in Seminole or Pinellas County.
How much can a landlord raise rent?
Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal in Seminole. State law requires only proper notice under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Does St. Petersburg have rent control?
No. Florida Statute Sec. 125.0103 and the 2023 Live Local Act preempt all local rent control. St. Petersburg cannot adopt rent stabilization or caps.
Can St. Petersburg limit rent increases?
No. State law preempts local rent regulation. Landlords may raise rent at renewal by any amount with proper notice.
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