Occupancy at vacation rentals is shaped by Florida fire and building codes plus county Certificate of Use rules, generally allowing two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants.
Clearwater follows Florida law that allows local governments to set occupancy limits for vacation rentals as long as the standard is consistent with what applies to other residential properties. Pinellas County's Certificate of Use program for short-term rentals codifies a maximum of two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants, with the count tied to the bedrooms shown on the property card and supported by the Florida Building and Fire Codes. Guests under three years old generally do not count toward the cap. The city enforces Clearwater Code Section 3-1508 and nuisance provisions if overcrowding produces excessive noise, parking overflow, or trash issues. Hosts must post the occupancy limit inside the unit and on the listing.
Exceeding the occupancy cap can lead to code citations, suspension of the county Certificate of Use, and potential revocation of a Business Tax Receipt.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle occupancy limits.
See how Clearwater's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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