Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Clearwater

Clearwater, FL Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Base fee (1-5 units): $31.50 under § 091.010
Each additional unit: $1.70
Annual due date: September 30 each year
Delinquent fee: 10% Oct. plus 5%/mo, max 25%
Admin fee after Jan. 31: 2x tax, capped at $250
Operating before receipt: 25% penalty fee
Duplicate receipt fee: $16.50

Summary

Clearwater requires a city business tax receipt for any single-family home, duplex, condo, townhouse, apartment, hotel room or bed-and-breakfast rented for less than 30 days. Appendix A section 091.010 sets the base fee at $31.50 for one to five units on the same parcel, plus $1.70 per additional unit, renewable every September 30.

091.010 SINGLE FAMILY/DUPLEX: Rental Period, less than 30 days, (See notes C and D) 1—5 units on the same or contiguous parcels 31.50 Plus, each additional unit 1.70 ...DELINQUENT FEE shall be ten percent for the month of October, plus an additional five percent for each subsequent month of delinquency, not to exceed 25 percent of the business tax, on business tax receipt not renewed by September 30th. ADMINISTRATIVE FEE shall be two times the annual business tax fee, with a maximum of $250.00, in addition to the 25 percent delinquent fee, on business tax receipt not renewed by January 31st. PENALTY FEE shall be 25 percent of the business tax due, for operating a business prior to obtaining a business tax receipt.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The city's Business Tax Receipt Schedule in Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances lists short-term rentals separately from standard, 30-day-or-longer leases. 70 tier to apartments, condos and townhouses, hotels and motels, and bed-and-breakfasts operating under 30-day terms. 40 of the Code. A receipt not renewed by September 30 is delinquent and, per the Appendix A fee notes, draws a delinquent fee of 10 percent for October plus an additional 5 percent for every following month of nonpayment, capped at 25 percent of the tax owed.

If the receipt still is not renewed by January 31, an administrative fee equal to twice the annual tax, capped at $250, applies on top of the delinquent fee. 12. 50 duplicate fee.

Violations & Fines

The finance director and city inspectors enforce the schedule; unpaid or expired receipts accrue the escalating October delinquent fee and January administrative fee automatically. Operating a short-term rental without ever securing the business tax receipt draws a 25 percent penalty fee plus the civil penalty process under section 1.12, and repeat or willful noncompliance can be referred to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board or county court under Article 7 of the Community Development Code.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Clearwater charge to rent my home short-term?

Renting a single-family home, duplex, condo or apartment for less than 30 days falls under Appendix A section 091.010 of the city's Business Tax Receipt Schedule: $31.50 covers one to five units on the same parcel, with $1.70 added for each unit beyond that. The tax renews every year and is due by September 30.

What happens if I miss the September 30 renewal?

The receipt becomes delinquent and the city adds 10 percent for October plus another 5 percent for each additional month you stay unpaid, up to a 25 percent cap. If it is still unpaid by January 31, an administrative fee of twice the annual tax, capped at $250, is added on top.

Is the fee different for a hotel or bed-and-breakfast?

No. Sections 091.060 and 091.070 apply the same $31.50 base plus $1.70 per additional unit or room to hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts that Appendix A applies to short-term single-family and condo rentals, so the tax tier is uniform across short-term lodging types.

What if I never got a business tax receipt at all?

Operating before obtaining the receipt carries its own 25 percent penalty fee under Appendix A, separate from the delinquent and administrative fees for late renewal, plus the civil penalty exposure set out in section 1.12 of the Code.

Sources & Official References

[1]Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Appendix A - Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges

Other rules in Clearwater

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Short-Term Rental PermitsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Night CapsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Clearwater rules

How Clearwater compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Clearwater to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Taxes & Fees in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Pinellas County handle taxes & fees.

St. Petersburg, FL

Heavy Restrictions