Short-Term Rental Rules in Clearwater, FL
Can you operate a short-term rental here?
Restricted by zoning district — needs verification
11 of the 14 rules below could not be confirmed from the official code text in our last pass and are marked as needing verification. We would rather tell you that than fill the gap with a guess.
The rules, one by one
| Requirement | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum stay | Reported one calendar month in residential zoningNeeds verification | — |
| City registration required | Not confirmedNeeds verification | — |
| State licence required | Yes — DBPR vacation rental licence where rentals are permittedVerified from official source | — |
| City business tax receipt | Expected for any business operating in the cityNeeds verification | — |
| Where nightly renting is reported to be allowed | Tourist District and certain commercial zoningNeeds verification | — |
| Inspection required | Not confirmed at city levelNeeds verification | — |
| Occupancy limit | Not confirmed; figures circulating online are the unincorporated county formula, not the city ruleNeeds verification | — |
| Parking | Not confirmedNeeds verification | — |
| Local responsible party | Not confirmedNeeds verification | — |
| Advertising rules | Not confirmedNeeds verification | — |
| Taxes | 13% total — 6% state sales tax, 1% Pinellas surtax, 6% county tourist development taxVerified from official source | — |
| Unincorporated Pinellas County | Certificate of Use required under Ordinance 25-15, with inspection every 2 years, occupancy of 2 per bedroom plus 2 up to 10, 1 parking space per 3 occupants, a 24-hour responsible party and licence numbers in all advertisingVerified from official source | — |
| Who regulates this | City of Clearwater planning and code compliance; Pinellas County Tax Collector for tourist taxNeeds verification | — |
What to do next
- Confirm the property's zoning and any HOA or condominium restrictions — these are often stricter than the city rules.
- Apply for the Florida DBPR vacation rental licence.
- Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax.
- Open a tourist development tax account with the county tax collector.
- Complete the city registration or business tax receipt and pass any required inspection.
- Post the required information inside the unit and name your local responsible party.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm every requirement with the authorities listed before you take bookings.
Official sources
- Guide to Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects
Florida DBPR · retrieved September 10, 2026 · State vacation rental licensing
- Ordinance No. 25-15 — Short Term Rentals
Pinellas County · retrieved September 10, 2026 · Unincorporated Pinellas Certificate of Use programme
- Tourist Development Taxes
Pinellas County Tax Collector · retrieved September 10, 2026 · 6% county tourist development tax
Need help getting compliant in Clearwater?
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