Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
On March 25, the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners adopted a new ordinance to hold owners and operators of short-term rentals accountable in the unincorporated parts of Pinellas County.
The new ordinance came after a public hearing last month. According to the County, commissioners heard from communities seeking enforcement “on maximum occupancy, quiet hours, and sexual predator” notices as required by Florida Statutes.
This does not affect incorporated cities like Gulfport. Gulfport’s short-term rentals are governed by zoning laws which only allow them in certain areas of the city.
Pinellas County’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance
This new ordinance requires owners and operators of properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time and more than three times per year to acquire a Certificate Of Use.
“The updated short-term rental ordinance addresses resident’s concerns by bringing greater accountability with the requirement of a Certificate of Use,” said Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott. “Compliance with minimum life safety standards, providing for increased code enforcement staff, and a mechanism for data collection allowing for evaluation of future updates.”
New Requirements for Short-Term Rentals
New regulations include a maximum occupancy of “two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests in the common area, with a maximum of 10 total occupants.” Additionally, each short-term rental must have one off-street, non-lawn parking spot per three guests, rounded up. Guests will also have mandatory quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Finally, all short-term rentals must pass a $150 safety inspection before receiving a Certificate of Use.
The Pinellas County Code Enforcement division will enforce these new safety, parking, and noise regulations, as part of this ordinance.
Applications for a Certificate of Use begins March 31. Owners/operators must renew certificates annually at a cost of $450. Depending on the location of the property, owners “must apply by either May 31, June 30, or July 31.” For more information, visit pinellas.gov/STR.
Want More Pinellas County News?
For more Pinellas County news, subscribe to The Weekly and The Beach Barnacle, our two weekly newsletters. Make thegabber.com your homepage to stay up-to-date on all the news happening in Gulfport, South Pinellas, and the Beaches.
