The Pinellas County Commission has adopted a new ordinance aimed at increasing oversight and accountability for short-term rental properties in unincorporated areas of the county.
The ordinance establishes a certification process for rental owners, sets safety and occupancy requirements and outlines rules on parking, noise and inspections. The goal is to preserve quality of life in residential neighborhoods, while supporting responsible short-term rentals.
The measure applies to properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time, more than three times per year. Owners will be required to obtain a Certificate of Use and comply with updated regulations.
Changes to the ordinance followed public input and included new rules for maximum occupancy, quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. and a requirement to notify guests about registered sexual predators, in accordance with Florida law.
Short-term rental operators can begin applying for Certificates of Use starting March 31, with deadlines varying by zip code.
An education campaign is underway to inform the estimated 2,200 short-term rental operators in unincorporated Pinellas County. Code enforcement and the building division will oversee compliance.
For more details, visit pinellas.gov/STR. Noise complaints can be reported to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200 or the 24/7 Short-Term Rental Hotline at (727) 353-2436.