Short-Term Rental Rules in St. Petersburg, Florida

Q: Can I rent my St. Petersburg home short-term unlimited times per year?

No. Residential properties are limited to 3 short-term rentals per 365-day period. This restriction has been in place since the city's ordinance was adopted in 2001. If you need to rent more frequently, your property must be in a zoning district that allows hotel/motel use.

Q: Do I need both a city and state license?

Yes. You must obtain a Business Tax Receipt from the City of St. Petersburg AND a DBPR Vacation Rental License from Florida. Operating without both licenses is a violation and can result in fines up to $10,000.

Q: What's the maximum number of guests I can host?

Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people, with a maximum of 10 people total. Check your lease or deed to see if there are additional restrictions.

Q: What happens if I violate St. Petersburg's short-term rental rules?

Violations can result in fines up to $10,000 ("super fines"). The city actively enforces zoning, rental frequency, licensing, and occupancy violations. Repeated violations may lead to property seizure or legal action.

Q: Is my residential property even allowed to be rented short-term?

Most residential properties cannot legally be rented short-term in St. Petersburg unless they are in specific zoning districts allowing hotel/motel use or have special overlay approval. Check your property's zoning with the city planning department before listing.

# Short-Term Rental Rules in St. Petersburg, Florida ## Quick Answer St. Petersburg limits **short-term rentals to 3 times per 365-day period** in residential zones. You'll need a **Business Tax Receipt** from the city and a **DBPR vacation rental license** from Florida. The city enforces strict zoning restrictions and imposes penalties for violations, including proposed "super fines." ## Overview St. Petersburg has regulated short-term rentals since **2001** through its city code and zoning ordinances. The city takes a restrictive approach, limiting how often residential properties can be rented short-term and requiring multiple licenses to operate legally. Key facts: - **3-rental limit** per 365-day period in residential zones - Short-term rentals are **prohibited in most residential areas** unless in specific zoning districts that allow hotel/motel use or have special overlay approval - The city has increased enforcement efforts, with proposed penalties for violations - All owners must obtain state and local licenses before listing For general information about Florida short-term rental rules, see [Florida STR Rules](/florida-str-rules). ## What Permits Do You Need? Before operating a short-term rental in St. Petersburg, you must obtain two licenses: 1. **City Business Tax Receipt** — Required by the City of St. Petersburg to legally operate a short-term rental 2. **DBPR Vacation Rental License** — Required by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for all properties engaging in short-term rental transactions Both licenses must be obtained and active before accepting guests. Verify your property's **zoning compliance** before applying, as short-term rentals are only allowed in certain districts. ## What Are the Main Requirements? ### Zoning Restrictions - Short-term rentals are **prohibited in most residential zones** - Properties must be located in **specific zoning districts** that allow hotel/motel use OR have **special overlay approval** - You cannot convert a standard residential property to short-term rental use in most areas ### Rental Frequency Limit - **Maximum 3 short-term rentals per 365-day consecutive period** in residential zones - This is a hard cap that cannot be exceeded ### Occupancy Limits - **2 people per bedroom** plus **2 additional people per property** - **Maximum 10 people total** occupancy allowed - Exceeding occupancy limits may result in violations ### License Requirements - **Business Tax Receipt** from City of St. Petersburg - **DBPR Vacation Rental License** from the state of Florida - Both must be current and visible to guests ## What Taxes Do You Owe? St. Petersburg short-term rental operators are responsible for: - **Tourist Development Tax** — A local tax on transient accommodations - **Florida Sales Tax** — Standard state sales tax applies to rental transactions You must collect and remit these taxes to the appropriate authorities. Failure to pay taxes can result in additional penalties and legal action. ## How Does the City Enforce These Rules? ### Penalties for Violations St. Petersburg enforces its short-term rental ordinance aggressively: - The city has been **increasing enforcement penalties** since at least 2024 - **Proposed "super fines"** can reach significant amounts for violations - Violations include operating without permits, exceeding rental limits, zoning violations, and occupancy violations ### Enforcement Actions - The city inspects properties and investigates complaints - Unlicensed operators face the harshest penalties - Repeated violations may result in property seizure or other legal action Given the strict enforcement environment, compliance is essential. If you need help navigating these rules, [contact our team for guidance](/get-help). ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can I rent my St. Petersburg home short-term unlimited times per year?** No. Residential properties are limited to **3 short-term rentals per 365-day period**. This restriction has been in place since the city's ordinance was adopted in 2001. If you need to rent more frequently, your property must be in a zoning district that allows hotel/motel use. **Do I need both a city and state license?** Yes. You must obtain a **Business Tax Receipt from the City of St. Petersburg** AND a **DBPR Vacation Rental License from Florida**. Operating without both licenses is a violation and can result in significant fines. **What's the maximum number of guests I can host?** Occupancy is limited to **2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people**, with a **maximum of 10 people total**. Check your lease or deed to see if there are additional restrictions. **What happens if I violate St. Petersburg's short-term rental rules?** Violations can result in significant fines. The city actively enforces zoning, rental frequency, licensing, and occupancy violations. Repeated violations may lead to property seizure or legal action. **Is my residential property even allowed to be rented short-term?** Most residential properties **cannot legally be rented short-term** in St. Petersburg unless they are in specific zoning districts allowing hotel/motel use or have special overlay approval. Check your property's zoning with the city planning department before listing. ## Need Help? Navigating St. Petersburg's short-term rental rules can be complex. If you're unsure about your property's zoning, licensing requirements, or compliance obligations, [get professional guidance](/get-help). --- > **Disclaimer:** This page summarizes publicly available information and is not legal advice. Rules change — always verify with the local city government before listing your property. ## Sources This guide is based on official city documents and current regulatory information: - City of St. Petersburg - Transient Accommodation Handout (Official Government Document) - FOX 13 Tampa Bay News - BNBCalc - St. Petersburg Short Term Rental Regulation Guide - Steadily - Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Laws in St. Petersburg - StayVello - Florida STR Tax and Licensing Guide - Home Team Luxury Rentals - St. Petersburg STR Regulations - STR Profit Map - Saint Petersburg Regulations

Short-Term Rental Rules in St. Petersburg, Florida

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