The Pinellas County Commission has adopted an ordinance aimed at bringing greater accountability to short-term rental owner/operators in unincorporated parts of the county and preserving quality life within the residential neighborhoods where they operate.
The move comes after Commissioners last month called for stronger protections in the proposed ordinance, including on maximum occupancy, quiet hours, and a sexual predator notice requirement called for under state law.
The ordinance applies to properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time, more than three times per year. It applies to properties rented through sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Owner/operators will be required to apply for and receive a certificate of use and follow safety, parking and noise regulations.
“The updated short-term rental ordinance addresses resident’s concerns by bringing greater accountability with the requirement of a certificate of use, compliance with minimum life safety standards, providing for increased code enforcement staff, and a mechanism for data collection allowing for evaluation of future updates,” Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott said.
The ordinance will go into effect after it’s filed with the state. It will be enforced by the County’s Code Enforcement, with support from the county building division. The county will also implement an education campaign, including by notifying the approximately 2,200 short-term rentals in unincorporated areas.
Under the ordinance, all short-term rental owners/operators in unincorporated Pinellas are required to obtain a certificate of use, beginning March 31. Depending on ZIP code, owners must apply by the end of May, June or July. The certificates must be renewed annually. More details are available online.
The ordinance establishes quiet hours from 10 p.m. until 9 a.m.
The ordinance also sets maximum occupancy at two guests per bedroom, plus two guests in the common area. Maximum occupancy, regardless of home size, is 10 occupants. The maximum applies to all ages.
Short-term rental units must include one off-street parking space per three guests, rounded up. The parking requirement cannot be met by using front lawns. Owners/operators are also required to obtain a safety inspection before receiving a certificate of use. Reinspections are required every two years.
Short-term rental operators must display emergency contacts, occupancy limits and local regulations within the units.
The ordinance also establishes a fee schedule, with the certificate of use costing $450, split into two payments, and $150 for the initial inspection. If a property does not pass inspection, a reinspection would cost an additional $100. Annual renewals are $450 and reinspection at the two-year intervals is $100.
Additionally, residents can report noise violations to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200 or to the 24/7 Short-Term Rental Hotline at (727) 353-2436, where all other general short-term rental complaints can also be submitted. Complaints can also be filed online.
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