Short-Term Rental Rules for Pinellas County Beach Properties
Last reviewed · Smart Coastal Assets
The short answer
Whether you can rent a Pinellas County beach property short term depends on three layers: Florida law, the city's local ordinances, and the building's condominium or HOA documents. Florida generally prevents cities from banning vacation rentals or limiting rental duration under ordinances adopted after June 1, 2011, but older local rules and association documents can still restrict stays. Owners also need a Florida vacation rental license and must collect state and county transient rental taxes.
1. Florida state law
Section 509.032(7), Florida Statutes, provides that a local law, ordinance or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of vacation rentals. This limit does not apply to local rules adopted on or before June 1, 2011, so some cities still enforce older minimum-stay rules.
Vacation rentals are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
2. City rules
Each beach town (Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach) sets its own zoning, registration and safety requirements. Zoning matters: in some areas nightly rentals are allowed only in certain districts. Always confirm the current rules with the city before buying.
3. Association documents
Condominium declarations and HOA rules can impose their own minimum stays, rental caps and management requirements. In a new development, the developer sets these rules in the offering documents, which is why each Smart Coastal Assets project lists its rental minimum and management terms.
Rental rules at current Smart Coastal Assets residences
| Residence | Town | Minimum stay | Management | Personal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beachmaker Resort | Madeira Beach | Nightly | Mandatory resort management and Marriott Autograph Collection booking channels. Not self-managed. | Up to 90 owner-use days per year; no blackout dates under the management program. |
| Sapphire Shores | Indian Shores | 1–7 days | No required manager; owners may self-manage. | No restrictions on personal use. Can be a full-time residence. |
| Capri Townhomes | Treasure Island | 1–7 days | No required management company. Self-manage or choose a manager. | May occupy as a primary residence or rent it out. |
| The Residences | Madeira Beach | 30 days | No required management company; owners may self-manage. 30-day minimum, one rental per 30 days. | Primary residence / homestead eligible, subject to buyer qualification. |
| Coastal Elegance at Snug Harbor | Madeira Beach | 1–7 days | Ask | Can be a primary residence/homestead or a permitted short-term rental. |
Taxes on short-term rental income
Rentals of six months or less are generally subject to Florida's 6% state sales tax on transient rentals, Pinellas County's discretionary sales surtax and the Pinellas County tourist development tax. Verify current rates with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Pinellas County Tax Collector. Platforms and management companies may collect some of these taxes for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Florida city ban short-term rentals?
Under section 509.032(7), Florida Statutes, local governments may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate their duration or frequency, except under local rules adopted on or before June 1, 2011. Condominium and HOA documents can still restrict rentals.
Do I need a license to rent my Florida condo short term?
Yes. Vacation rentals in Florida must be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Cities may also require local registration.
Which Smart Coastal Assets properties allow 1–7 day rentals?
The Beachmaker Resort in Madeira Beach (Nightly); Sapphire Shores in Indian Shores (1–7 days); Capri Townhomes in Treasure Island (1–7 days); Coastal Elegance at Snug Harbor in Madeira Beach (1–7 days).
Sources
- Florida Statutes §509.032 (Florida Legislature)
- Florida DBPR: Vacation Rentals
- Florida Department of Revenue: Sales and Use Tax
- Florida Department of Revenue: Local Option Taxes
- Pinellas County Tax Collector: Tourist Development Tax
Rules change. Verify current requirements with the city, the State of Florida and the association before purchasing.
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