Updated November 4, 2026
Two different kinds of rental
A long-term rental is usually a lease of six months or a year or more under the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. A short-term or vacation rental is for much shorter stays. Different rules and taxes can apply to each. This guide is a starting point, not a replacement for checking with your city.
What state law says about local rules
Section 509.032 of the Florida Statutes limits what local governments can do. It says that a local law, ordinance or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals. That preemption does not apply to local rules adopted on or before June 1, 2011.
So the rules differ from city to city. A beach town may have different rules than an inland city, and some places may have older local rules that still apply. State law also leaves room for local inspections for building and fire code compliance.
Check your city before you list
Pinellas has many cities, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach and others, and unincorporated areas fall under the county. Each may have its own zoning, registration or licensing rules. We do not summarize individual city rules here, because they can change and we only want to repeat what is on official pages.
Call or check the website of your city's planning, zoning or code enforcement office and ask:
- Are short-term or vacation rentals allowed at my address?
- Is a local registration or license required?
- Is there a minimum stay?
- Are there parking, occupancy or noise rules?
- If I am in an HOA or condo, do their documents add rules?
Tourist development tax
The Pinellas County Tax Collector says that if you collect rent on living quarters for a period of six months or less, you must register for a tourist development tax account, collect the tax from guests and send it to the county. Living quarters include houses, condos and similar lodging.
The Tax Collector also notes that rental platforms should collect and pay the tax for bookings made on or after their listed effective dates, but that if an agent fails to collect and pay, the owner is liable. To register, email the Tax Collector's tourist tax office or call 727-464-5007 for the application. The rate is set in the Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax Code; check the Tax Collector's site for the current rate.
Florida sales tax may also apply to short-term rentals. Ask the Florida Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
Long-term rentals are simpler, but not rule-free
A lease of more than six months generally falls outside the tourist tax, but the landlord-tenant act applies. Insurance, homestead and income taxes also still matter.
- Give the tenant the required landlord name and address.
- Follow the entry notice rules.
- Hold deposits correctly.
- Follow fair housing laws in advertising and screening.
Whichever you choose, a local property manager can tell you what they handle and which rules they follow. TheBayPros' free matching form can connect you with one.
A checklist before you list
- Confirm with your city whether your rental type is allowed at your address.
- Read HOA or condo documents for rental limits.
- Decide on the rental length and which taxes apply.
- Register for tourist development tax if you will rent for six months or less.
- Check your insurance for the rental use.
- Ask a property manager how they handle bookings, cleaning and local rules.
Rules change, so confirm each step with the official office rather than relying on a general guide.
Why the answer can change
City codes, county rules and state law can change, and your block can have its own HOA or condo rules. A rule that was true last year may not be true now. Treat any guide, including this one, as a place to begin, and confirm with the official office before you advertise.
Frequently asked questions
Can my city ban vacation rentals?
State law limits local governments from prohibiting vacation rentals or regulating how long or how often they are rented, except for rules adopted on or before June 1, 2011. Ask your city which rules apply.
Do I have to collect tourist tax on a 30-day rental?
The Tax Collector says rentals of six months or less require registration. Contact them to confirm your situation.
Does Airbnb handle the tax for me?
The Tax Collector says platforms should collect and pay for bookings made on or after their listed effective dates, but owners are liable if the tax is not collected and paid. Confirm what the platform covers.
Do HOA or condo rules matter?
Yes. Private association documents can add restrictions beyond city and state law. Read them before listing.