This guide covers the City of Clearwater, Florida. Neighboring markets often confused with Clearwater in STR regulation research include:
- St. Petersburg: Larger city to the south with its own STR rules and enforcement.
- Dunedin: Adjacent city northwest of Clearwater, known for different minimum stay requirements.
- Largo: Inland city west of Clearwater, with separate STR ordinances.
- Clearwater Beach: A neighborhood within Clearwater but often discussed as a distinct market due to unique zoning and tourist focus.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Clearwater, FL, but are tightly constrained by a 31-day minimum rental period in all residential zones. No city permit is required, but state licensing and a 12% tax stack apply.
- Legality Status: 4/5
- License Availability: 5/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 3/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 2/5
TL;DR
Clearwater defines STRs as rentals under 31 days, which are only allowed up to three times per year per property in residential zones. No city permit is required, but a Florida DBPR license ($50+ fee) and a 12% total lodging tax (6% state, 6% county) apply. The city actively enforces the 31-day minimum, monitoring online ads. Biggest gotcha: Advertising or renting for less than 31 days in residential areas is a violation and can trigger fines.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | Rental of a dwelling for less than 31 days or one calendar month Mangrove Bay Realty |
| Registration Required | No separate city registration; state DBPR license required MyFloridaLicense.com |
| Permit Cost | $50 application fee + $10 HEP fee + variable license fee (state) MyFloridaLicense.com |
| Annual Renewal | $10 HEP fee + full-year license fee (state) MyFloridaLicense.com |
| State Sales Tax | 6% Moffa Tax Law |
| County Tourist Development Tax | 6% Visit St Petersburg Clearwater |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 12% (state + county) Moffa Tax Law |
| Local Accommodations Tax | Not codified — no separate city-level tax Visit St Petersburg Clearwater |
| License Cap | No cap (state DBPR license) MyFloridaLicense.com |
| Permitted Zones | Not codified — [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| Prohibited Zones | Not codified — [needs verification — no primary source found] |
| Minimum Stay | 31 days in all residential districts; <31 days allowed max 3 times per year Mangrove Bay Realty |
| Occupancy Cap | Two guests per bedroom plus two in common area (county default; city has no separate rule) Pinellas County |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — county default: parking must be on property Pinellas County |
| Local Contact Requirement | Not codified — county default: responsible party must be available Pinellas County |
| Inspection Requirement | Not codified — county and Florida Building Code apply Pinellas County |
| Density Limit | Not codified — no city rule identified in sources reviewed Clearwater Community Development Code |
| Primary Residence Rule | Not codified — no city rule identified in sources reviewed Clearwater Community Development Code |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — private association rules may be more restrictive Shore2Bay Realty |
| Transferability | Not transferable; new owner must apply for new license DBPR Form HR 5025-753 |
| Enforcement Penalties | $50+ fines for advertising/renting under 31 days; up to $1,000/day for unlicensed operation (state) CitizenPortal.ai, MyFloridaLicense.com |
| Last Updated | 2026-06-11 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Underwriters should model compliance costs at 12.0% of gross revenue, with median Clearwater STRs earning $42,950 at an average daily rate of $196 and 56% occupancy. The binding constraint is the 31-day minimum rental period in all residential zones, which sharply limits nightly/weekly STR models. State licensing is fast and inexpensive, but the city actively enforces the minimum-stay rule, including monitoring online ads. Fines for violations are real, and HOA/condo rules may be stricter than city code. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
Top 500 US Airbnb Rental Markets - 2026
Instantly compare top 500 short-term (Airbnb) rental markets in the US
Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Clearwater, FL?
A short-term rental is any rental of a dwelling for less than 31 days or one calendar month in Clearwater Mangrove Bay Realty.
Are short-term rentals legal in Clearwater?
Yes, but only if the minimum rental period is 31 days in residential zones, with up to three shorter rentals allowed per year Mangrove Bay Realty.
Does Clearwater have different rules than Clearwater Beach?
No, Clearwater Beach is part of the City of Clearwater and follows the same STR ordinances Shore2Bay Realty.
Licensing
Is a city permit required for STRs in Clearwater?
No separate city permit is required; only a Florida DBPR vacation rental license is needed MyFloridaLicense.com.
How much does the state license cost?
The application fee is $50 plus a $10 HEP fee and a variable license fee based on unit and county MyFloridaLicense.com.
How long does it take to get a Florida DBPR license?
Online applications are typically processed in 1–2 business days MyFloridaLicense.com.
Is the license transferable if I sell my property?
No, licenses are not transferable; a new owner must apply for a new license DBPR Form HR 5025-753.
Taxes
What is the total lodging tax rate for STRs in Clearwater?
The total is 12%: 6% Florida state sales tax plus 6% Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax Moffa Tax Law.
Does Clearwater charge a separate city tax on STRs?
No, only state and county lodging taxes apply Visit St Petersburg Clearwater.
Do Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit taxes for hosts?
Yes, both platforms collect and remit the 12% tax for bookings in Clearwater Avalara MyLodgeTax.
Do I need to register for tax accounts if I only use Airbnb/Vrbo?
No, but you must register and remit taxes for direct bookings Avalara MyLodgeTax.
Operations
What is the minimum stay for STRs in Clearwater?
31 days in all residential districts; up to three rentals under 31 days allowed per year Mangrove Bay Realty.
Is there an occupancy cap for STRs?
Yes, two guests per bedroom plus two in the common area (county default) Pinellas County.
Are there parking requirements?
Parking must be confined to the property’s designated spaces (county default) Pinellas County.
Do I need a local contact or manager?
A responsible party must be available to address issues promptly (county default) Pinellas County.
Enforcement
How does Clearwater enforce STR rules?
The city actively monitors online listings and issues fines for advertising or renting under 31 days CitizenPortal.ai.
What are the penalties for violations?
Fines start at $50 for advertising violations; operating without a state license can result in up to $1,000 per day in fines CitizenPortal.ai, MyFloridaLicense.com.
Are there recent changes to STR enforcement?
No major amendments since 2024; enforcement continues under the existing 31-day minimum rule CitizenPortal.ai.
Permit Process
Clearwater does not require a city-level STR permit or registration. Instead, operators must obtain a Florida DBPR vacation rental license, which is processed online and typically issued within 1–2 business days. The application fee is $50, plus a $10 HEP fee and a variable license fee depending on the number of units and county. Licenses are not transferable; new owners must apply for a new license if the property is sold MyFloridaLicense.com.
Zoning
All residential zoning districts in Clearwater require a minimum rental period of 31 days. Rentals for less than 31 days are only allowed up to three times per year per property. The city does not separately codify occupancy caps, parking, or density limits; Pinellas County defaults apply. HOA and condo association rules may be stricter than city code and can prohibit or further restrict STRs Mangrove Bay Realty, Shore2Bay Realty.
Taxes and Remittance
Short-term rentals in Clearwater are subject to a 6% Florida state sales tax and a 6% Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax, totaling 12%. There is no separate city-level lodging tax. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both taxes for platform bookings, but hosts must register and remit taxes for direct bookings. Registration is required with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Pinellas County Tax Collector for direct bookings Moffa Tax Law, Avalara MyLodgeTax.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Clearwater actively enforces its 31-day minimum rental rule, including monitoring online listings for violations. In September 2025, the city fined a property owner $50 for advertising stays shorter than 31 days. State law also requires a DBPR license for STRs, with fines up to $1,000 per day for unlicensed operation. Enforcement is ongoing, and the city aims to deter transient rentals in residential neighborhoods CitizenPortal.ai.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
There have been no major amendments to Clearwater’s STR ordinances since 2024. A 2024 Florida bill (SB 280) that would have limited local STR regulation was vetoed, so Clearwater retains local enforcement authority. The regulatory framework and enforcement posture remain stable as of June 2026 Avantio.
Comparable Markets
- St. Petersburg, FL — Consider if you want a larger city with more flexible STR zoning.
- Dunedin, FL — Consider if you seek a nearby market with different minimum stay rules.
- Largo, FL — Consider for lower price points and distinct STR ordinances.
- Tampa, FL — Consider for urban STR opportunities and a different enforcement climate.
Sources
- Hotels and Restaurants – Guide to Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Projects – MyFloridaLicense.com
- DBPR Form HR 5025-753 2022 January Vacation Rentals & Timeshare Projects
- Visit St Petersburg Clearwater Florida (Official Tourism Site)
- Pinellas County Commission adopts short-term-rental ordinance – Pinellas County
- Short-Term Rental (STR) Certificate of Use Program – Pinellas County
- Community Development Code | Clearwater, FL
- Mangrove Bay Realty STR Map (2026)
- Shore2Bay Realty
- Moffa Tax Law
- Avalara MyLodgeTax
- Avalara MyLodgeTax
- CitizenPortal.ai
- LegalClarity
- Avantio
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida.
Ready to evaluate Clearwater as an STR market?
- See Clearwater revenue data → — Get live median revenue, ADR, and occupancy for Clearwater STRs.
- Run this deal in our calculator → — Model cash flow and compliance costs for your property.
- Match with a Clearwater STR agent → — Connect with a local expert for on-the-ground guidance.
