What is the TOT tax rate in Clearwater, FL?

**6% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Clearwater. This applies to rentals in the specific tourist districts where they are permitted. You need to collect this tax from guests and remit it to the appropriate city department, following local guidelines and deadlines.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Clearwater, FL?

**You will face** significant fines for operating an illegal short-term rental in Clearwater. The city actively enforces its ban on STRs in residential zones, with daily fines of $250 or more for each violation. You need to ensure your rental is in a permitted area to avoid penalties.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Clearwater, FL?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Clearwater. The city prohibits short-term rentals in residential zones, and this restriction applies regardless of whether the host is a property owner or a tenant. You need to comply with these regulations.

Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Clearwater, FL?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Clearwater, though compliance with the 6% TOT tax is mandatory for rentals in permitted tourist districts. You need to verify that your property is located in a district where transient accommodations are explicitly allowed by the city.

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Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Clearwater, FL?

**No**, short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Clearwater's residential zoning districts. The city actively enforces this ban, with daily fines of $250 or more for illegal transient use. Rentals are only permitted in specific tourist-heavy districts where 'Transient Accommodations' are explicitly allowed. You need to check zoning regulations.

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Summary

Short-term rentals (stays of less than 31 days) are strictly prohibited in the City of Clearwater's residential zoning districts. The city actively enforces this ban with daily fines of $250 or more for illegal transient use. Rentals are only permitted in specific tourist-heavy districts where 'Transient Accommodations' are an explicitly allowed use.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Long minimum stay: 31 nights
•Tenants cannot host
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Clearwater, you must ensure your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals, which excludes almost all residential neighborhoods. If you are in a residential area, you are legally restricted to rentals of 31 days or longer. Violating this rule can result in daily fines of $250 or more, and the city actively monitors rental platforms for compliance. Always check the official zoning map or call the Planning Department before listing your home for short stays.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Residential zones have a strict 30-day minimum stay requirement.
2.Fines are per day, meaning a single weekend booking could cost over $500 in penalties.
3.City code enforcement uses 'evidence of intent' (like an active Airbnb calendar with open weekends) to issue citations.
4.The 30-day rule applies even if the owner is present (home-sharing is not exempt).
5.Many properties with 'Clearwater' addresses are actually in Unincorporated Pinellas County, which has different rules; verify your exact jurisdiction.
6.The 6% Tourist Development Tax is required for all stays under 6 months, even if the stay is legal (over 30 days).

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Clearwater, FL: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Clearwater prohibits STRs in the following property types: Single-family homes in residential zones, Apartments in residential zones, Condominiums in residential zones.

Requirements(11)

•Clearwater: Residential zones have a strict 30-day minimum stay requirement.
•Clearwater STR warning: Residential zones have a strict 30-day minimum stay requirement.

Application Process(5)

•How to set up an STR in Clearwater: To host an Airbnb in the City of Clearwater, you must ensure your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals, which excludes almost all residential neighborhoods. If you are in a residential area, you are legally restricted to rentals of 31 days or longer. Violating this rule can result in daily fines of $250 or more, and the city actively monitors rental platforms for compliance. Always check the official zoning map or call the Planning Department before listing your home for short stays.

Taxes(3)

•Clearwater charges a Tourist Development Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 183 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect the 6% Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax.
•Clearwater: The 6% Tourist Development Tax is required for all stays under 6 months, even if the stay is legal (over 30 days).

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Clearwater requires a minimum stay of 31 nights.
•Clearwater enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Clearwater requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(2)

•Clearwater enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 per day. Second offense: $500 per day. Third offense: Continued daily fines and potential legal action. Daily fine: $250-$500. Maximum fine: Unlimited cumulative daily fines.
•Clearwater: Fines are per day, meaning a single weekend booking could cost over $500 in penalties.

Exemptions(4)

•Clearwater, FL: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Clearwater exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Florida Markets

Orlando

Florida

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in the City of Orlando are strictly regulated under 'Home-Sharing' rules, which require the property to be the host's primary residence. Hosts must be present on-site during the rental and are only permitted to rent out a portion of their home (e.g., a spare bedroom) rather than the entire unit.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Fort Myers

Florida

Permissive

The City of Fort Myers does not currently have a specific municipal ordinance regulating or prohibiting short-term rentals. Hosts must instead focus on compliance with Florida State (DBPR) licensing and Lee County Tourist Development Tax requirements.

0.1% total tax

Hollywood

Florida

Moderate

The City of Hollywood, FL requires all vacation rental hosts to obtain a specific Vacation Rental License under Chapter 119 of the Municipal Code. This includes an initial $500 fee, annual inspections, and strict adherence to occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

St. Pete Beach

Florida

Moderate

St. Pete Beach requires all vacation rentals to obtain a local Business Tax Receipt and maintain state/county licenses. While allowed city-wide, properties in most residential districts are strictly limited in how many times they can be rented per year (maximum of 3 times per 12-month period in certain zones).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Clearwater

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(4)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Florida Markets

Orlando

Fort Myers

Hollywood

St. Pete Beach

Clearwater

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Clearwater, FL?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Clearwater, FL?

3What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Clearwater, FL?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Clearwater, FL?

5Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Clearwater, FL?

Related Content

Other Florida Markets

Orlando

Fort Myers

Hollywood

St. Pete Beach