Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Indian Shores?

**Yes**, you need a Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) to operate a short-term rental in Indian Shores. This is required in addition to state and county registrations. Short-term rentals are only permitted in specific zoning districts like RM-15, RM-20, and CT, and are effectively prohibited in single-family residential zones.

What is the TOT tax rate in Indian Shores?

**6% TOT** is the current tax rate for short-term rentals in Indian Shores. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the appropriate authorities. Check with the local finance department for details on how to properly collect and remit the tax on time.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Indian Shores?

**Yes**, but only in specific zoning districts. Short-term rentals are primarily allowed in RM-15, RM-20, and CT zones. They are effectively prohibited in single-family residential zones (RS-7.5). Always verify the zoning of your property with the city before operating a short-term rental business.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Indian Shores?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal short-term rental in Indian Shores can vary. Operating without the required Local Business Tax Receipt and in unapproved zoning districts may result in fines and legal action. Always ensure full compliance with local regulations to avoid penalties enforced by the town.

How much does an STR permit cost in Indian Shores?

**The cost** for the Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR) in Indian Shores varies depending on the specific business. Check with the town's local business tax office for the most up-to-date fee schedule and requirements for short-term rental properties in the designated zoning districts.

Indian Shores

Moderate

FloridaUpdated Apr 9, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals in Indian Shores are permitted only in specific zoning districts (primarily RM-15, RM-20, and CT), effectively prohibiting them in single-family residential zones (RS-7.5). Hosts must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the town, along with state and county registrations.

Restriction level

Severity 8

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Indian Shores, you first need to check your property's zoning map; if you are in a single-family residential zone (RS-7.5), short-term rentals are generally not allowed. If your zone permits 'Transient Accommodations,' you must apply for a Florida state vacation rental license and a Pinellas County tax account. Finally, you must get a Business Tax Receipt from the Town of Indian Shores. While platforms like Airbnb collect the 6% county tax, you are still responsible for ensuring all local permits are active.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1STRs are strictly prohibited in the RS-7.5 single-family residential zoning district.
2The town uses the term 'Transient Accommodations' rather than 'Short-Term Rental' in its official code.
3You must have your Florida DBPR license before applying for the local Indian Shores permit.
4Zoning compliance is the #1 reason for permit denial in this jurisdiction.
5Stays of 6 months or longer are exempt from the 6% Tourist Development Tax.
6Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Indian Shores allows STRs in the following property types: Residential units in specific zones, Condominiums, Tourist homes.
Indian Shores: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Indian Shores, FL: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements15 rules

Indian Shores STR warning: STRs are strictly prohibited in the RS-7.5 single-family residential zoning district.
Indian Shores: Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Indian Shores: The town uses the term 'Transient Accommodations' rather than 'Short-Term Rental' in its official code.
Indian Shores: Zoning compliance is the #1 reason for permit denial in this jurisdiction.

Application process11 rules

Indian Shores STR permit - Step 3: Apply for Indian Shores Business Tax Receipt. Submit the local BTR application to the Town of Indian Shores Building Department. Required documents: Copy of State License, Copy of County Tax Registration. Time: 2 weeks.

Taxes2 rules

Indian Shores 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 remit the 6% County Tourist Development Tax directly to Pinellas County.
Florida has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Indian Shores limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Indian Shores occupancy calculation: Subject to Florida Fire Code and zoning density limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Indian Shores, FL occupancy calculation: Subject to Florida Fire Code and zoning density limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Indian Shores requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with Florida DBPR safety standards, Swimming pool safety (if applicable).

Penalties3 rules

Indian Shores, FL: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Indian Shores: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions4 rules

Indian Shores exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Indian Shores: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Indian Shores: Stays of 6 months or longer are exempt from the 6% Tourist Development Tax.

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Indian Shores

Moderate

FloridaUpdated Apr 9, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 8

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1STRs are strictly prohibited in the RS-7.5 single-family residential zoning district.
2The town uses the term 'Transient Accommodations' rather than 'Short-Term Rental' in its official code.
3You must have your Florida DBPR license before applying for the local Indian Shores permit.
4Zoning compliance is the #1 reason for permit denial in this jurisdiction.
5Stays of 6 months or longer are exempt from the 6% Tourist Development Tax.
6Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Indian Shores allows STRs in the following property types: Residential units in specific zones, Condominiums, Tourist homes.
Indian Shores: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Indian Shores, FL: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements15 rules

Indian Shores STR warning: STRs are strictly prohibited in the RS-7.5 single-family residential zoning district.
Indian Shores: Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Indian Shores: The town uses the term 'Transient Accommodations' rather than 'Short-Term Rental' in its official code.
Indian Shores: Zoning compliance is the #1 reason for permit denial in this jurisdiction.

Application process11 rules

Indian Shores STR permit - Step 3: Apply for Indian Shores Business Tax Receipt. Submit the local BTR application to the Town of Indian Shores Building Department. Required documents: Copy of State License, Copy of County Tax Registration. Time: 2 weeks.

Taxes2 rules

Indian Shores 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 remit the 6% County Tourist Development Tax directly to Pinellas County.
Florida has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Indian Shores limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Indian Shores occupancy calculation: Subject to Florida Fire Code and zoning density limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Indian Shores, FL occupancy calculation: Subject to Florida Fire Code and zoning density limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Indian Shores requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with Florida DBPR safety standards, Swimming pool safety (if applicable).

Penalties3 rules

Indian Shores, FL: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Indian Shores: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions4 rules

Indian Shores exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Indian Shores: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Indian Shores: Stays of 6 months or longer are exempt from the 6% Tourist Development Tax.

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Indian Shores?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Indian Shores?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Indian Shores?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Indian Shores?

5How much does an STR permit cost in Indian Shores?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Indian Shores?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Indian Shores?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Indian Shores?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Indian Shores?

5How much does an STR permit cost in Indian Shores?

Disclaimer