Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals ARE allowed in Tarpon Springs, FL, but with significant zoning restrictions. The city explicitly permits vacation rentals under specific conditions and zoning designations. Properties can be rented for periods longer than 6 weeks without restriction, but short-term rentals (6 weeks or less) are only permitted in designated zoning districts according to the city's Land Development Code (LDC) and SmartCode.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tarpon Springs

Step 1: Zoning Verification

First and foremost, you must verify that your property is located in an approved zoning district for short-term rentals. Use these tools:

1. Check the official zoning map - Search by address or parcel number using the Zoning/Land Use Map
2. Review the Short-Term Rental Map - Use the Short Term Rental Map (PDF) as a guide (white areas do not permit short-term rentals)
3. Contact Planning and Zoning - Email planning@ctsfl.us or call (727) 942-5611 to verify address eligibility

Step 2: Determine Applicable Code

Your property will fall under either the Land Development Code (LDC) or SmartCode standards, depending on zoning location.

Step 3: Apply for Permits (If Required)

• Conditional Use Applications - Required for properties in districts requiring public hearing approval
• Building Permits - May be required for modifications
• Business Tax Receipt - Required if operating as a commercial establishment

Step 4: Submit Applications

Use the Application Submittal Portal for all planning and zoning applications.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements (Florida)

• Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration - For collecting and remitting tourist development taxes, sales surtaxes, and transient rental taxes
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License - As a transient public lodging establishment (if applicable)

Local Requirements (Tarpon Springs)

• Tourist Home/Seasonal Rental Permit - Depending on zoning district
• Conditional Use Approval - Required for properties in RM, RO, WDI-B, and WDI districts (public hearing process)
• Business Tax Receipt - From the City of Tarpon Springs
• Zoning Compliance Verification - Demonstrating property meets all LDC or SmartCode standards

Safety and Building Compliance

• Compliance with Florida Building Code
• Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance
• Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (if applicable)
• All applicable life/safety requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Tarpon Springs Regulations

Under Land Development Code (LDC) - "Tourist Homes":

• Property Type: Single-family detached homes only
• Rental Period: 6 weeks or less
• Separation Requirement: Cannot be located within 1,200 feet of a pre-existing, approved tourist home
• Zoning Districts Permitted:
  • By Right: Resort Residential Zoning District (subject to code requirements)
  • By Conditional Use: Residential Multi-family (RM), Residential Office (RO), Waterfront Commercial Fishing & Tourism Redevelopment (WDI-B), Waterfront Development District (WDI)

Under SmartCode - "Seasonal/Short Term Rentals":

• Rental Period: 6 weeks or less
• Zoning Permitted:
  • By Right: T4c
  • By Conditional Use: T4a, T4b, T4d, T5a, T5b, T5c, T5d, SDa, SDd

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum Parking: One off-street parking space per bedroom (for Tourist Homes)
• No Distance Separation: Tourist Homes are not subject to distance separation requirements
• Owner Occupancy: No requirement for owner to occupy the property
• Length of Stay: No minimum/maximum length of stay restrictions

Pinellas County Regulations

• Maximum Occupancy: No more than two persons per bedroom plus two persons in one common area, not exceeding ten total persons
• Parking: Minimum one off-street parking space for every three occupants
• Quiet Hours: Must observe quiet hours between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM
• Responsible Party Requirements: Property owner or designee must be available to respond to issues
• Posting Requirements: Information must be posted inside the unit
• Fines: Violations subject to fines up to $300 per violation per day

Florida State Regulations

• Chapter 509, Florida Statutes - Public Lodging Establishments
• Tourist Development Tax requirements
• Sales tax obligations
• Building and fire code compliance

Contact Information

Primary Local Authority

Planning and Zoning Department

• Email: planning@ctsfl.us
• Phone: (727) 942-5611
• Physical Address: 324 E. Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
• Website: Tarpon Springs Planning & Zoning

Additional Contacts

City Clerk - For Business Tax Receipts

• Contact: Irene Jacobs, Clerk of Court
• Email: ijacobs@ctsfl.us
• Phone: (727) 942-5614

Pinellas County Planning Department

• Email: DRS-Help@pinellascounty.org
• Phone: (727) 464-3401

Source Links

Official City Resources

• Short-Term Rentals - Planning & Zoning
• Applications & Forms
• Application Submittal Portal
• Land Development Code
• SmartCode (PDF)
• Short Term Rental Map (PDF)
• Zoning/Land Use Map
• Development Review Process

County Resources

• Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Regulations
• Pinellas County Official Website

State Resources

• Florida Department of Revenue
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Important Note: This guide is based on available information at the time of analysis. Local ordinances are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Planning and Zoning Department before making investment decisions or beginning operations.