Which Florida Cities Allow Airbnb?
At-a-glance STR approval status for every Tampa Bay market and key Florida investment cities. Updated for 2026.
Can you do Airbnb in Tampa Bay?
Yes — most Tampa Bay beach cities (St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach) fully allow short-term rentals with proper licensing. Cities like Tampa and Clearwater allow them conditionally in certain zones. Anna Maria Island requires a 7-night minimum stay. Every city requires a Florida DBPR vacation rental license and local business tax receipt. Click any city below for the full rules breakdown.
Tampa Bay STR Approval Status
Barrett's direct service area — buyer representation available for all 21 markets. Call (813) 733-7907.
Tampa
Hillsborough CountyAllowed in commercial/mixed-use zones; restricted in most residential neighborhoods
💡 Buy in commercially-zoned areas, mixed-use corridors, or check specific zoning overlay maps
St. Petersburg
Pinellas CountyAllowed citywide with registration and local business tax receipt
Clearwater
Pinellas CountyAllowed in tourist and resort zones; limited in residential areas
💡 Focus on properties in tourist-zoned districts near the beach and downtown
Clearwater Beach
Pinellas CountyAllowed — resort/tourist zone with high STR concentration
St. Pete Beach
Pinellas CountyAllowed — established vacation rental market with active STR community
Treasure Island
Pinellas CountyAllowed — popular beach rental market with strong investor presence
Madeira Beach
Pinellas CountyAllowed — John's Pass area is a major STR hub
Indian Rocks Beach
Pinellas CountyAllowed — quieter beach town with strong weekly rental demand
Dunedin
Pinellas CountyAllowed in some zones; residential neighborhoods have restrictions
💡 Target properties near downtown or in commercially-zoned areas
Tarpon Springs
Pinellas CountyAllowed in tourist/commercial zones near the Sponge Docks; limited elsewhere
💡 Buy near the Sponge Docks or in tourist-zoned areas
Brandon
Hillsborough CountyUnincorporated Hillsborough County rules apply; zoning varies by parcel
💡 Check county zoning for your specific parcel before buying
Riverview
Hillsborough CountyUnincorporated Hillsborough County; HOA restrictions common in newer communities
💡 Verify HOA allows STRs before purchase; older neighborhoods have fewer restrictions
Valrico
Hillsborough CountyUnincorporated Hillsborough County rules; suburban area with HOA oversight
💡 Check both county zoning and HOA covenants before buying
Wesley Chapel
Pasco CountyPasco County allows STRs but many master-planned communities restrict them via HOA
💡 Buy in non-HOA neighborhoods or verify HOA permits short-term rentals
New Port Richey
Pasco CountyAllowed with proper licensing; growing STR market
Lakeland
Polk CountyAllowed in some zones; city has been tightening regulations
💡 Check current city ordinances and zoning before buying — rules are evolving
Bradenton
Manatee County7-night minimumAllowed with registration; some residential areas have minimum stay requirements
💡 Beach-adjacent properties and commercially-zoned areas have fewer restrictions
Anna Maria Island
Manatee County7-night minimumAllowed but strictly regulated — minimum 7-night stays in residential zones
💡 Must market as weekly rentals minimum; no 1-2 night weekend stays in residential areas
Sarasota
Sarasota CountyCity and county rules differ; county areas generally more STR-friendly
💡 Unincorporated Sarasota County properties have fewer restrictions than city properties
Siesta Key
Sarasota CountyAllowed — major vacation rental market with established STR infrastructure
Venice
Sarasota CountyAllowed in some zones; city has been adding regulations
💡 Check city zoning map — beach-side and commercial zones are most STR-friendly
Found a City That Works? Run the Numbers.
Use the free STR calculators to see if a deal actually cash-flows before making an offer.
Other Florida STR Markets
Key investment markets outside Tampa Bay. Buyer leads outside Barrett's coverage area are referred to trusted local agents.
Orlando
Orange CountyRestricted in most residential zones; allowed in resort/tourist areas
💡 Buy in designated resort communities (Reunion, ChampionsGate, Solara) where STRs are permitted
Kissimmee
Osceola CountyAllowed in resort zones — major Disney-area STR market
Davenport
Polk CountyAllowed — popular STR market near Disney with resort-style communities
Panama City Beach
Bay CountyAllowed — major vacation destination with established STR market
Naples
Collier County30-night minimumAllowed but some neighborhoods and HOAs restrict; minimum stay requirements in some zones
💡 Focus on resort communities and verify HOA rules; some areas require 30-day minimum
Key West
Monroe CountyHeavily regulated — limited STR licenses available; transient license cap in place
💡 Must acquire an existing transient license or buy a property that already holds one
Florida STR Rules FAQ
Which Tampa Bay cities allow short-term rentals?+
Most Tampa Bay beach cities (St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach) fully allow STRs with proper licensing. Cities like Tampa, Clearwater, and Dunedin allow STRs conditionally — typically in commercial or tourist-zoned areas but not in all residential neighborhoods. Always verify zoning for the specific property you're considering.
What does 'conditional' mean for STR approval?+
Conditional means short-term rentals are allowed in some zones or with restrictions but not universally across the city. Common conditions include: only in commercially-zoned areas, minimum night stay requirements (7 or 30 nights), HOA restrictions in planned communities, or requiring a special use permit. The workaround column on this page explains how to navigate each city's specific conditions.
Do all Florida cities require an STR permit?+
Yes. Every Florida vacation rental must hold a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), regardless of the city. Most cities also require a local business tax receipt and registration with the county tax collector for tourist development tax. Some cities add their own registration requirements on top of the state license.
Can I do Airbnb in a city that says 'not allowed'?+
If a city prohibits short-term rentals in residential zones, operating one can result in fines, cease-and-desist orders, and legal action. Some cities offer workarounds like minimum 30-night stays (which may classify as a lease rather than a transient rental). Always confirm current rules with the city and a real estate attorney before purchasing.
How often do Florida STR rules change?+
Frequently. Florida cities have been actively updating STR ordinances, especially since 2023. Some cities are tightening rules while others are becoming more welcoming. This page is updated regularly, but always confirm with the local municipality before making a purchase decision. Barrett can help you navigate the current rules for any Tampa Bay market — call (813) 733-7907.
Not Sure If Your Target City Allows STRs?
Barrett knows the Tampa Bay STR landscape inside and out. One call and you'll know exactly where you can — and can't — buy.