Indian Rocks Beach, a beach community made of less than 4,000 residents has been working to sort out a reconsideration of how they regulate short-term rentals – a topic that has neighbors in the community showing allegiances with signs posted outside their homes. 

State law restricts cities from outlawing rentals or regulating duration or frequency of stays, leaving cities for over a decade to figure out how far they can go with their restrictions. Indian Rocks Beach passed an ordinance in 2018 that levies fines for rental operators who do not obtain business licenses, and break rules on noise, trash, and parking. 



At last month’s meeting, commissioners walked through what may be a new ordinance. A consensus was made on key features such as: occupancy being limited to 10 people in residential areas, 12 in the commercial-tourist district. Rental owners will have to pay a $400 registration fee and pay an annual $400 fee so the regulatory efforts can be self-funded. The city would also seek out a special magistrate to oversee any rental-related code violations. Two more public hearings will take place before the ordinance is finalized in the spring – as long as there is no new statewide legislation that preempts what the ordinance will aim to do. 

Thank you for your interest. If you need Appraisal or Valuation services in the IRB area, please contact:

Mike Cliggitt, MAI, MRICS, CCIM

813-405-1705 - Direct Line

findvalue@cliggitt.com

Pinellas County Appraisal and Valuation Services