St. Petersburg Could Impose ‘Superfines’ for Airbnb Violations

The city is responding to multiple complaints that short-term rental owners are concealing their listings and skirting city rules banning rentals under 30 days.

1 minute read

July 18, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida at sunset.

Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. | jovannig / Adobe Stock

Short-term rental (STR) owners in St. Petersburg, Florida found in violation of the city’s rules could soon face much higher fines, reports Genevieve Curtis for Fox 13 Tampa Bay.

“The city’s ordinance, on the books since 2001, essentially bans short-term rentals under 30 days. Three times a year, property owners can rent their property for less than 30 days.” The proposed ordinance comes in response to complaints that owners were not complying with the rules. 

The higher fines, proposed as up to $1,000 a day or $10,000 per violation hearing, could make a bigger impact than the current $200 fee, which is less than the average one-night stay in an STR unit.

The new rule was approved by the city’s Public Services and Infrastructure Committee and will go to the full city council for a vote.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Fox 13 Tampa Bay

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