Largo

Where it's allowed

Short-term vacation rentals are permitted in all future land use designations that allow residential uses, as long as they follow Section 15.18.[1] The code covers units in a condominium or cooperative and one- to four-family houses and dwelling units.[1]

What counts as a rental

A unit is a short-term vacation rental if it is rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less, or if it is advertised as a place regularly rented to guests.[1]

Two inspections first

You must have two separate inspections before you rent: a compliance inspection by the Community Standards Division, then a life safety inspection by the Fire Department, in that order.[2] Skipping them can delay your start and lead to other consequences under the code.[2]

Responsible party

Name one designated responsible party for each rental: the owner or any person 18 or older the owner designates, including a property management company.[1] Post their name and phone number on the outside of the property, or add the unit to the city's alarm decal system.[2]

State rules still apply

The city says its rules don't replace or alter state licensure or sales tax requirements, and that it doesn't enforce them.[2] The state requires a vacation rental license if you rent an entire unit more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or 1 calendar month, whichever is less.[6] Florida law also says a local law may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate how long or how often they are rented, except for local laws adopted on or before June 1, 2011.[7]

Safety standards

Units must meet the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire Code, the Florida Life Safety Code and the city's Comprehensive Development Code.[1] Pools, spas and hot tubs must meet the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, and each floor needs a 2A:10B:C portable fire extinguisher.[1]

Annual fire inspection

A high-hazard fire inspection costs $100 and must be done every year under the Florida Fire Code.[2] Largo Fire Rescue's list calls for smoke alarms in each sleeping room, carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas and battery emergency lighting for at least one hour.[8] A 2026 bill that would have required water safety features in licensed vacation rentals died in the House on Mar 13, 2026.[9]

Occupancy and parking

Maximum occupancy is one person per 150 gross square feet of permitted, conditioned living space.[1] Provide one off-street space for every three guests; on-street parking doesn't count, and an open, available garage space can.[1]

Responsible party duties

The responsible party must be reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, able to resolve problems raised by guests, city staff or police, and willing to come to the unit within two hours if needed.[1]

Guest posting

Post in each unit the responsible party's name and number, a notice that guests must follow city rules on occupancy, parking, noise and litter, the trash and recycling days, the nearest hospital and an evacuation notice.[1] The city has a posting form online.[2]

State sales tax

Florida charges 6% sales tax on renting living or sleeping accommodations for six months or less.[3] Returns and payments are due on the 1st and late after the 20th day of the month following each reporting period.[3]

County surtax

Pinellas County adds a 1% discretionary sales surtax.[4]

Pinellas tourist tax

Pinellas charges a 6% tourist development tax on hotels and on private homes rented for six months or less.[5] The state's rate table also lists 6% for Pinellas, collected by the county.[10]

Filing the tourist tax

You register and pay through the Pinellas County Tax Collector's website.[5] The return is due on or before the 20th of the month after collection, monthly even with no rental activity unless you are authorized to file less often, and a late return adds 10% of the tax owed, with a $50 minimum.[11]

Who enforces

Section 15.18 is enforced under Chapter 9 of the City Code and Chapter 162, Florida Statutes.[1] Neighbors report problems to Largo Community Standards by phone or through an online form.[2]

Fines

Code enforcement fines can't exceed $250 a day for a first violation or $5,000 a day for a repeat violation, and an irreparable violation can draw up to $15,000.[12]

HOA and deed rules

The city doesn't enforce HOA, POA or deed restrictions, but you can still face enforcement or penalties from those authorities.[2]

Unincorporated addresses

Unincorporated Pinellas County has its own short-term rental Certificate of Use program, and the county page says municipalities have their own rules, so check which one your address falls under.[13]