Short-Term Rentals
Effective Immediately - ADA Smoke Alarms and Grills etc.
For those who have not or choose not to install Strobe-type ADA Smoke Alarms to your existing or new hard-wired system for those with hearing impairments, the District will soon have these units available upon request. We will add a request form and update FAQ document and Checklists soon. Thank you for being so understanding while we fine-tune the STR process.
During our first few inspections, one of the most significant issues that we found are gas grills, fire pits, smokers, etc. These appliances can be stored under cover or near your structure but MUST be used at least ten feet (10) from ANY structure. We understand that some of your spaces are limited but grill fires are common. Here is a statistic from the NFPA:
In 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 5,763 structure fires and 5,659 outside or unclassified fires.
Please ensure that if you want to keep these types of appliances, the occupants have a space away from the home to utilize them.
Swimming Pools:
If the short-term rental property has a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, if must follow the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act standards. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/
History of Short-Term Rental Life Safety Inspections:
On June 20, 2023, the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District Board of Fire Commissioners approved resolution 2023-05 Learn More, which authorizes the department to perform annual Life Safety inspections on all short-term rental properties within the boundaries of the District. The information below will guide you through registration, planning, and inspection to comply with this resolution.
What is a Short-Term Rental?
According to the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District, a short-term rental encompasses any of the definitions below:
Transient Public Lodging Establishment: Any unit, group of units, dwelling, building, or group of buildings within a single complex of buildings that is rented to guests more than three (3) times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty (30) days or one (1) calendar month, whichever is less, or which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests. (509.013 (4)(a)1)
Vacation Rental: A vacation rental is any unit or group of units in a condominium or cooperative or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two (2) family, three (3) family, or four (4) family house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment but that is not a timeshare project. (509.242 1(c))
Timeshare Rentals: Single-family or Two (2) family homes licensed per FS Chapter 721, advertised as Transient Rental.
What is a Life Safety Inspection?
An annual life safety inspection program is used for the identification of hazards and preplanning to ensure the safety of first responders, improve the safety of the public and occupants, and ensure proper operation of fire alarm and suppression systems.
A life safety inspection in short-term rental occupancies involve annual visits to verify compliance with the adopted codes by the Fire District and to identify circumstances or conditions that threaten the life or safety of occupants and visitors. A member of the Fire Prevention division of the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District performs these annual inspections.
Do I Need an Inspection?
By Resolution 2023-05 (Read Resolution 2023-05 here) of the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District, any residence that meets the criteria for a short-term rental as determined above is subject to an annual life safety inspection.
Quick Links
Downloads:
Coming Soon - ADA Smoke Alarm Request Form
You will soon be able to request an ADA Smoke Alarm to use for those staying at your location.
Smoke Detector Log
This is a sample smoke detector log that the fire district has created. You are welcome to create and keep your own.
Registration Forms & Inspection Request Links:
New Short-Term Rental Registrations
Use this form to submit your registration for a short-term rental property. Please fill out one form per property.
Annual Update for an EXISTING Short-Term Rental Property
Use this form if you are updating an existing registration.
Request Short Term Rental Inspection
Schedule your inspection using our online request form. Please note: inspection requests will only be fulfilled for short term rental properties already registered with Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District.
Getting Started as a New Short-Term Rental Owner
Step #1
Any residence rented as a short-term rental within the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District must register with the District. This registration is required kept up to date with the district on an annual basis. All registration and inspection fees must be paid prior to service.
Online registration and further information can be found here.
Or contact the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District:
Email: str@psfrd.org
Office: 727-595-1117 x110
Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday
Step #2
Once you have submitted the online registration, please review the Pre-Inspection checklist for your property type.
Single-Family/Duplex
Multifamily
If you have questions, please use the contact information above
Step #3
Once you are confident that you are ready for your inspection, please follow the link below to schedule your inspection. The property owner or an authorized representative must be on-site during the inspection process.
Step #4
Once the Life Safety Inspection has been scheduled, the inspection will take place.
Please remember, DON’T PANIC! We are here to help. The Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District wants you and your business to be successful and your customers to have a safe experience.
Once the occupancy has passed the Life Safety Inspection, PSFRD will provide the documentation needed to complete the licensing process with your municipality of the Fire District.
Inspection Fee Schedule
| Life Safety Inspection Up to 1000 sq/ft | $100 |
| Life Safety Inspection 1001 sq/ft to 2000 sq/ft | $150 |
| Life Safety Inspection 2001 – 3000 sq/ft | $200 |
| Life Safety Inspection Over 3001 sq/ft | $250 |
| STR New Registration Fee (First time or change of ownership) | $100 |
| Failure to submit annual update District (One per calendar year) - 1st Offense | Written warning placed in file |
| Failure to submit annual update District (One per calendar year) - 2nd Offense | $250 |
| Failure to submit annual update District (One per calendar year) - 3rd and Subsequent Offense Cumulative through life of ownership | $500 |
How to Make a Payment
Payments may be done by check, or online by credit card. All fees must be rendered prior to the release of a successful inspection.
Mail to:
Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District
Ref: Short-Term Rental Inspection
304 First Street
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785