Pinellas County residents voiced opposition to proposed changes in the short-term rental ordinance during a Tuesday night meeting with county commissioners. The discussion, which lasted over two hours, focused on updates to regulations for properties like Airbnb.

More than a dozen residents shared their concerns, prompting commissioners to request adjustments to the proposal. The draft ordinance suggested reducing the maximum guest limit from 10 to two per bedroom and common area, including children under 12 in the count. It also proposed shifting quiet hours from 10 p.m. – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.

All 17 speakers during the public comment period opposed the changes, arguing that rental restrictions should be stricter, not more lenient. They cited recurring issues such as street crowding from parked cars, drug use, and disruptive behavior by guests. Ericka Hering, a resident of unincorporated Seminole, recounted incidents of men jumping naked from a roof into a pool at a nearby rental and harassing her neighbor’s 16-year-old daughter. “This is not the safe neighborhood I chose to live in,” she said.

Kevin McAndrew, Building Development Review Services Director, highlighted a key feature of the ordinance: a new requirement for short-term rental owners to obtain a certificate of use, which he said would improve oversight in the county.

Following public input, commissioners suggested keeping the current 10-person occupancy limit and maintaining the existing quiet hours. A final vote on the future of short-term rentals is anticipated next month.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

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