The city of Indian Rocks Beach has significantly stepped up enforcement of its short-term rental ordinance, generating more than $246,000 in combined registration fees and fines in the current fiscal year.
So far in fiscal year 2026, the city has collected over $176,000 in short-term rental registration fees and an additional nearly $70,000 through fines issued at special magistrate hearings.
City Manager Ryan Henderson, who took the role six months ago, says the city now holds two special magistrate hearings per month, during which property owners found in violation of the short-term rental ordinance face fines of up to $5,000 per property.
“We ask for that maximum. Every time you come before the special magistrate with a property, we ask for the maximum levy of fines against you,” Henderson said.
Henderson’s goal is to have 15 properties scheduled at each hearing. Code enforcement officers review listings on popular vacation rental websites to verify proper registration and investigate complaints from neighbors. The most common violations involve safety inspections and improper registration.
Getting a property registered, inspected, and listed as a short-term rental currently costs approximately $475, though Henderson said the city is considering raising those fees.
Henderson said the city is prepared to take legal action if challenged by rental operators. “Our short-term rental ordinance is important … and will go to the end of the world to do so,” he said.
Following last month’s city commission elections, all commissioners are on record supporting the increased enforcement effort. All fees collected flow into the city’s general fund to support code enforcement operations.
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