Vacation Rentals (Previously Short-Term Rentals).
​
In short, nobody is allowed to have Vacation Rentals in Gulf Harbors. To understand why requires the definition of a Vacation Rental and the Use Permits of the Pasco County, Florida – Land Development Code.
“Appendix A – Definitions” of the Land Development Code for Pasco County defines Vacation Rental as follows:
"A dwelling unit that has been advertised as available more than three times per year for periods of fewer than 30 days at a time for use, occupancy, or possession by persons other than the owner, regardless of the form of ownership of the unit…"
To read the full definition click here.
On the surface, it may seem that anyone can rent their home at any time for any duration, with the only distinction being whether it is classified as a vacation rental or not. However, Pasco County has an additional caveat stating that unless grandfathered in, authorization must be obtained through the county's processes. The application for vacation rentals can be submitted by any one unit but must be accompanied by 51% of the lot or unit owners within the subdivision. Further details can be found in Chapter 400, Sections 402.5 including the paragraphs outlined below.
​
402.5 B.4. Approval Required. Except for those vacation rentals grandfathered above, pursuant to Ordinance No. 99-21, no existing or future dwelling units may be utilized for vacation rental purposes unless specifically authorized by the County through the Conditional Use process or an MPUD Zoning Amendment.
Individual dwelling units located within a platted subdivision or condominium will not be authorized as a vacation rental through the Conditional Use process or an MPUD Zoning Amendment. Rather, the Board of County Commissioners may only authorize future vacation rentals in:
-
The entire subdivision/condominium; or
-
A distinct section, unit, or increment of the subdivision/condominium.
402.5 B.5. Application Requirements, Existing Platted Subdivision or Condominium.
-
Applications for vacation rental approval in an existing subdivision/condominium may be submitted by any lot or unit owner.
-
Applications must be accompanied by a petition in favor of the application signed by the owners of a minimum of 51 percent of the lots/units.
Thus, it appears that no homeowner is allowed to rent their home at any time as a vacation rental. However, homeowners are permitted to rent their homes for more than 30 days without it being labeled as a vacation rental. A known exception to this exists for an owner on Floramar Terrace in Gulf Harbors, who was grandfathered in before the implementation of this county code.
​
It is crucial to note that this is a county ordinance, and our deed restrictions do not impose any limitations on rentals. The Code Enforcement Division has initiated enforcement, with fines of up to $500.00 per day for those found guilty. Additionally, every rental homeowner is now required to register with the Pasco Sheriff's department through the Rental Registry.
​
https://www.pascosheriff.com/vacation-house-registration/
​
Addressing the vacation rental issue requires the collective effort of every Gulf Harbor's resident who is aware of these illegal rentals. Reporting to code enforcement is essential, as our volunteers, while doing their part, cannot tackle this challenge alone. To combat disruptive activities like spring break parties, timely information is crucial for Code Enforcement, and all that is needed is a heads-up on problematic addresses.
​
The information provided is as of the date of this posting. Pasco county maintains the most recent versions of all ordinances. It is recommended that you visit them for the most up-to-date information.
​
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and individuals with specific legal questions or concerns should seek the guidance of a qualified attorney. The content is based on general understanding and interpretation of laws, and legal outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances. We do not assume any responsibility for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided. For personalized legal advice, please consult with a licensed attorney who can assess your particular situation and provide appropriate guidance.