If you’re thinking about buying an investment property in Tampa and turning it into a short-term rental, here’s the honest truth:
Not all Tampa neighborhoods play by the same rules.
And this is exactly where working with local experts makes all the difference.
As Tampa real estate advisors with over 40 years of combined experience, we (Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz) spend a lot of time helping buyers and investors understand how short-term rental regulations shift from one neighborhood to another — and how those differences can dramatically impact your ROI.
Let’s break it down.
City of Tampa vs. Unincorporated Hillsborough County
First, it’s important to understand whether a property falls within the Tampa city limits or in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
The City of Tampa generally enforces stricter zoning and occupancy regulations. In many residential zones, short-term rentals (typically defined as rentals of less than 7 days or 30 days, depending on classification) are either restricted or require compliance with very specific use categories.
Unincorporated Hillsborough County often provides more flexibility — especially in certain residential areas — but that doesn’t mean “anything goes.” There are still registration requirements, tax obligations, and safety standards that must be met.
This distinction alone can make or break an investment strategy.
South Tampa: High Demand, Higher Scrutiny
Areas like Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands in South Tampa are incredibly desirable for visitors. Proximity to Bayshore Boulevard, Downtown, and Tampa General Hospital makes them prime Airbnb territory.
However, these neighborhoods are also more likely to have:
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Strict zoning classifications
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Active neighborhood associations
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Heightened code enforcement oversight
In some pockets, short-term rentals may not be permitted at all unless the property meets specific criteria.
We always tell investors: South Tampa can be lucrative — but you need to verify zoning before you even think about closing.
Seminole Heights & Tampa Heights: Popular with Visitors
Historic charm plus walkability has made Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights attractive for short-term stays.
In many parts of these neighborhoods, properties may qualify under certain residential or mixed-use categories that allow limited short-term activity. However, you still must:
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Register properly
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Collect and remit state and local tourist development taxes
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Follow occupancy limits
The demand is there — especially for renovated bungalows — but compliance is key.
Downtown & Channelside: Condos Are a Different Story
In Downtown Tampa and Channelside, zoning may allow short-term rentals in certain buildings — but here’s the catch:
The condo association often has the final say.
Even if city zoning allows it, a condominium’s governing documents may prohibit rentals under 6 months or 12 months. We’ve seen buyers assume they could Airbnb a unit near Water Street, only to discover HOA restrictions prevented it entirely.
That’s why we review condo docs before our clients go under contract whenever short-term income is part of the plan.
Beach Markets: Clearwater & St. Pete Operate Differently
If you move west toward Clearwater or St. Petersburg, the regulatory landscape shifts again.
Beach communities often have designated short-term rental zones, licensing processes, and caps on occupancy. Some areas are investor-friendly; others are tightly controlled to preserve residential character.
It’s not unusual for two properties just blocks apart to have entirely different rental allowances.
The State of Florida Layer
Then there’s Florida, which regulates vacation rental classifications and tax collection at the state level. The state requires registration and collection of sales tax on transient rentals — but local municipalities still control zoning.
So you’re effectively dealing with three layers:
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State regulations
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County or city zoning
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HOA or condo association rules
Miss one layer, and your investment plan could unravel.
What We Tell Every Investor
Short-term rental regulations in Tampa are hyper-local. They are not “city-wide” in the way many investors assume.
That’s why our approach at The Lewkowicz Group is simple:
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Verify zoning before writing an offer
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Confirm use allowances in writing
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Review HOA/condo documents
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Analyze projected returns under compliant scenarios
We’ve guided hundreds of buyers and investors through these conversations because we live here, we work here, and we understand how Tampa’s neighborhoods function on the ground — not just on paper.
If short-term rental income is part of your strategy, let’s talk before you make a move. In Tampa real estate, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s profit.
