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Fort Pierce, FL

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STR Regulations for Fort Pierce, Florida

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?
Yes, short-term and vacation rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Fort Pierce, Florida. The city adopted Ordinance 21-019 in 2021, establishing standards for rentals under six months. STRs are a permitted use subject to registration, fees, and compliance with city regulations.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Follow these steps to launch a compliant STR:

  1. Verify Zoning: Confirm your property is in a zone permitting STRs.
  2. Register the Property: Complete registration via the city’s online portal.
  3. Pay Fees:
    • Initial registration: $350/unit
    • Annual renewal: $200/unit (requires prior 12-month registration).
  4. Obtain Required Documents: See Section 2 below.
  5. Designate a Local Contact: Provide a responsible party who can respond to issues within 24 hours.
  6. Maintain Compliance: Enforce safety, noise, and occupancy rules.

2. Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Ensure you have:

  • City STR Registration Certificate (mandatory for all rentals <6 months).
  • Certificate of Use (replaced Business Tax Receipts as of July 1, 2024).
  • Florida DBPR License: Required for rentals <30 days rented >3 times/year.
  • St. Lucie County Tourist Development Tax Registration: For county taxes.
  • Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage per city ordinance.
  • Safety Compliance: Smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, pool safety (if applicable).

3. City, County, and State Regulations

City of Fort Pierce (Chapter 22, Article X)

  • Occupancy Limits: Calculated via city worksheets.
  • Parking: Follow parking calculation rules.
  • Safety: Full compliance with fire codes and Chapter 515 (pool safety).
  • Local Contact: Required 24/7 availability.
  • Advertising: Must include registration number in listings.

St. Lucie County

  • Tourist Development Tax: 5% on gross receipts (collected with state sales tax).

Florida State

  • DBPR Licensing: Mandatory for rentals <30 days.
  • Sales Tax: 6% state tax + 1% county = 7% total rate.

4. Enforcement & Penalties

  • Monitoring: Host Compliance/Granicus identifies unregistered STRs.
  • Reporting: File violations via:
  • Violations: Unregistered units face fines; tax non-payment risks liens/revocation.

5. Key Contacts & Resources

| Authority | Contact Details |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| City Clerk (STR Reg.) | Phone: 772-467-3065; Email: cityclerk@cityoffortpierce.com |
| General City Info | Phone: 772-467-3000; Contact Portal |
| STR Registration Portal | Online Portal |
| Code of Ordinances | Chapter 22, Article X |
| St. Lucie County Tax Collector | Phone: 772-462-1000 |

6. Source Links for Verification

Critical Notes for Investors:

  • Fee Updates: The initial $600 fee (2021) was reduced to $350 in July 2023.
  • Business Tax Receipt: Discontinued July 1, 2024; replaced by Certificate of Use.
  • Zoning: Verify allowance with the Planning Department before purchase.
  • Insurance: Required but specifics vary; consult an insurer specializing in STRs.

This framework ensures full compliance while capitalizing on Fort Pierce’s thriving tourism market. Always verify updates with the City Clerk’s office.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Fort Pierce?

Fort Pierce hosts earn a median $28,191/year with $170 ADR and 67% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $39,339+ per year.

See the full Fort Pierce market breakdown

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Fort Pierce

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
10/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Fort Pierce Market Analysis

Photos of Fort Pierce

Overview of Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce is a city in St. Lucie County on Florida's Treasure Coast, with a population of approximately 45,000 residents. It sits along the Indian River Lagoon and serves as a laid-back gateway to the Treasure Coast region, known for its historic downtown, working waterfront, and proximity to both Atlantic beaches and inland nature preserves. The city is located about 55 miles north of West Palm Beach and roughly 120 miles southeast of Orlando, placing it within easy reach of both South Florida and Central Florida.

One of the city's most prominent landmarks is the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, located on the waterfront just north of downtown. The museum honors the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, the Underwater Demolition Teams, with exhibits ranging from World War II artifacts to vehicles used in modern operations. It sits a short drive from the heart of Fort Pierce and draws visitors interested in military history and special operations heritage.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park lies at the southern end of North Hutchinson Island, where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and some of the best jetty and surf fishing access on the Treasure Coast. It is roughly a ten-minute drive from downtown and is a favorite for travelers who want to combine beach time with lagoon-side exploration.

Heathcote Botanical Gardens, located just south of the city center, features a collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including one of the largest bonsai collections in the southeastern United States. The gardens span several acres of cultivated landscape and include a palm walk, a Japanese garden, and native plant areas. It is a short drive from most points in Fort Pierce and offers a quieter alternative to the beaches for visitors interested in horticulture.

Downtown Fort Pierce anchors the city with the Sunrise Theatre, a restored 1923 venue that hosts concerts, films, and community events. The surrounding streets are lined with locally owned restaurants, murals, and views across the Indian River Lagoon, while the St. Lucie County Regional History Center, housed in a former early-twentieth-century hotel building, preserves the area's pioneer and citrus heritage.

Fort Pierce appeals to short-term rental owners because it offers many of the amenities of a larger Florida destination—beaches, nature preserves, museums, and a walkable downtown—without the crowds and prices of Palm Beach or the Space Coast. Its central position on the Treasure Coast puts beaches, the lagoon, and family-friendly attractions within a short drive, while the year-round mild climate and slower pace attract visitors looking for an authentic Florida coast experience.

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