Largo Short-Term Rental Rules: Registration, Inspection & $600 Fee

Largo city commissioners have approved new regulations for short-term vacation rentals, requiring annual registration, safety inspections and a $600 fee for property owners. The unanimous 7-0 vote on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2026, followed months of resident complaints about noise, parking, trash and overcrowding.

City staff estimate 600 to 800 short-term rental properties operate in Largo. The ordinance defines a short-term rental as any home, condo or dwelling rented more than three times annually for stays under 30 days. Owners must register and pass inspections from Community Standards and the Fire Department’s Risk Reduction Division before hosting guests. These checks repeat annually. Both initial registration and subsequent renewals cost $600. Officials stated revenue will fund program staff, equipment and software.

The regulations establish occupancy limits, requiring one off-street parking space for every three guests. Street parking does not count. Each rental property must designate a 24/7 responsible party or agent who must respond within two hours if a problem arises. Owners also must provide a state lodging license, proof of tax collection and payment, maximum guest count, bedroom count, responsible party contact details and a parking plan.

Commissioner Michael DiBrizzi stressed enforcement's importance. "This whole thing is going to come down to enforcement," DiBrizzi said. "I want to see aggressive enforcement to what we’re putting down." City Manager John Curp confirmed the fee structure will cover enforcement costs. "We have the resources to enforce this. We have built the fee structure around hiring enforcement and that will be done," Curp said. The city has filled one enforcement position and posted another, and is nearing a decision on software to manage listings, registrations and violations.

Vice Mayor Chris Johnson and other commissioners requested extended code enforcement hours, including nights and weekends, suggesting these be integrated into the new positions. Police Chief Mike Loux noted officers respond to disturbances but must prioritize emergencies.

Commissioners also passed a separate chronic nuisance ordinance applicable to all city properties, allowing the city to demand a remediation plan for properties with a documented pattern of problems.

Largo plans to notify owners of the new rules and open registration in November. The program begins Jan. 1, 2027.