Largo Commissioners Pass New Short-Term Rental Rules

Largo city commissioners unanimously approved new regulations for short-term vacation rentals Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2026. Owners must register annually, pass safety inspections and pay a $600 fee.

The decision followed months of community complaints about noise, parking, trash and overcrowded properties, issues that have become noticeable even in historically quiet areas.

City staff estimate 600 to 800 short-term rental properties operate in Largo. The ordinance defines a short-term rental as a dwelling rented more than three times a year for stays under 30 days, including homes advertised as regular guest rentals. Owners must complete registration, including the fee and inspections by Community Standards and the Fire Department’s Risk Reduction Division, before guests arrive. These checks will repeat annually.

The $600 fee covers staffing, equipment and software for the program. City Manager John Curp confirmed the city factored enforcement costs into the fee. “We have the resources to enforce this,” Curp said. “We have built the fee structure around hiring enforcement and that will be done.” One enforcement position is filled, and another is posted. Staff are nearing a decision on software to identify listings, manage registrations and track violations.

Commissioner Michael DiBrizzi stressed enforcement. “This whole thing is going to come down to enforcement,” he said. “I want to see aggressive enforcement to what we’re putting down.”

Vice Mayor Chris Johnson and other commissioners advocated for code enforcement coverage during nights and weekends, suggesting these hours be integrated into the new positions rather than relying on police. Police Chief Mike Loux noted officers respond to disturbances but compete with emergencies.

The regulations set occupancy limits at one person per 150 square feet of living space. Each rental must provide one off-street parking spot for every three guests; street parking does not count. Owners must designate a responsible party available 24/7 who must arrive at the property within two hours if a problem cannot be resolved by phone.

Owners must also provide the city with a state lodging license, proof of tax collection and payment, maximum guest count, bedroom count, responsible party contact details and a parking plan.

Commissioners also passed a chronic nuisance ordinance applicable to all city properties. This ordinance allows the city to demand a plan to resolve recurring problems after police, fire, or code staff document a pattern of issues. Unresolved cases will go to a special magistrate.

City Attorney Sarah Allen noted historical challenges with state preemption, referencing a 2011 law that limited cities’ ability to ban vacation rentals or control rental frequency and duration.

Dagan Harris, speaking for several residents, urged officials to prioritize repeat offenders. “End of day is action and teeth,” he said. “Quit talking about it and do something.”

Largo will notify owners about the new rules and open registration in November. The program starts Jan. 1, 2027.