St. Pete Beach Addresses String of Short-Term Rental Violations Amid Compliance Struggles
- Meeting Overview:
The St. Pete Beach Special Magistrate meeting focused primarily on various code enforcement cases, with particular emphasis on violations related to short-term rental regulations. Several property owners faced substantial fines, with the magistrate underscoring the importance of compliance with city codes.
One of the most notable discussions involved Affordable Properties Realty and Management Inc., cited for violations at a property located on G Winds Drive. The enforcement officer detailed 22 violations of section 12.2 of the land development code, which regulates short-term rentals. The officer recommended a fine of $1,000 per violation, totaling $19,000, plus administrative costs. No representatives appeared at the hearing, leading the magistrate to affirm the property’s non-compliance and impose the proposed fines. The absence of representation and the substantial fines highlighted the challenges property owners face regarding adherence to rental regulations.
The meeting also addressed a case against Padpro LLC for a property on East Vina Delmare Boulevard. Violations were noted under section 8.2A of the code, requiring rentals to be for a minimum of 30 days. The city identified seven violations, recommending fines totaling $7,000. However, the magistrate reduced the fine to $2,000 after considering the circumstances surrounding the documented violations.
Another notable case involved Martin Mara, who faced violations for short-term rentals on Gloss Drive. With nine violations identified, the city recommended fines of $1,000 per violation. Mara explained financial hardships and claimed ignorance of the restrictions, stating he ceased short-term rentals upon notification. The magistrate, recognizing the financial strain and low rental income, imposed a reduced fine of $25 per violation, totaling $225, plus administrative costs.
In a similar vein, Beyond the Baseline Coaching LLC was cited for violations on Ponta Vista Drive. Despite a misunderstanding about rental rules, the magistrate imposed fines of $1,000 per violation for two identified short-term rentals. The property owners quickly removed their Airbnb listing upon receiving the violation notice.
In addition to short-term rental cases, the meeting addressed other compliance issues. For instance, a case involving James L. Wall III on Bay Street focused on unsightly conditions and overgrown vegetation.
A repeat violation case involving Team B Equities LLC at 463 85th Avenue resulted in a $5,000 total fine for five violations. Despite the property owner not receiving initial notice, the magistrate confirmed proper notification procedures were followed.
The meeting concluded with a lean reduction case involving Brightwater Beach Condo Association. Originally facing fines totaling $23,080, the association’s representatives cited health issues and unforeseen circumstances for their absence at a prior hearing. The magistrate acknowledged their compliance as of December 16, 2025, and reduced the fines by 20%, resulting in a new total of $4,550, provided payment is made within 30 days.
Adrian Petrila
Special Magistrate Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Special Magistrate
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/12/2026
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Recording Published:
01/12/2026
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Duration:
91 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Pinellas County
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Towns:
St. Pete Beach
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