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Magistrate finds multiple listings in violation of St. Pete Beach 30‑night rule; fines applied or mitigated
Summary
The magistrate ruled against several properties advertised on Airbnb/VRBO for stays under 30 days, assessing fines in multiple cases while reducing penalties in one instance where proceeds were minimal and the owner promptly corrected listings.
The special magistrate’s Dec. 8 docket included multiple short‑term rental enforcement matters in which the city presented screenshots and guest reviews from Airbnb and VRBO as evidence that properties were being advertised or rented for stays shorter than the city’s 30‑night minimum.
City presenter Rochelle introduced evidence in several cases (including 463 85th Ave, 404/488 88th Ave, 340 78th Ave and 336 South Tessier Drive) showing advertisements and reviews consistent with short‑term stays. In each instance the city treated the infraction as a violation of the city’s permitted uses and structures code sections.
Magistrate Erica Augello found in favor of the city where the record showed advertising and money exchanged. She assessed a one‑time $1,000 fine plus $330 administrative costs (and any recording fees) for Team B Equities LLC (463 85th Ave) and Ballast Point Holdings LLC (336 S. Tessier Dr). For one property (case 20250713), the manager, Beverly Boggess, said a one‑night booking was a family test and that prospective rentals would be monthly; because the recorded exchange was minimal Augello exercised discretion and assessed a reduced fine of $200 plus $330 administrative costs.
Property owners who testified described reliance on property managers or rental agencies and post‑notice self‑correction. Peter Grecci (owner, Royal Properties Management LLC) told the magistrate he had removed listings after being notified and described post‑hurricane rental challenges. Augello said such reliance does not relieve an owner from responsibility to know and follow local law: "You're still required to abide by [the laws] whether the city is actively enforcing them or not," she said.
Where owners admitted the conduct and promptly committed to removal of listings or to obtaining permits, Augello reduced penalties in limited cases; otherwise, she assessed fines and set status hearings for compliance review. Orders will be provided to parties in writing and continued matters will be heard Jan. 12, 2026.
Representative quotes
- Augello: "It is very clear that it is being advertised for less than 30 day rental." (ruling language recorded) - Peter Grecci, property owner: "We immediately changed it again... we have no short term after that." (testimony) - Beverly Boggess, property manager: "We were doing a test run for Airbnb. That was a family member that did the 1 night booking." (testimony)
Next steps
Staff will issue written orders and monitor compliance; fines and potential lien actions will follow city procedures if violations persist.
