Code board fines repeat short‑term rental at 917 Pinellas St. $500 after Airbnb listings found

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board on Nov. 19 found respondents Allen Carr and a co‑respondent in repeat violation for operating short‑term rentals at 917 Pinellas Street and entered an order imposing a $500 fine payable within 30 days.

John Stevens, co‑compliance inspector for the City of Clearwater, told the board the property had been the subject of a prior board order on Dec. 18, 2024, and that inspectors found the unit listed on Airbnb with two‑night minimums in June and July 2025. Stevens said the listing was changed to meet the city’s 31‑day minimum after he posted the property in late June and contacted the owners. "This is actually a repeat violation case," Stevens said, adding that the city’s standard starting penalty for a repeat short‑term rental is $500.

Respondent Storm/Allen Carr acknowledged the earlier violations and described family hardship and out‑of‑state schooling that contributed to the lapse. The board discussed available penalties; staff noted state code authorizes daily fines for ongoing repeat violations but recommended the single $500 fine now because the respondents brought the listing into compliance.

A board member moved to find the respondents in violation as referred to in the affidavit and to enter an order assessing a $500 fine; the motion passed unanimously. The order states the fine is payable within 30 days, that a lien may be filed if fees remain unpaid after three months, and that future repeat violations could carry fines of up to $500 per day while a violation continues to exist.

The board did not reduce the penalty at the hearing; staff outlined the city’s separate process for after‑the‑fact lien reductions should a lien later be imposed. The board scheduled no additional hearing for the case at the Nov. 19 meeting.