Magistrate issues mixed rulings on short‑term rental violations in St. Pete Beach hearing

Special Magistrate Erica Augello on May 11 issued a series of findings on short‑term rental enforcement, moving several matters to compliance deadlines while imposing modest fines in some cases and withholding fines in others after considering testimony about corrective steps.

In two cases the magistrate assessed fines: Charisma Morawski was fined $150 per violation for two short rentals (total $300) plus $330 in administrative costs after city evidence showed multiple recent short stays; attorney Mr. Smith secured a $500 fine plus $330 in administrative costs for a Prochaska listing that an out‑of‑area owner said was remedied within 24 hours. Sammy Gaeth acknowledged a short stay caused by third‑party software that overrode host settings; the magistrate assessed a $150 fine and $330 in administrative costs but noted prompt remedial steps. By contrast, Mark Griffey’s hearing produced a finding of violation but no monetary penalty because testimony showed the 21‑day stay was an isolated instance and not part of ongoing, commercial short‑term rental operations. The magistrate warned that repeat violations could prompt higher fines.

Owners and representatives repeatedly told the magistrate they relied on property managers or automated synchronization tools and removed listings once alerted. The city emphasized it has limited tolerance for unauthorized short‑term advertising and that advertising, even if a listing did not result in repeated rentals, can be treated as an irreparable/irreversible violation because advertising cannot be undone.

Augello stressed the role of credible testimony and city documentation in deciding fines and costs and issued written administrative orders for each case with instructions for payment or further review. Several matters were continued to June 8, 2026 for status updates, and respondents were advised to provide receipts, permit applications, or other documentary evidence as needed.