Bayway Isles, St. Petersburg: Gated Waterfront Community Guide

Updated October 2026.

Bayway Isles is a guarded, deed-restricted waterfront community of single-family homes on two islands off the Pinellas Bayway in Boca Ciega Bay, within the City of St. Petersburg. Its homeowners club says it is home to almost 200 families. It suits buyers who want a private, gated setting on the water with quick access to St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde and Fort De Soto, and who plan to live in the home rather than rent it short term.

We are John and Nicole Kavaliauskas, licensed Florida Realtors with LoKation Real Estate. Here is what official sources and the homeowners club show about Bayway Isles, and what to confirm before you buy.

Where Bayway Isles is

The Pinellas Bayway, State Road 682, links the St. Petersburg mainland with Gulf Boulevard near St. Pete Beach. Bayway Isles sits on two islands that extend south from the Bayway into Boca Ciega Bay, east of Isla del Sol. The Bayway Isles Homeowners Club describes the community as two main islands and says development began in 1964 as a venture of Bayway Development and Leeco Gas and Oil Corporation, making it one of the last developer-made islands in Pinellas County. The club office is at 5650 Leeland Street South, St. Petersburg 33715.

City or county?

Bayway Isles is in the City of St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg Police Department lists Bayway Isles in its Patrol District 1, the city’s Neighborhood Relations directory includes the Bayway Isles Homeowners Club, and the club itself describes the community as within St. Petersburg. City rules on flood, permits and rentals apply, along with the club’s deed restrictions. Confirm the parcel’s taxing district on the Pinellas County Property Appraiser record.

Gate, club and deed restrictions

The homeowners club describes Bayway Isles as a 24 hour guarded, deed restricted island community. Its information sheet for buyers and sellers sets out key rules:

• Membership approval: buyers must apply for and be accepted for membership before closing, including a discussion with the membership chair.
• Annual fee: owners pay an annual maintenance fee due November 1, with a late fee and interest on delinquent assessments.
• Exterior changes: changes to homes, land and water, including additions, roofs, driveways, walls, fences, paint colors, docks, decks, tie poles, pools, boat lifts and landscaping, require Building Committee review and Board approval.
• Vehicles: motorized vehicles need an auto decal and membership decal.
• Estoppel: an estoppel letter is required for every sale, and a fee applies.

The club’s website notes that Resource Property Management handles management and references a bridge reconstruction project. Ask the club about its status and how it is funded. The club’s About page also states that real estate signs are not permitted.

Homes

Bayway Isles is a single-family community. The club’s rules state that accessory dwelling units are not permitted. The club describes a range of architectural styles from Mediterranean Revival to Florida Modern, and homes with views across Boca Ciega Bay. Age, elevation and storm history vary from home to home, so each sale needs its own review. The city’s association map also shows Point Brittany next door, a separate condo community with its own association.

Water access and boating

Bayway Isles is surrounded by Boca Ciega Bay, close to the mouth of the bay and Tampa Bay. The waters are part of the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve, which the state says was established in 1969 in response to extensive dredge-and-fill work. Seagrass is protected, damage can bring a fine, and boaters must follow posted slow speed manatee zones.

The club’s rules address private docks, and docks, decks, tie poles and boat lifts all need club approval, and the club says docks may not be used for short-term, commercial, event or seasonal rental. Before you buy, check depth at the dock and along the route, bridge clearance for your boat, permits, lift capacity and seawall condition. Our seawall and dock inspection guide covers what to check, and our waterfront homes guide explains how buyers compare frontage.

Flood and elevation

Look up the flood zone for any address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask for an elevation certificate. The National Weather Service Helene impact summary reports a record 6.31 feet above mean higher high water at the St. Petersburg gauge in September 2024.

The City of St. Petersburg applies a 49% rule in Special Flood Hazard Areas, not 50%. If repairs or improvements equal or exceed 49% of the structure’s pre-damage market value, the structure must meet current floodplain standards, which can mean elevation or replacement. Ask for permits and final inspections for any storm repairs. See our flood zone and insurance guide.

Getting to the beaches and Tierra Verde

From Bayway Isles, the Bayway runs west past Isla del Sol to Gulf Boulevard at St. Pete Beach. At Isla del Sol, State Road 679 turns south to Tierra Verde and Fort De Soto Park. The Bayway is tolled. The FDOT toll rate schedule lists three Pinellas Bayway plazas and a $50 annual commuter pass for unlimited passage by two-axle vehicles, expiring each September 30.

Things nearby

• Isla del Sol: the club, golf course and condos just west. See our Isla del Sol guide.
• Marina Bay and Eckerd College: listing guides place Marina Bay on the mainland along the northern edge of the Bayway, next to Eckerd College. See Marina Bay Residence.
• Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde and Pass-a-Grille: see our Pass-a-Grille guide.
• Other St. Petersburg waterfront: compare Snell Isle and Gulfport.

Rental rules

Bayway Isles is not a vacation rental community. The club’s information sheet requires minimum 12-month leases, association approval of every lease and tenant, and bars short-term, commercial, event or seasonal rental of property, including docks. City rules also limit rentals of less than 30 days to three times in any consecutive 365-day period under the city’s transient accommodation handout.

Who Bayway Isles suits

• Full-time and long-term owners who want a guarded, private community
• Boaters who want a private dock on Boca Ciega Bay
• Buyers who want the beaches, Tierra Verde and Fort De Soto close by
• Buyers comfortable with membership approval and architectural review

It is not a fit for short-term rental investors or buyers who want to change a home without board approval.

Bayway Isles FAQ

Is Bayway Isles a gated community?

Yes. The homeowners club describes it as a 24 hour guarded, deed restricted island community.

Is Bayway Isles in the City of St. Petersburg?

Yes. The city police department and neighborhood directory list it, and the club describes it as within St. Petersburg. City flood, permit and rental rules apply.

Do Bayway Isles buyers need association approval?

Yes. Buyers must apply for and be accepted for membership in the Bayway Isles Homeowners Club before closing.

Can I rent my Bayway Isles home short term?

No. The club requires minimum 12-month leases with association approval and bars short-term, seasonal and event rentals, including of docks.

Can I add a dock or boat lift in Bayway Isles?

Docks, tie poles and boat lifts need Building Committee review and Board approval, plus any required city and state permits.

Next step

Thinking of selling? See what your Bayway Isles home is worth. Call or text (727) 955-1222 or send us a message.

This page provides general information only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Flood rules, substantial damage determinations, permitting, deed restrictions, association rules and rental regulations change and apply differently to each property. Verify details with the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, FEMA, the Bayway Isles Homeowners Club, your insurer, lender or a licensed attorney before making decisions. John and Nicole are licensed Florida Realtors with LoKation Real Estate.