Below are some examples the FLC has proposed to amend legislation to successfully balance state and local control:
- Exempt homesteaded and owner-occupied properties by focusing on investor-owned and LLC-run properties that typically bring the majority of public safety incidents.
- Allow cities the ability to ensure investor-owned STRs are located in appropriate areas and playing by the same rules as Bed-and-Breakfasts.
- Include a transparent and flexible structure for fines to ensure they have the desired effect of punishing repeat offenders that continue to be a nuisance to neighborhoods.
- Create a partnership with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) which would allow the DBPR to contract with cities to provide enforcement and help preserve the character of our communities.
Additionally, a recent poll showed that 75 percent of Floridians believe short-term rentals should be regulated at the local level. However, both the House and Senate have passed bills which go directly against what a supermajority of residents believe. Legislators are not listening to what Floridians want: the ability to have local voices make local choices about short-term rentals to directly address problems in their communities. Legislators must recognize that what works for Key West or Miami may not work for Gainesville or Pensacola.
Allowing cities to have a voice in this process will help ensure any legislation regulating short-term rentals balances the rights of ALL property owners and not just those of the investor-owned ‘mini-hotels’ that are negatively impacting Florida neighborhoods.
