City commissioners pass resolution that "strongly opposes" attempts by the Legislature to undermine local control over short-term vacation rentals

SARASOTA — As leaders in Tallahassee appeared to back off a controversial measure this week that would further prevent local governments from regulating rental properties, their counterparts in Sarasota backed the idea of leaving such decisions in local hands.

City commissioners passed a resolution that "strongly opposes" the passage of the bill (SB 1128) in the Florida Senate, saying it will "impair the quality-of-life in our neighborhoods and further erode our home rule powers and ability to determine what best serves the needs of our community."

"We know our residents best," said Vice Mayor Freeland Eddie. "When they need something, they come here, not Tallahassee."

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The Senate Rules Committee was scheduled to hear the bill Monday, but its sponsor, Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, said it was postponed because he lacked the support needed to get it out of the committee.

The committee is not scheduled to meet again before the session ends March 13, though the Senate could still opt to consider the bill before adjourning.

Gov. Ron DeSantis in February also indicated that he was "leaning against" the legislation, which slowed its momentum.

Vacation rentals have long pitted local government officials against advertising platforms, such as Airbnb. Under consideration this year was a plan that would require online platforms to collect and remit taxes on the properties that advertise on their sites. The platforms would have to ensure that only properly licensed rentals are advertised and provide the state with specific information about the rentals.

In exchange, inspection or licensing regulations would be "preempted" to the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, taking away regulatory authority from local governments.

Efforts to limit local rental regulations have faced fierce opposition, particularly from beach towns that have seen a proliferation of large rental homes in recent years. Residents complain that living next to the rental homes is equivalent to living next to a hotel.

Commissioners in Sarasota further believe that short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods often serve as "hotel houses" and frequently advertise lodging for more than 20 occupants much more than single-family homes.

Under current law, cities and counties cannot prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of the rentals. But local governments are allowed to license and inspect properties.

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Condominium and homeowner associations would be carved out of the new rules.

St. Armands residents in January pushed commissioners to investigate its ability to regulate the construction and operation of "hotel houses" properties, which typically have six or more bedrooms. They complained of parties, parking issues and a steady stream of strangers in neighborhoods.

Commissioners in January had expressed some hesitancy about moving forward in light of state legislation.

Information from the News Service of Florida was used in this report.