Florida Short Term Rental Bills Die
Category: Retirement Real Estate
April 15, 2019 – The controversial bills advocated by online short term rental companies have apparently faded away in the Florida legislature. If passed, HB 987 and SB 824 would have taken away local control of transient rentals from local governments in the Sunshine State and given it to the State instead. While most people seem to be in favor of short term rentals (1 week or less) when they go on vacation, homeowners in tourist areas tend to resent the onslaught of one and two night renters coming through their neighborhoods (see “Short Term Rentals in Florida Legislature” with survey results). Affordable housing is another issue impacted when short term rentals tend to take over local markets. State Rep. Holly Raschein and State Senator Anitere Flores were two south Florida officials who were opposed to the legislation.
Comments on "Florida Short Term Rental Bills Die"
scottzur says:
I guess the local corrupt tyrants will continue to control the masses for the benefit of the few
Jan says:
The Florida legislature tried to take away all local control - not only over short-term rentals, but use of straws, suntan lotion, etc. They were successful in some areas, unfortunately. Many cities, counties, and residents spoke up and the short-term rental bills died at the last minute. This unpopular legislation (with residents) returns every year, and these bills are supported by most realtors (more churn of properties) and those legislators receiving donations from the short-term rental lobby.
Scottzur, you said it perfectly!
Daryl says:
Add one more thing to worry about when spending big bucks on a retirement residence—living in a giant motel with a constant parade of careless strangers. That’s my idea of paradise for sure.
Clyde says:
Daryl, the issue of short term rentals in a development is usually avoided in many of them, based on the HOA bylaws. For example, where we live, only leases for six months or a year are allowed. Anything less than that is prohibited and strictly enforced. There is also a one-year initial period when when the unit cannot be rented at all. And every resident, renter or owner, must initially be approved by the HOA board before occupancy. So it is important to closely read any section of the bylaws related to rentals before buying in a development, depending on what you want. Some people want to be able to rent on a short-term or daily basis and some HOA bylaws intentionally allow this.
Jean says:
Local control of rental policy etc. is a good thing. How can the people in the state house, many who represent areas in the state that are not tourist areas, understand what the issues are in those areas, and since they dont represent the state citizens who do live in those areas, why would they even care ( unless then were getting contributions to care?)
Jan says:
Clyde, this year’s FL bills stated that it is a constitutional right to use your house however you would like. This year, they were going after HOAs.
Curt R says:
Daryl and Jan both express correctly.
As a soon-to-be PERMANENT resident of Florida I resent the pressures exerted by Realtors over legislation that would NOT affect them except to help fill their pockets via increased property churn.
Unfortunately I didn't read the bylaws of my new development before signing on the dotted line, but will do so ASAP when I arrive.
I didn't signup for a lifelong hotel but rather I thought it was going to be my retirement home.
We'll see if I made the right decision.