Bill heads to DeSantis reining in vacation rental industry, create ‘predictability’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Legislation is on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk that implements new regulations and standards for the vacation rental property industry.
Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, is the champion of SB 280, which he said creates “predictability” for local government and industry members.
“What we’re trying to do is create that uniform set of regulations to get that predictability so that all of the stakeholders know exactly what these regulations are,” DiCeglie said.
On the floor, DiCeglie emphasized that he is vying to protect property rights and help local businesses with the new standards.
Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, expressed worry regarding the process to submit complaints for disturbances or crimes being committed at rental properties. DiCeglie explained that occupants or bystanders can still contact law enforcement for urgent matters.
Under the bill, local governments can create a rental registry program, charge a registration fee, and fine rental operators for violating registration requirements up to $500.
Among the requirements, renters could be required by local governments to advertise the maximum occupancy of the rental based on the number of beds or sleeping accommodations for overnight stays.
The bill passed the House of Representatives Wednesday 60-51. It passed the Senate 23-16 on Thursday.
Rep. Phillip Griffits, R-Panama City Beach, sponsored the House version, HB 1537.
A House amendment to the bill by Griffitts preempts the regulation of licensing of rentals to the state, and creates a “regulatory statewide framework.”
It also preempts to the state the regulation of advertising platforms. It ensured that local governments can suspend registrations, or revoke or renew them, under certain instances.
Registration can also ensure that the property has a party who can respond to complaints or emergencies that take place at the rental.
The bill would work to ensure that those who own rental properties keep up their valid registration, or face fines up to $500.
“Local governments have to know which of these properties is operating as a vacation rental, and this bill does exactly that,” DiCeglie said. “We’re very proud of the product as we anticipate what the House is going to send this back.”
If signed by DeSantis into law, it would take effect July 1, 2024.
