Jackson Falconer
BRADENTON – State Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) has introduced a bill that aims to stop short-term rentals services from having restrictions imposed upon them by local governments.
The bill, which would also retroactively remove restrictions made since 2011 on Airbnb and similar services, seeks to resolve what Steube has said is a property rights issue.
The city of Miami Beach began fighting against short-term rentals in March, fining people $20,000 for renting out for less than six months. The Miami New Times reports that $1.6 million in total fines have been issued by Miami Beach so far. Other parts of Florida have also sought to stop short-term rentals. Madeira Beach's city commissioner has been aggressively going after people renting out spaces for short time frames.
Local government officials that are opposed to short-term rentals argue that they prevent tourists from booking hotels. Hotel bed taxes are a significant financial for municipalities.
The Florida legislature will open its first session in March.
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