Florida Senate Commerce & Tourism Committee to consider Short Term Rental Bill SB 1128 Tuesday, Feb 11

By Susan Hardee Steger

February 9, 2020

On Tuesday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m., SB 1128 will be before the Senate Commerce & Tourism Committee for consideration.  After inquires from readers of the Fernandina Observer, City Manager Dale Martin sent us the following information from the Florida League of Cities.

The Impact of  SB 1128

• Preempt to the state the regulation of vacation rentals.
• Undo local ordinances adopted since 2014.
• Preempts to the state licensure and inspections of STRs.
• Any ordinances (noise, parking, trash, etc.), must apply to all residential properties, regardless of how the property is being used.
• Local governments cannot prohibit rentals (not just STRs), impose occupancy limits on rental properties, or require inspections or licensing of rentals (specific to STRs).

Talking Points for those who oppose:

• This is a local zoning issue. Commercial activity in neighborhoods is regulated for a good reason: to protect residents and ensure the right infrastructure is there.
• The DBPR’s Office of Inspector General 2018 Audit Report found that the agency has struggled to meet its own approved performance standards for lodging inspection measures and will continue to struggle.
• Everyone’s property rights should be balanced. Unruly behavior and issues with parking and public safety destroy the residential character of our neighborhoods. Our residents suffer while corporations profit.
• Short-term rentals are overtaking residential neighborhoods and creating public safety risks. Residents don’t know the people next door. Sex offenders don’t have to register. Neighbors are less likely to confront strangers when problems or nuisances arise.
• Additionally, rentals are causing a drain on law enforcement services, when issues should be handled by code enforcement instead. Because police are forced to respond to parking and house parties, it means fewer officers focusing on stopping crimes and keeping communities safe.
• Unregulated short-term rentals make the affordable housing crisis worse. Homes are turned into mini-hotels, which reduces the long-term rentals available and causes a housing shortage for working people.
• Seven in 10 voters say local rules should govern short-term rentals. Nearly three-fourths want local elected officials in charge.

A portion of language in the bill supporting SB 1128:

• Vacation rental have constitutionally protected property rights and other rights that must be protected, including the right to use their residential property as a vacation rental.
• Vacation rentals play a significant, unique, and critical role in this state’s tourism industry, and that role is different from other types of public lodging establishments;

To live stream the Committee hearing on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. click here, and look for the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

If you wish to contact Commerce & Tourism committee member concerning SB1128

Chair: Senator Joe Gruters (R) gruters.joe@flsenate.gov 850.487.5023

Vice Chair:Senator Victor M. Torres, Jr. (D) torres.victor@flsenate.gov 850-487-5015

Senator Travis Hutson (R) Hutson.Travis@flsenate.gov 850-487-5007

Senator Linda Stewart (D) stewart.linda@flsenate.gov 850-487-5030

Senator Tom A. Wright (R) wright.tom@flsenate.gov 580-487-5014