TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Both the Florida House and Senate have proposed bills about short-term rentals. Both were postponed after mass criticism from local leaders and no support from Gov. Ron DeSantis
The proposed bills, HB 1011 and SB1128, would protect people or businesses who advertise rentals through platforms like Aibnb or VRBO.
At a press conference on Monday, residents from Tallahassee, St. Augustine and Crystal River said vacation rentals left unchecked negatively affect the quality of life for neighbors.
Charles Delony, a property owner, disagreed.
"We're about to screw this mess up," Deloney said. "It is best left to areas where it is actually taking place to understand and control the issues that best suits them."
If the bills pass, the state would regulate short-term rentals just like it does hotels, motels, and restaurants.
Short-term rentals would also have to have and display 'Vacation Rental Dwelling License,' sales tax information, and tourist development tax information.
Gov. DeSantis questioned the state’s ability to handle the task and the need for statewide uniformity.
The bills would also have a provision that removes advertised rentals from the platforms if they do not comply with approved legislation.
The House bill has cleared all three committees and is ready for the floor, meaning there is still a path despite the postponement.
The Senate version of the bill will have to wait to be discussed until the next Rules Committee meeting.
