Ban Short Term Rentals

02/19/2026

Here’s the latest, verifiable news about short‑term rentals (STRs) in Florida as of early 2026, based on current reporting and regulatory updates.

Statewide: STR Rules Are Tightening in 2026:

1. Across Florida, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of stricter enforcement, higher fees, and new compliance requirements for Airbnb and Vrbo hosts.

Many hosts are receiving new platform requests to add or update city registration numbers.

Several municipalities have increased STR license renewal fees, in some cases doubling them.

A new 5% tax on whole‑home rentals is being reported in some jurisdictions, applied retroactively to January 1, 2026.

These changes reflect a broader national trend, but Florida is one of the most active states in tightening oversight.

2. Florida’s STR Framework Remains a Patchwork:

Florida still uses a statewide licensing and tax system, but cities and counties layer on their own rules.

Operators must comply with DBPR licensing, state sales tax, and local tourist development taxes.

Local governments continue to add noise rules, occupancy limits, inspection requirements, and registration programs.

Visitor demand remains extremely high — 143 million visitors in 2024 and record-setting tourism in early 2025 — which keeps pressure on both hosts and regulators.

3. South Florida: Major Crackdowns for 2026:

South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) is seeing some of the strictest enforcement in the state:

Cities have raised fines, increased inspections, and tightened zoning restrictions.

Many areas now require local registration numbers to be displayed on listings.

Investors are being warned that 2026 is a “make-or-break year” for compliance.

4. Market Trends: STR vs. Long-Term Rentals:

In cities like Miami, the rental market is splitting into two competing segments:

Some neighborhoods are booming with short-term rentals (tourists, remote workers).

Others are shifting toward long-term renters who can’t afford to buy but need stability.

This creates uneven demand and pricing depending on the district.

5. Investor Outlook for 2026:

Florida remains one of the most dynamic STR markets in the U.S., but:

Seasonal demand swings are becoming more pronounced.

Cash flow depends heavily on location-specific rules and tourism cycles.

Investors must factor in higher compliance costs and more aggressive enforcement.

01/10/2026

I have been working on the short term rental situation here in Hernando Beach, Florida as my time allows. I have learned a lot!!

Below is a copy of an email I just sent to our local BOCC, that I have rewritten according to my new knowledge base. If you agree, feel free to copy and use - edit as you please.

Commissioner {name here},
My name is { }, and I am a resident of Hernando Beach. I’m writing because our neighborhood is experiencing a noticeable shift due to the growing number of short‑term rentals (STRs). While tourism is an important part of Florida’s economy, the rapid increase in transient occupancy within residential streets is creating challenges that our current county ordinances are not equipped to manage.

I want to be clear: this is not about opposing visitors or responsible hosts. It is about ensuring that Hernando County maintains safe, stable, and predictable neighborhoods for the people who live here year‑round.

Why I’m Concerned

• Even when properties are well‑maintained, STRs introduce:
• A constant turnover of unfamiliar individuals
• Reduced accountability when issues arise
• Increased noise, parking congestion, and late‑night activity
• A weakening sense of community and neighborhood cohesion
These impacts are not hypothetical — they are being felt by residents across the county.

What the County Can Do Within Florida Law

I understand that state preemption limits how counties regulate STRs. However, Hernando County still has several legal tools available that would significantly improve neighborhood stability and reduce conflict.

I respectfully ask the Board to consider adopting the following measures:
1. Mandatory STR Registration
Require all STR operators to register with the county, provide a 24/7 local contact, and show proof of DBPR licensing and tax compliance.
2. Annual Safety and Code Compliance Inspections
Apply inspections uniformly to all rental properties to ensure fire safety, occupancy limits, and proper maintenance.
3. Enforceable Parking and Occupancy Standards
Limit parking to designated areas and enforce occupancy based on septic capacity or fire code.
4. Clear “Good Neighbor” Requirements
Require STRs to post noise rules, trash pickup schedules, parking instructions, and emergency contact information.
5. Stronger Penalties for Repeat Violations
Escalating fines and temporary suspension of STR operation for chronic offenders would protect residents without harming responsible hosts.
6. Proactive Identification of Unlicensed STRs
Use available software or data‑matching tools to identify unregistered rentals and ensure compliance.

Why This Matters

Neighborhoods thrive on predictability, familiarity, and shared investment. When homes turn into revolving‑door lodging, the social fabric changes — even if the houses themselves look the same. Residents deserve a sense of stability and safety, and the county has the authority to help restore that balance.

I respectfully urge the Board to take meaningful action to safeguard the character and livability of Hernando County’s residential neighborhoods. I also encourage you to review how other Florida counties are working to preserve the stability of their communities. In the meantime, I will continue to personally advocate at the state level for policies that protect long‑term residents and preserve the integrity of Florida’s residential communities.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.

Respectfully,
{your name and contact info here}

01/05/2026

https://www.acmna.org/short-term-rentals

12/16/2025

Florida City-by-City Regulation Breakdown per ttps://beachsidevr.com/blog/2025-guide-to-florida-short-term-rental-laws

Miami
Tight regulations and zoning restrictions. Rentals must often be owner-occupied.

Orlando
Only owner-occupied short-term rentals are allowed. A special exception may be required.

Tampa
Fairly permissive. State registration is usually sufficient.

Jacksonville
Short-term rentals require conditional use permits in certain districts.

Fort Lauderdale
Requires registration and inspections. Properties must meet noise and safety standards.

Clearwater Beach
Extremely limited. Rentals under 31 days are banned in many residential areas.

Sarasota
Requires a minimum stay of 7 nights. Zoning and safety checks apply.

St. Petersburg
Allows only a few STRs per year without full registration. Zones are restrictive.

Destin & Fort Walton Beach
Zoned STR areas only. Capacity and safety regulations strictly enforced.

Cocoa Beach
Short-term rentals in Cocoa Beach are allowed only in certain zoning districts. Licensing, occupancy caps, and a local responsible party are required. For the full 2025 update, read this detailed Cocoa Beach Vacation Rental Laws Guide.

Kissimmee
STRs are allowed only in designated overlay districts. Developers must meet specific land and housing requirements.

Picture for attention

10/24/2025

https://homesnothotelsirb.org/news

Short-term rentals (STRs) have been a persistent issue in Indian Rocks Beach for years, and residents have reached a breaking point, demanding action to reclaim their neighborhoods. Meanwhile, STR operators continue to operate unchecked—many without inspections—while local citizens struggle to o...

09/19/2025

Watch this brief clip. It highlights a variety of problems neighbors experience when strangers are living in their neighborhoods.
Please Share. Also, check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/371823891167657

08/31/2025

https://www.change.org/p/restore-local-control-over-short-term-rentals-in-florida

08/31/2025

Here is a variation of a letter that you can copy, paste and edit if you want, for your usage. Letters to Editors, government officials, etc.

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to you regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding the regulation of short-term rentals, a subject of increasing significance in our community.

Short-term rentals can provide significant economic benefits, offering property owners a new income stream and attracting tourism, which stimulates local businesses. However, the rise of these rentals can also lead to challenges such as neighborhood disruptions, increased housing costs, and a strain on local infrastructure.

To address these concerns, I propose a balanced regulatory framework that considers both the interests of property owners and the wider community. This could involve implementing a licensing system for short-term rentals, establishing limits on the number of days properties can be rented without a full-time resident present, and creating a fund to support local services affected by increased tourism. In Florida, Gov. DeSantis will need to give back to our local cities and counties the right to regulate short term rentals according to their unique circumstances.

I believe that with a comprehensive approach, we can maximize the advantages of short-term rentals while mitigating their drawbacks. I look forward to discussing this matter further and exploring feasible solutions together.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

[My Name]

08/19/2025

I also have a similar letter re-worded a bit and sent to Gov. DeSantis. I will post his response once received.

Here is a sample letter. I used it to email to our local County Commissioners. Please feel free to use and adapt to your circumstances.

[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City], [Your State] [ZIP Code]

[Date (optional if emailed)]

To [Commissioner’s Name],
I am writing to urge the immediate adoption of an ordinance prohibiting short term rental activity in residential zones within Hernando County.

Tourism is important to Florida’s economy, but the rapid spread of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods is eroding our quality of life, undermining property values, and compromising public safety. County leaders have a duty to put the rights of residents — quiet enjoyment, security, and lasting neighborhood stability — ahead of the profits of absentee commercial operators. This is not merely a zoning matter; it is about protecting the fabric of our community for the families, retirees, and working people who live here year round.

Neighborhood trust is built on familiarity. When homes turn into revolving door rentals, it becomes harder for neighbors to recognize genuine threats and harder for law enforcement to respond quickly. Strangers coming and going dilute the cohesion and watchfulness that keep our communities safe.

Our waterways face similar threats. Many short-term guests are unfamiliar with boating regulations, canal etiquette, and no wake zones. They speed through residential canals and open channels, endangering swimmers, kayakers, manatees, and fellow boaters. Some anchor in sensitive areas without realizing the ecological harm they cause. These are not minor inconveniences — they are significant safety and environmental hazards.

I respectfully urge the Commission to adopt an ordinance that:
1. Bans short term rentals in non owner occupied properties within residential zones.
2. Defines key terms to close loopholes.
3. Imposes meaningful fines with swift enforcement for violations.
4. Includes a reasonable sunset period for current operators to wind down.

By steering such operations into appropriate zones, we can protect visitors from unsafe conditions, preserve the health of our waterways, and maintain Hernando County’s reputation as a welcoming yet well governed destination.

The time to act is now, so future generations inherit safe, connected, and vibrant neighborhoods — not fragmented, transient ones.

Respectfully,
[Your Signature if printed]
[Your Name if emailed]

08/18/2025

For those who are interested in regulating short term rental (STR's), I created this image. Feel free to use it. The image here is fine for internet use, however, if you are going to print it (such as making a yard sign), please reach out to me for a higher resolution image. You can reach me at [email protected].

I am working on some other initiatives and will post as I can for your attention, redistribution, etc. Please email me at the above address anytime. I will address as time allows.

08/12/2025

Short term rentals have wreaked havoc on my neighborhood, turning our once peaceful community into a bustling, disruptive area. This change not only affects me, it impacts all of us who cherish the tranquility and safety of our communities.

Daily, residents contend with illegal parking, trespassing, and excessive noise from these transient visitors. Our streets are congested, making it difficult to drive or find parking in our own community. The influx of visitors unfamiliar with local life diminishes the sense of neighborliness and belonging that once flourished here.

In waterfront areas, the problem escalates. Many of these visitors ignore boating etiquette, causing alarms for seasoned navigators and newcomers alike. Their negligence is not just a minor inconvenience; it poses genuine safety risks and disrupts the aquatic harmony local residents have cultivated over the years.

We must act now to safeguard our neighborhoods from the growing disruption caused by short term rentals. By tightening regulations and enforcing stricter measures on these establishments, we can restore the peace and harmony that is vital to our community’s wellbeing. Local and state government must acknowledge and address these concerns with specific regulations that address illegal parking, noise control, and safety guidelines for waterfront activities.

Join me in urging our local government to take immediate action to regulate short term rentals and ensure they operate within the bounds of the majority of community's standards. Lets protect the peace and safety of our beloved neighborhoods.