TOWN ‘N’ COUNTRY, Fla. — Hillsborough County commissioners have unanimously approved new regulations for short-term rental properties, including mandatory registration, a $200 annual fee per rental unit and increased oversight by the county.
The new rules are being welcomed by some residents who live near short-term rentals, while property managers and other rental operators argue the ordinance could place unnecessary costs and regulations on responsible owners.
For Leigh Ann Wrona, who has lived in Bay Crest Park for 15 years, the issue hits close to home.
“Bay Crest is a wonderful neighborhood,” Wrona said. “It has that laid-back feeling. We’re on the water.”
But Wrona said the number of short-term rentals in her neighborhood has grown dramatically over the years.
“It was like maybe 20 before, and we’re over a hundred, I think, or 126 now,” she said. “It’s just insane. And it’s just continuing to increase and increase.”
Wrona said she has also experienced problems involving guests staying at nearby vacation rentals.
She recalled one property where more than 20 people were staying at the home for what she described as bachelor parties. She said a grill fire at the property eventually damaged the back wall of the house.
“We need the accountability,” Wrona said. “So many of these owners defer to their property management company and don’t want to take the accountability. So yes, I do think it’s going to be so helpful.”
Under the new county ordinance, short-term rental owners will be required to register their properties and pay a $200 annual registration fee for each unit.
Owners will also have to designate a representative who can respond to problems involving the property.
In addition, county code enforcement will have the ability to conduct inspections when a complaint is filed.
Supporters say the new requirements will give the county more tools to address properties that generate repeated complaints and create problems for surrounding neighborhoods.
But opponents argue the county should focus its enforcement efforts on bad operators rather than imposing new requirements on every short-term rental owner.
During the county commission meeting, property manager Hannah Schultze of Schultze Property Solutions spoke against the ordinance.
“I’m not asking you to protect bad operators,” Schultze said, pointing to issues such as parties, occupancy violations, excessive noise and safety hazards as examples of situations where enforcement is appropriate.
“But do not confuse the bad actors with the thousands of ordinary property owners who are simply trying to make a living, protect their investment and have a place to call home in Florida,” she added.
Wrona said she is not opposed to short-term rentals themselves.
Instead, she said she wants greater accountability for properties that repeatedly cause problems and believes the new county rules are a step in the right direction.
The new regulations are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.
County commissioners have also said they plan to revisit the ordinance after it has been in effect for 90 days to determine whether additional changes are needed.