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CS/HB 1537 (Griffitts) relating to short-term rentals will be heard in its final committee, the House Commerce Committee, on Thursday, February 22, at 8 a.m. Although we appreciate the Legislature’s efforts addressing certain issues concerning short-term rentals, the League opposes HB 1537 for the following reasons:
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Arbitrary and Unreasonable Ordinances: Last year, the Legislature passed SB 170, requiring cities to account for the potential business impacts of a proposed ordinance. This bill was sold as the “preemption to end all preemptions.” However, here we are just seven months later, and cities are now facing additional preemptions in HB 1537.
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Diminishing Private Property Rights: Homes in Florida are being purchased by private equity to become vacation rentals. These investment-owners are diminishing the quiet use and enjoyment of the properties.
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Limiting Local Government Flexibility: Flexibility is needed to respond to changing dynamics without overbroad solutions. This broad, one-size-fits-all approach prohibits substantial innovation to address local needs in an industry that is evergreen.
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