Sarasota Vacation Rental Rules Go City Wide

The vacation rental rules that previously only applied to Sarasota city properties on barrier islands were recently expanded to apply to all vacation rentals (less than 30 days) in the City of Sarasota.

These new rules will require all vacation rental owners to apply to the city for a rental certificate, get an annual inspection from city officials, adhere to safety requirements, and have a point of contact available to address any complaints or issues. Maximum occupancy for vacation rentals was reduced from 16 to 14 persons per rental, depending on bedroom count. The new fee for registration is $500, with renewal registration $350.

RASM opposed this expansion at every commission meeting and workshop due to the negative impact it would have on small “mom & pop” operators of vacation rentals, as well as the lack of certainty that the new rules would address the city’s perceived problems with vacation rentals.

Registration for non-barrier island vacation rentals will be accepted starting July 1, 2024, and no later than October 31, 2024. If not registered by Jan. 2025, those vacation rentals will be in violation. All rentals must be registered. Please make sure to inform your clients who operate vacation rentals of these proposed changes, and the new timeline to register!

NEW PRELIMINARY FEMA FLOOD MAPS WILL IMPACT SARASOTA COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS

FEMA is rolling out new flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS) that could impact your client’s insurance requirements and premiums, due to a myriad of factors, including new construction, growth, environmental considerations, floodplains changing and shifting, and alterations to local watersheds, flood risk changes over time. Sarasota County has created a website to assist Realtors® and property owners in navigating these changes. Also, there will be an “open house” via Zoom where County officials will answer questions about the proposed changes on March 13 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. To register for the Zoom, contact Steve Bell at Sarasota County Government at 941-861-6615.

Please take a look at this site for important information: FEMA Flood Map Changes - SRQ. On this site and at the virtual town hall in March, you can find information on how to dispute and appeal new maps with FEMA, learn information about how you could possibly save your clients money on insurance before the preliminary FIRM is adopted, and much more.

CITY OF BRADENTON NEEDS REALTORS® INPUT

The City of Bradenton wants to hear how you use and experience the city. The information the city collects will be vital for future planning and community development, and as we know, Realtors® are on the front lines of the community. You all know where we’ve been and where we’re going. What do you like about the city? What do you dislike? What do you want to see in the future? All of these questions are on the table as the city and community create a vision for the future. Please click HERE to be part of the process!

For any questions, contact Max Brandow, RASM Vice President of Advocacy and Member Programs.