RASM Helps Defeat Manatee County Vacation Rental Restrictions

Earlier this year, Manatee County introduced proposed regulations targeting short-term vacation rentals. If enacted, these rules would have affected approximately 6,000 properties countywide — imposing new fees, inspections, and operational restrictions on homeowners who rent their properties. Under the direction of RASM’s Public Policy Committee and Board of Directors, our advocacy team engaged directly with County staff and Commissioners to express concerns and propose less burdensome alternatives. At the Tuesday, May 6th Commission meeting, Max Brandow, RASM Vice-President of Advocacy and Member Programs, spoke in opposition to the proposal. As a result of those efforts and our ongoing collaboration, the Manatee County Commission chose not to move forward with the proposed regulations — a significant win for private property rights and responsible rental operators.