Sarasota Proposes 71% Increase in Vacation Rental Renewal Fees

The City of Sarasota is considering significant changes to its vacation rental regulations that could impact property owners, managers, and REALTORS®. Here's what you need to know before the October 19 public hearing.

If you own, manage, or work with vacation rental properties in the City of Sarasota, proposed changes to the City's Vacation Rental Compliance Program could mean higher operating costs and additional requirements for your business.

The Sarasota City Commission is scheduled to consider these changes on Monday, October 19, 2026, including a proposed increase in annual vacation rental renewal fees from $350 to $600, a more than 71% increase.

What's Being Proposed?

The proposed changes include:

• Higher Renewal Fees: Annual vacation rental renewal fees would increase from $350 to $600.
• Additional Staffing: The City's vacation rental program would expand from five to seven staff members.
• Program Changes: Updates to registration, inspections, and administrative procedures.

Why This Matters to REALTORS®

Higher vacation rental fees can affect more than just property owners. They can also impact property management costs, investment decisions, and the expenses your clients face.

For REALTORS® working with vacation rentals and investment properties, these changes could directly affect your business and the clients you serve.

RASM supports reasonable regulations that protect public safety and maintain neighborhood standards. However, we believe these goals can be achieved without placing unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on responsible property owners and managers.

In an October 15 letter to the City Commission, RASM encouraged Commissioners to reconsider the proposed fee increases, explore more efficient inspection and registration procedures, and provide opportunities for property owners and managers to share feedback before the changes are finalized.

Make Your Voice Heard Before October 19

These proposed changes could affect your business and your clients. Your perspective matters.

RASM encourages REALTORS® who own, manage, or work with vacation rental properties in the City of Sarasota to contact City Commissioners before Monday's public hearing.

Share how the proposed fee increase could affect your business, and ask Commissioners to consider more cost-effective alternatives and opportunities for stakeholder input before moving forward.

Email All Sarasota City Commissioners:
Commissioners@SarasotaFl.gov

Suggested Email to City Commissioners

Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Vacation Rental Fee Increases

Dear Mayor and Commissioners,

I am a REALTOR® writing to express my concerns about the proposed changes to the City of Sarasota's Vacation Rental Compliance Program.

Increasing annual renewal fees from $350 to $600 could create additional financial burdens for property owners and impact those of us who work with vacation rental and investment properties.

I encourage the Commission to reconsider the proposed fee increase, explore opportunities to reduce administrative costs, and seek input from property owners and managers before finalizing these changes.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

If you have any questions, please contact Max Brandow, Vice President of Advocacy and Member Programs, at Maxwell@myrasm.com.