New poll shows Florida voters prefer local government to regulate short-term rentals

In case you missed it, a new poll from St. Pete Polls reinforces that Florida voters overwhelmingly support protecting their local governments’ ability to set local rules and regulations for short-term vacation rentals.

The survey asked 1,400 registered voters whether they wanted the state or local government in charge of rulemaking for vacation rentals. The pollster phrased the question in two different ways.

The first asked whether voters wanted one set of rules for all neighborhoods across Florida or if local communities should be able to set their own. Seven in 10 voters replied that local rules should trump all. Another 21 percent prefer a statewide system; 9 percent were undecided.

The pollster then asked voters point-blank whether the state government or their local city or county commission should determine set the rules. Nearly three-quarters said they want their local electeds in charge. Just 12 percent of those polled said they want vacation rental directives to come from the state. Another 14 percent were undecided.

“Currently, the Florida Legislature is reviewing numerous legislative proposals, backed by online marketplaces like Airbnb, to pre-empt the ability of local officials to enact and enforce appropriate regulations on short-term rentals. Across the state, communities are working proactively to find the best mechanism for regulating short-term rentals in their backyards. These municipalities are being deliberate in studying the local challenges that are unique to their region, listening to their constituents, and finding the best solution.  I encourage our elected leaders in Tallahassee to listen to their constituents and reject these proposals.” Ernie Bach, executive director of the Florida Silver Haired Legislature and member of Our Neighborhoods, a coalition of Florida leaders and homeowners focused on protecting Florida’s neighborhoods and the ability of local governments to regulate short-term rentals.

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