City Cracks Down on Illegal Vacation Rentals

A task force comprised of Key West Code Compliance and the Key West Police Department made the first arrest in what is an increasing effort to crack down on illegal vacation rentals.

Michael McMahon, who owns three properties in Key West, was arrested and presented a notice to appear for illegally renting through Air BnB. He is charged with violating Governor Ron DeSantis’s Order 20-87 prohibiting vacation rentals in the state of Florida. He is also charged with a City Ordinance violation because he was operating without a transient rental permit.

McMahon is a repeat offender who owes the City about $1.2 million in fines.

The task force will continue to pursue illegal rentals in Key West in order to ensure the best possible recovery of this community’s health and economy.

“We need these illegal rentals to stop,” said City Manager Greg Veliz. “This is an order by the Governor. We need everyone doing the right thing and heeding the protective orders to curb the spread of this insidious disease.”

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