Although the Florida legislative session does not officially convene until March 7, how the state addresses – or ignores – the rise of unregulated short-term rentals is already a hot policy topic. State Sen. Greg Steube (R) has introduced legislation to further preempt and undo local government regulations on short-term rentals. The state passed legislation in 2014 barring new local government restrictions on short-term rentals, but Steube’s new legislation seeks to undo preexisting local rules. Conversely, a Miami Beach Democrat has filed legislation to remove any state preemption on local short-term rental ordinances, and further legislation is expected from members of the Pinellas County delegation as well. AHLA is working with state and local partners, including Florida’s AirbnbWATCH coalition, on these efforts. Check out the group HERE.

In Los Angeles last month, the City Council’s Housing Committee strengthened proposed short-term rental legislation by adopting several amendments. The committee removed the 15-day allowance for non-primary resident vacation rentals and clarified the prohibition of rent controlled units being used for short-term rentals. The proposal will next be heard by the Planning and Land Use Management Committee in the coming weeks where battles are expected on provisions addressing the annual cap and hosted rentals. AHLA continues to be actively engaged in this process with our state partner, CH&LA, and the local coalition to ensure the strongest ordinance possible