Florida's tourism industry is the backbone of the state's economy, generating billions in revenue and supporting countless small businesses.
However, a recent legislative move, Senate Bill 280 (SB 280), could have undermined this vital sector by granting local governments broad powers to regulate and even ban vacation rentals.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed this bill Thursday, safeguarding the rights of property owners and preserving the state's appeal as a premier tourist destination.
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"Beyond creating new bureaucratic red tape that locals must comply with, CS/SB 280 prevents local governments from enforcing an existing ordinance or passing any new local measure which would exclusively apply to vacation rentals," DeSantis said in his veto letter. "Under the bill, any such measure must apply to all residential properties. The effect of this provision will prevent virtually all local regulation of vacation rentals even though the vacation rental markets are far from uniform across various regions of the state."
"Going forward, I encourage the FLorida Legislature and all key stakeholders to work together, with the understanding that vacation rentals should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all issue," DeSantis concluded.
The Florida Alliance for Vacation Rentals warned that SB 280 would introduce a range of bureaucratic requirements that would burden both local governments and property owners. The excessive penalties through various fees and fines were expected to lead to fewer vacation rentals and discourage property owners from participating in the market, particularly small-scale owners who rely on rental income to supplement their livelihoods.
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One of the most concerning aspects of SB 280 was its potential to infringe on the private property rights of Florida residents. The bill would have given local governments the ability to fine and regulate vacation rentals out of existence, essentially denying property owners the right to use their own assets as they see fit.
The tourism industry is a vital component of Florida's economy, generating billions in revenue and supporting countless small businesses. By removing a popular lodging option, SB 280 risked driving visitors away from the state, as they would consider alternative destinations for their travels.
By vetoing SB 280, Governor DeSantis has safeguarded the state's tourism industry, which is essential to the success of local restaurants, retail stores, and other small businesses that rely on the influx of visitors. This decision aligns with the governor's recent celebration of the over 140 million visitors who traveled to Florida in 2023, contributing billions to the state's GDP.
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