The City of Sarasota Code Compliance Hearing on October 2, 2025, addressed several significant cases, including a notable discussion regarding a vacation rental operated by Sean Worsley. The hearing focused on compliance with city codes related to vacation rentals, specifically violations concerning the operation and advertisement of such rentals without proper certification.
During the meeting, it was confirmed that the property in question had previously been found in violation of city code sections 34.5-19(a)(1) and 34.5-19(a)(2), which pertain to the operation and advertisement of vacation rentals. Additionally, zoning code violations were noted, as the property was being used for short-term rentals in a single-family residential zone, which is not permitted. However, inspections conducted on September 9 and July 9 indicated that the property had since come into compliance with the relevant codes.
The city presented a recommendation for fines related to the violations. Initially, a substantial fine of $15,600 had been imposed due to previous non-compliance, but the city sought to reduce this to a total of $2,000, which included a $1,500 fine and a nominal cost of $5.40 to cover inspection expenses. The hearing concluded with the acceptance of this recommendation, and the previous order establishing the larger fine was vacated.
This meeting highlights the city's ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with local regulations governing vacation rentals, ensuring that property owners adhere to the established codes to maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods. The next steps will involve monitoring compliance to prevent future violations.