Temple Terrace advances comprehensive short‑term rental ordinance on first reading

The Temple Terrace City Council on Dec. 2 adopted on first reading a comprehensive short‑term rental ordinance designed to register and regulate properties rented on a short‑term basis while complying with state law.

Code Compliance Director Jack Shanks said staff estimates about 150 short‑term rental units operate within the city and proposed a certificate‑of‑use program requiring an initial fire and life‑safety inspection, biennial re‑inspections, and an annual $200 registration fee to defray administration and inspection costs. The ordinance would require advertising to include the property’s license and certificate numbers, maximum occupancy and parking limits, and require a local responsible party available 24 hours a day.

Operational standards in the ordinance include occupancy set at two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants, a requirement that all parking be off‑street (no lawn/grass parking), and quiet hours consistent with existing city code (10 p.m.–8 a.m.). The ordinance provides enforcement tools through the code enforcement board process; staff emphasized the program will pursue property owners rather than transient guests.

Vice Mayor Schisler and other council members raised enforcement questions — particularly parking and intermittent events connected to short visits (for example, college games or stadium events). Shanks said staff will cite and pursue property owners through the Code Enforcement Board and coordinate with police for weekend and holiday enforcement; staff also noted potential takedown or delisting through hosting platforms if warranted.

The ordinance passed on first reading by voice vote with no opposition. Staff said the city would fully enforce the measures no later than July 1, 2026 to allow time for software procurement, staff training and owner notification.