Hernando County staff previews draft certificate‑of‑use for short‑term rentals; residents urge stronger enforcement and clear contact information

Hernando County staff and counsel presented a draft ordinance Dec. 16 that would require vacation‑rental operators to obtain a certificate of use, post a local contact, comply with life‑safety code requirements and meet a specified occupancy limit. The draft would limit occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two in a common area, with a maximum of 10 persons per unit, and requires operators to register proof of insurance and provide documentation that the property is rented legally.

"The proposed ordinance is designed to preserve the nature and atmosphere of residential areas and to ensure the county's residents the tranquility and peaceful enjoyment of their neighborhoods," staff said during the presentation, summarizing the ordinance goals. The certificate of use would be posted at the property and would enable county inspection authority and a framework for enforcement against property owners or managers who fail to comply.

Speakers from Hernando Beach — a neighborhood with multiple short‑term rentals — told commissioners that nuisance problems already occur: blocked narrow streets, boats and trailers parked where they interfere with traffic, loud parties late at night, bright external lighting that shines into neighbors' homes, and ambiguous lines of responsibility for response. "We have cars on holidays that are basically taking up half the roadway," one resident said, noting the public‑safety implications for emergency access.

Residents and commissioners recommended stricter enforcement language, including the ability to levy significant fines for repeated violations, and a clear standard for how quickly a responsible party must physically respond when notified. Several commenters urged requiring a local management company or on‑call local representative for out‑of‑state owners, and suggested a standard posted contact phone number on the property so neighbors can report problems immediately.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged practical implementation issues — how to verify compliance, whether building‑code upgrades should be required for all existing units, and how to enforce on weekends when code staff are limited. Counsel said the proposed rules would apply to properties considered vacation rentals at the time of adoption and recommended refining enforcement language and response‑time standards before forwarding the draft to the Board of County Commissioners for formal hearings.

What’s next: Staff will take the commission’s feedback (including suggested timeframes for responsible‑party response, stronger enforcement teeth and clearer record‑keeping requirements) and prepare the draft ordinance for the Board of County Commissioners with public hearings to follow.