Sarasota County directs staff to design short‑term rental registration program

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously April 7 to direct Planning and Development Services staff to develop a short‑term rental registration program and return with a detailed plan, including staffing, software options and proposed fees.

The board’s action followed a staff presentation from Matt Osterado, director of Planning and Development Services, who reviewed county code and state law limits on local regulation. Osterado told the board that Florida statute 509.0327(b) preempts local governments from regulating the duration or frequency of vacation rentals, but that a registration program — which does not change rental duration — remains a viable administrative tool. “A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals or regulate the duration or frequency of rental properties,” Osterado said as he read the statutory language for the record.

Why it matters: Commissioners and residents said they want more tools to address illegal short‑term rentals and neighborhood nuisances while preserving the county’s existing 30‑day rule where it remains in force. Commissioners emphasized that any new program should pay for itself and not draw new general fund dollars.

Key details: Osterado described the county’s code‑enforcement path (notice of violation → affidavit of violation → special magistrate) and the evidence commonly required in court (receipts, bookings, photos, witness testimony). He said registration programs used elsewhere — including the City of Sarasota and Anna Maria Island — can require a responsible point of contact, annual renewals, inspections and fees. Staff estimated 9–12 months to stand up a program depending on scope and warned that software costs and staffing could be required.

Commissioner Mark Smith, who made the motion to direct staff, said he favored including on‑site parking and occupancy limits in a registration program and suggested fees could offset staffing costs. “I believe strongly that we do need a registration program,” Smith said during the discussion.

Next steps: The board’s motion (moved by Commissioner Smith; seconded by Commissioner Mast) directs staff to work with the Clerk of the Court, tax collector and property appraiser and return with an informational package and proposed ordinance for further board review. The item passed unanimously; staff will present options and estimated budgets at a future meeting.