Commissioners direct staff to study illegal short-term rentals in single-family zones

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously directed staff on Feb. 11 to research enforcement options and regulatory approaches for illegal short-term rentals in single-family residential (RSF) zones after several residents told the board the rentals are undermining neighborhood character and public safety.

A public commenter told the board that "illegal rentals hollowed out RSF neighborhoods and left residents without the support system real communities depend on," and urged immediate county action and tools used elsewhere to identify noncompliant properties. The commenter suggested software such as AirDNA to detect listings and noted other local governments have adopted registration and enforcement frameworks.

Commissioner Smith moved to direct the county attorney and administration to re-tee prior memos on the subject, research best-practice models from neighboring jurisdictions, and return with enforceable options; Commissioner Nunder seconded and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. County staff said they will circulate existing memos and prepare follow-up materials for an upcoming agenda item.

During the meeting staff noted prior work on registration programs and enforcement options and offered to re-present those materials to the board with legal analysis. Commissioners asked that any follow-up include community stakeholders and potential advisory input. No new ordinance or enforcement action was adopted at the workshop; the board's directive tasks staff and legal with research and a future recommendation.