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Residents press county for stricter short‑term rental rules as commissioners weigh ordinance changes
Summary
More than a dozen residents from neighborhoods across Manatee County urged commission action on short‑term rentals, detailing noise, trash, drainage and safety problems; commissioners discussed an occupancy cap, registration, enforcement capacity and state preemption limiting land‑use rules and agreed to continue work and return with proposed code updates.
Dozens of residents shared accounts of short‑term rental (STR) problems in unincorporated Manatee County, asking the board to pursue limits on occupancy, stronger registration and enforcement and clearer complaint procedures. "We're seeing properties advertised for 15, 20, almost 30 guests with pickleball and basketball courts and splash pads to entertain this occupancy," said Erin Davila, who said her group of neighbors has grown into hundreds and wants a seat in drafting the ordinance.
Speakers described repeated late‑night parties, waste and flooding from backyard conversions, impacts to first‑responder workloads and cases where residents said code enforcement had limited ability to act. Commissioners discussed a proposed county ordinance that would include registration and penalties, but noted state law (and pending legislation) may restrict local land‑use limitations such as buffer zones or pickleball setbacks. Chair Tal Siddiq said staff will return to the board with revised language and an implementation plan; Commissioner Amanda Ballard said she would support a September return with a less burdensome enforcement approach paired with stiff penalties and license revocation for repeat violations.
