Daily Regulatory Notes 01/16/2025
Cities address STRs. Indian Rocks Beach, FL votes rules; Juneau, AK proposes policies; Marco Island, FL and New Braunfels, TX settle lawsuit. READ MORE.
Every day, we bring you a detailed overview of recent news and updates about primary decisions, community feedback, or legislative changes relevant to the short-term rental industry. đź“°
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Genelaine Urbano
Continuation from Daily Notes 01/14/2025...
Indian Rocks Beach commissioners voted 3-2 to loosen short-term rental rules, allowing occupancy increases from 10 to 12 people if space permits, and removing suspension and revocation language.
The changes aim to reduce litigation risks from seven federal lawsuits, but residents fear impacts on community character. Final approval is expected next month after further discussions.
Read the ordinance here.
To know more about Indian Rocks Beach Short Term Rental Information, check out their website here.
Juneau, AK
Juneau's task force on short-term rentals launched to propose policies addressing housing shortages by summer. Current discussions focus on limiting unit operations for property owners while ensuring seasonal rental needs.
Preview of Short-Term Rental Ordinance.
STR registration compliance is at 79%, with most rentals operating seasonally, often more profitable than long-term leases.
Marco Island, FL
Marco Island settled the last of four lawsuits over its short-term rental registration rules which were nullified in 2023 by a state law prohibiting "restrictive or burdensome" local regulations.
READ: Resolution 23-54
The city spent $727,000 on the program, reimbursed fees to 59 property owners, and faced legal challenges from Gulfcoast & Atlantic Corp., which sought fee recovery but did not succeed. The state law signed after Hurricane Ian, prohibits such ordinances until 2026, leading to Marco Island ending the program in October 2023.
New Braunfels, TX
A federal judge upheld New Braunfels’ 2011 ordinance banning short-term rentals in residential zones, dismissing a five-year lawsuit by homeowners. The court found the ordinance rationally related to preserving neighborhood character and minimizing nuisances affirming the city’s zoning authority.
Plaintiffs represented by the Texas Public Policy Foundation plan to appeal, arguing the ruling disregards property rights. This ruling follows a 2023 appellate court decision allowing further review, which has now been resolved.
