Daily Regulatory Notes 03/26/2026

Florida

The death of a child at a Miami-Dade short-term rental is raising regulatory concerns about safety compliance and advertising standards within the STR market.

The family alleges the property failed to meet Florida’s legal pool safety requirements despite being promoted as “family friendly,” and plans to pursue legal action against the platform. The case highlights ongoing gaps between existing safety regulations and enforcement, particularly in privately operated vacation rentals.

Maryland

Maryland lawmakers have approved a first-in-the-nation statewide bill requiring short-term rentals to meet baseline fire and carbon monoxide safety standards.

The legislation mandates smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and emergency contact information in all STR properties, while also requiring booking platforms to verify compliance. Local governments will be responsible for enforcement, including annual inspections and the option to introduce registration fees to fund oversight.

University Park, TX

University Park is revisiting its approach to short-term rentals as residents weigh competing concerns during a recent Planning and Zoning Commission hearing.

With roughly 15 STRs currently operating, city officials are considering a range of options, including a full ban, partial restrictions by zoning district, or a citywide regulatory framework. Community feedback reflects a familiar divide: some residents cite noise, traffic, and parking issues tied to STR activity, while others argue that well-managed rentals can coexist with neighborhoods and provide value.

Buchanan, MI

Buchanan is moving forward with technical updates to its short-term rental regulations, with city commissioners reviewing amendments designed to better align zoning code language with rules already in place.

The proposed changes would not alter the existing STR framework, which includes a designated overlay district, but instead aim to improve clarity and enforceability. A final public hearing and vote are set for April 13.

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Vacation Home Rentals | South Lake Tahoe, CA - Official Website

Permitting and enforcement information for vacation home rentals

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The South Lake Tahoe City Council has adopted amendments to its Vacation Home Rental ordinance, replacing prior spacing restrictions with a citywide cap of 900 permits in residential areas as it recalibrates STR oversight.

The update introduces new operational rules, including a minimum rental age, expanded condo eligibility, and stricter reporting requirements, while clarifying policies around permit transfers and enforcement. Officials are also requiring platforms to promote “family-friendly” standards in residential neighborhoods. The changes, effective April 23, come as the city continues to refine its regulatory framework following a court decision that invalidated earlier restrictions on vacation rentals.

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Covington, GA

Covington city officials are opting not to expand restrictions on short-term rentals after a proposal to prohibit business activity inside STR properties was narrowly voted down 2–3 on March 16.

The request stemmed from growing concerns about pop-up shops, meet-and-greet events, and other commercial-style activities operating out of STRs in residential neighborhoods, which some leaders say are creating nuisance conditions and unfair competition with licensed local businesses.

Carmel, IN

Carmel’s ability to regulate short-term rentals has been significantly weakened after the passage of House Enrolled Act 1210, which effectively voids the city’s existing restrictions and approval requirements.

The new state law retroactively redefines bed-and-breakfast classifications, undermining Carmel’s prior framework that required zoning approval for rentals under 30 days and forcing the city to drop enforcement actions, including an active lawsuit.

Salem, OR

Salem officials are moving forward with new short-term rental regulations after unanimously approving a 2% fee on STR bookings, adding to the existing 9% lodging tax and aligning the sector more closely with hotel taxation.

The fee, set to take effect May 1, will apply to platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, with most of the revenue directed toward tourism promotion efforts. Supporters say the measure levels the playing field and strengthens funding for local tourism, while operators argue rising costs and permitting requirements are making STRs harder to sustain.

Columbia Falls, MT

Columbia Falls officials are actively weighing new regulations for short-term rentals, with the planning commission recommending a primary-residence-based model similar to Bozeman’s but without caps or zoning limits.

Short-Term Rentals | Columbia Falls, MT

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The proposal would prioritize owner-occupied rentals and accessory dwelling units while allowing existing STR operators to continue, though permits would not transfer upon sale, effectively phasing out investor-owned properties over time. City staff also suggested stronger enforcement tools, including higher fees, required permit numbers tied to listings, and platform accountability for removing unlicensed rentals.

Walton County, FL

Walton County is stepping up enforcement of short-term vacation rental regulations, focusing on improving compliance with tourist development tax (TDT) payments and mandatory fire safety inspections.

Officials report compliance rates nearing 90% with a goal of 95% by 2026, but acknowledge ongoing gaps as hundreds of properties remain unregistered or delinquent. The county is increasing legal pressure by bringing noncompliant owners to monthly magistrate hearings, where fines of up to $500 per day can be imposed until violations are resolved. Alongside tax enforcement, random fire safety inspections are now a key compliance tool.

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