Daily Regulatory Notes 05/14/2026

Florida

Airbnb is launching a water safety and drowning prevention campaign targeting hosts with pools and hot tubs in Florida and Arizona, following a Scripps News investigation that found more than 50 children had drowned in vacation rental pool incidents in Florida since 2021.

The company will send safety tips to affected hosts this week and host a webinar in partnership with Safe Kids Worldwide on May 27. The campaign comes after a Florida bill requiring at least one pool safety feature at vacation rental homes passed the state Senate but stalled in the House, with the bill's sponsor vowing to reintroduce it next session.

Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs officials are moving forward with plans to create a new Tourism Infrastructure District that would add a 1% fee on hotel and short-term rental revenue to help fund long-term convention center renovations.

City holds first of two public meetings on a new tourism fee that could bring in millions ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

The money raised would go toward a massive renovation planned for the convention center, but some vacation rental owners say they don’t see the benefit.

The Palm Springs PostErin Rode

During the first required public hearing, several vacation rental owners pushed back against the proposal, arguing STR operators were not properly included in the planning process and would see limited benefit from convention center upgrades compared to large hotels. A second public hearing is scheduled for May 27, and the process could be halted for a year if enough formal protests are submitted before the deadline.

Honolulu, HI

Hawaii’s escalating enforcement against illegal short-term rentals is drawing renewed attention after Honolulu fined two Oahu vacation rental properties a combined $40,000 for operating without proper authorization.

The crackdown comes as Honolulu continues enforcing strict zoning rules that largely prohibit Airbnb-style rentals in residential neighborhoods outside designated resort zones, while Maui advances separate plans to phase out thousands of vacation rentals in apartment districts over the next several years.

Bellingham, WA

Debate over short-term rentals continues in Bellingham as attorney Patrick Sutton filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s STR ordinance, arguing that restrictions on who can operate rentals and where they can be located violate constitutional property rights protections.

The city adopted its regulations in 2019 after residents raised concerns about illegal STR growth, housing availability and neighborhood impacts, with current rules requiring operators to live on the property for at least 270 days a year and prohibiting some accessory dwelling units from being used as STRs.

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Jackson, WY

The Town of Jackson is continuing its lawsuit against property owner Jeff Neishabouri after he admitted in court filings to short-term renting a deed-restricted workforce housing unit through Airbnb and other platforms, though he denies allegations that the actions were intentional or fraudulent.

Neishabouri admits to short-term renting deed-restricted housing, denies ‘fraud’ allegations

Jeff Neishabouri admitted in court documents to short-term renting an apartment that he is required to rent to Jackson Hole workers — two months after the Town of Jackson sued him, saying he had done so. But the developer and the town don’t appear to agree whether what the developer says he did amounted to “fraud.”

Jackson Hole News&GuideAlex Viveros / Town and Health Reporter

Town officials claim the rentals violated a 2019 agreement tied to Jackson’s affordable housing incentive program, which required the apartment to remain available for local workers in exchange for development bonuses.

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles officials are considering a temporary expansion of short-term rental rules ahead of the 2028 Olympics that would allow homeowners to rent out second homes through the end of 2028.

Housing advocates and residents oppose the proposal, arguing it could reduce long-term housing supply and worsen affordability issues while raising concerns about party houses and enforcement. The City Council committee postponed action as it reviews possible additional oversight requirements for rental platforms.

Hancock County, ME

Most towns in Maine’s Hancock County still do not regulate short-term rentals, even as debate over Airbnb-style properties continues to grow across coastal communities.

The report found that only a handful of municipalities, including Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Dedham and Stonington, have adopted licensing, registration or occupancy rules, while many others are still discussing possible regulations or have rejected proposed ordinances. Supporters say short-term rentals provide important income and tourism benefits, while critics argue they reduce long-term housing supply and change neighborhood character. The issue continues to gain attention statewide as Maine communities weigh housing concerns against tourism-driven economic activity.

Arapahoe County, CO

Arapahoe County commissioners unanimously approved new short term rental regulations Tuesday that will take effect in late June, after a previous vote in April had to be redone due to technical issues that prevented online participants from joining.

The rules require STRs to be primary residences, impose a 500-foot separation between new rentals, cap multifamily STR licenses at 100 countywide and require a designated local agent reachable by phone within 15 minutes and on site within 60 minutes. License fees are set at $200 for an initial application and $350 annually, with existing operators given 60 days to apply for a legacy exemption after the ordinance takes effect.

Gallatin, TN

Gallatin is proposing its first major zoning overhaul since 1998, with a nearly 600-page draft ordinance that includes significant new requirements for short term rental operators.

Under the proposal, STRs that currently operate legally but don't meet the new rules would be allowed to continue only until the property is sold or transferred, at which point the new owner must comply with updated regulations. The draft was submitted to the Gallatin Planning Commission in April 2026 and must go through public hearings and City Council approval before taking effect.

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