🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Florida
Pool Safety Bill Could Change Vacation Rentals
Vacation Rentals Face New Pool Safety Rules
Florida lawmakers are making waves with a bipartisan bill designed to save children from drowning and vacation rentals are squarely in the spotlight.
In an unusual move, Republican Sen. Danny Burgess and Democratic Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith merged their separate bills into one stronger proposal aimed at pool safety. Burgess’ bill focused on residential rental homes, while Smith’s targeted licensed vacation rental properties. Together, they created what they jokingly called a “two-headed dragon” — and it passed its first committee stop with a unanimous 9-0 vote.
Here’s what it requires:
✔️ Properties within 150 feet of water must install alarms or self-latching locks.
✔️Pools at rental homes must have at least one safety feature, such as a cover, fence, flotation alarm, or exit alarms.
The goal is simple but urgent: prevent child drownings.
Florida leads the nation in these tragedies, with 119 children lost in 2025 alone. Smith called the deaths “100% preventable,” while Burgess highlighted the risks for children with autism, who may be drawn to water when overwhelmed.
The bill includes enforcement. Vacation rental licenses could be suspended or revoked, and landlords could face misdemeanor charges. The Florida Swimming Pool Association supports the measure, saying it’s a necessary step.
FSPA
The bill still has hurdles, but bipartisan support suggests it’s likely to move forward. Another water safety bill, SB 606, is also advancing. It would require the Department of Health to provide parents with practical child water safety information.
Why it matters for hosts: If you operate a vacation rental with a pool, expect new costs and responsibilities. Safety features will be mandatory, and enforcement will be strict.
The bill still has two more committee stops, but bipartisan support makes passage likely.
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