Ryan RayThough ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft are getting most of the ink these days, you’d be a fool to sleep on the short-term rental aspect of the new so-called sharing economy. Companies like industry leader Airbnb are challenging zoning rules, raising the ire of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and raising questions about fundamental property rights.
Such a complex issue will require a big lift on the influence side, and Airbnb is hiring top-shelf lobbying talent to meet the challenge.
To help shepherd them through the process in the Florida Capitol, they’ve enlisted Southern Strategy Group, Airbnb public affairs director Christopher Nulty confirmed Wednesday.
“We’re working with leaders across the globe on clear, fair laws that make it easy for people to share their homes while contributing to their communities,” Nulty said in a prepared statement. “We’re looking forward to continuing our productive conversations with lawmakers in Florida.”
Sen. Jeff Brandes told Florida Politics before session that he plans to introduce a bill allowing short-term rentals statewide as soon as Uber legislation clears, probably this year, though nothing is certain in today’s budget-preoccupied Tallahassee climate.
Airbnb is included in Sen. David Simmons‘ sharing-economy insurance bill — SB 1298 — which would require short-term rental companies to carry personal injury and property damage insurance for up to $1 million, something the company says it voluntarily includes among its policies.
