Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersOctober 29, 2018

Yet again, a 21st-century business model is clashing with how business always has been done — creating a running battle at Orlando International Airport and other airports where authorities are trying to stop emerging car-sharing operations from acting, in the airports’ views, as unpermitted, unregulated rental-car companies. Specifically, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and Turo, […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 12, 2018

Airbnb again expanded it Open Homes Program for residents displaced by Hurricane Michael as well as relief workers in town to assist with recovery efforts. The program provides free temporary housing in participating hosts’ homes. The activation zone now includes three states – Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina – and has been expanded to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 10, 2018

Short-term lodging service Airbnb and some of its hosts are offering free places to stay for displaced neighbors and relief workers deployed to help with storm recovery before, during and after Hurricane Michael. The program runs through October 29. More than 170 property owners are participating in the Open Homes Program as Hurricane Michael barrels toward […]

Scott PowersOctober 9, 2018

The vacation rental-home marketing company Airbnb is opening its ‘Open Homes’ program Tuesday, encouraging its property hosts in Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Central Florida to take in Panhandle evacuees from Hurricane Michael at no charge. The program, which Airbnb has run in past hurricanes including Harvey, Irma, and Maria last year, provides the vacation rental homes […]

Scott PowersSeptember 24, 2018

Vacation rental home business is surging even in Florida’s rural counties, according to a new report from the vacation rental-home marketing firm Airbnb, which showed its business growth had more than doubled in the past year in small counties across the state. Released Monday morning, the report states that Airbnb’s business in the Sunshine State’s […]

Ryan NicolSeptember 13, 2018

Miami Beach is ramping up efforts to banish short-term renters from the city, advancing a proposal to criminalize violators that could result in 60 days in jail for a third strike. As the Miami Herald reports, violations for operating a business without a license currently result in a civil offense, punishable by fines up to […]

Ryan NicolSeptember 4, 2018

With Tropical Storm Gordon hitting landfall Tuesday evening, Airbnb is set to activate its Open Homes Program, providing free lodging for victims of the storm. The program matches people who are forced to evacuate from their homes with hosts willing to offer their residences for a temporary stay free of charge. Airbnb also sends out […]

Ryan NicolAugust 15, 2018

Several Florida gubernatorial candidates were on hand at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood on Wednesday for a forum hosted by the Florida League of Mayors Many of the state’s mayors were on hand for the forum, which was also held in cooperation with the Florida League of Cities and Leadership Florida. Unsurprisingly, many of […]

Scott PowersAugust 15, 2018

The city of Orlando was once one of the biggest holes in the international vacation rental home sharing market: one of the world’s great tourist destinations, where vacation rental homes were against the law. That came to an end in July when a new city ordinance took effect essentially legalizing vacation rentals in the City […]

Peter SchorschAugust 8, 2018

Vacation rental company Airbnb is out with a list of recommendations to help those heading to the Sunshine State for the run-up to Labor Day have fun while staying safe. Before diving into the list, Airbnb gave a shout out to Gov. Rick Scott for working with them to help house hurricane evacuees and CFO […]

Tag: Airbnb

Next clash over ‘sharing’ business models — cars — being waged at Orlando airport

Airbnb ‘significantly expands’ Open Homes Program for Michael evacuees, relief workers

Airbnb extends ‘Open Homes Program’ to Tampa for Hurricane Michael evacuees and relief workers

Airbnb activates ‘open homes’ program to assist hurricane evacuees

Airbnb report: Vacation rental home activity surges in rural Florida

Miami Beach escalates battle with Airbnb, threatens jail for renters

Airbnb to list free lodging for victims of Tropical Storm Gordon

Democratic candidates talk local issues at gubernatorial forum

With vacation rentals now legal in Orlando, city offers amnesty period to rogue listers

Airbnb releases tips for a safe summer getaway