Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2018

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 376) that would include in the Worker’s Compensation Law benefits for first responders who sustain mental or nervous injuries such as PTSD in the line of duty. The forward momentum for the bill got the attention of CFO […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 17, 2018

It’s always nice to get away. No matter how much you enjoy your job, a vacation is a chance to relax with family and friends, experience new cultures and places, or check off an item on your bucket list. The wonder of Florida travel means the tourism and hospitality industry will always have a vital […]

Peter SchorschMay 9, 2017

Florida Realtors really want you to know what a successful Legislative Session looks like. To celebrate the close of a “triumphant” 2017 Session – including passage of the state’s $82.4 billion budget – Florida Realtors released a recap of its major victories, bills and budgetary items of interest to real estate professionals statewide. Florida Realtors […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2017

Republican Rep. Greg Steube was called out in an op-ed in his hometown paper, the Sarasota Herald Tribune, for his sponsorship of a bill that would preempt local governments when it comes to vacation rentals. Steube’s bill, SB 188, would prohibit local laws enacted after a certain June 1, 2011, from barring or regulating vacation rentals, such as those […]

Scott PowersMarch 21, 2017

The move to strip cities and counties of their authority to explicitly regulate vacation rental homes got approval of another Florida Senate committee Tuesday despite impassioned pleas from several local government representatives that the bill could expand what they see as emerging community chaos. Sen. Greg Steube, sponsor of Senate Bill 188, defended the measure […]

Scott PowersMarch 14, 2017

A bill that would roll back all local ordinances and regulations of vacation rental houses to 2011 codes got a split-vote approval Tuesday from the House Agriculture & Property Rights Subcommittee. The issue was fashioned as one pitting property rights — those of people or companies that buy houses and convert them into short-term vacation […]

Staff ReportsMarch 7, 2017

Floridians are showing their love for vacation rentals. A new poll from Mason-Dixon Polling & Research showed 93 percent of Floridians believed travelers should be allowed to rent accommodations other than hotels, like vacation rentals; a sign lawmakers could face opposition if they try to restrict the rights of homeowners to offer vacation rentals. The […]

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

Proposals from state Rep. Mike La Rosa and state Sen. Greg Steube would restrict how local governments may regulate vacation rentals, a move that could help preserve that market for the rapidly-expanding Airbnb phenomenon and similar home-sharing services. On Tuesday La Rosa introduced House Bill 425. Like Steube’s Senate Bill 188, introduced earlier, it would […]

Guest AuthorMarch 6, 2014

Right now, one of the most economically devastating proposals in Florida history is making its way through the Florida Legislature. The proposal, if passed, would allow local governments to “zone out” vacation rental properties, destroying property values, taking houses off the vacation rental market, destroying neighboring property values, and upending Florida’s tourism industry. The resulting […]

Tag: vacation rentals

Capitol Reax: Workers’ comp, payday loans, vacation rentals, train safety, AOB

Amanda Pedigo: Traditional vacation rentals part of Florida tourism DNA

Florida Realtors legislative recap shows what successful Session looks like

Greg Steube called out by hometown paper for vacation rental bill

Vacation rentals de-reg bill gets nod despite pleas from cities, counties

Vacation rentals de-reg bill passes House committee

Poll: 93% of Floridians believe travelers should be allowed to rent accommodations other than hotels

Bills would restrict local regulation of vacation rentals

Paul Hayes: Florida’s economy depends on vacation rental industry